Nothing is more frustrating than a dog who misbehaves. Or maybe your pup is already obedient, but you want to advance his skills and teach him tricks — like fetching a beer from the fridge?
Thanks to the internet, you can bring expert dog trainers to you anywhere. Learn more about virtual dog training options, benefits, class types, pricing, and more.
| Winner | Runner-Up | Third Place |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
6 Reasons To Consider Online Dog Training
What are the benefits of using online dog training rather than a traditional, in-person dog trainer? There are a few advantages:
- Prices are usually less expensive than an in-person dog trainer – Personal dog trainers can cost anywhere from $30 to $100 per hour. Online dog training is far less (sometimes free).
- Not restricted to the dog trainer’s schedule – With online dog training, you can train your dog on your time.
- You can train virtually anywhere – In most cases, all you need is a device to stream videos and an internet connection.
- Learn in a natural environment– Training at home allows your dog to learn in his regular element instead of in an unfamiliar setting. This can be especially helpful with territorial dogs.
- You will build a stronger connection with your dog – Through behavioral training at home, you’re reinforcing your position in the home as the alpha.
- Flexibility – You can start with an online puppy training program. Then you can use a virtual personal training session to speak to a professional and fine-tune any skills that require extra attention.
Best Online Dog Training Course
Now that you know some of the reasons why online dog training is beneficial, what are your best options? We picked our best dog training online courses on several factors, including the number of classes available, affordability, reputation, effectiveness, and more.
Winner: Doggy Dan: The Online Dog Trainer Review
When it comes to the best dog obedience training courses online, The Online Dog Trainer, aka Doggy Dan, is the man. His “5 Golden Rules” help you become the pack leader so your dog listens. And you can try out his program for only $1.
First, you must complete “The Calming Code” foundation classes, which teach you how to establish trust and alpha status with your dog. You can then move on to the other courses, including Everyday Tools & Techniques, Puppy Training, All Dog Problems Solved, and Dan’s Dog Training 101. He also has his popular “Project Moses” section, showing Dan’s progress in training his puppy from eight weeks to eight months old.
Doggy Dan has more than 350 online videos, including training videos for dogs in all stages of life. If you run into any questions, you can post photos, videos, and questions, and someone from Dan’s team will respond. If you’re unhappy with your experience, there’s a 60-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked.
Our Personal Experience
My rescue puppy needed training, so I turned to Doggy Dan’s online solution during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past three months, this video program has helped me bond with Barley and build trust, leading to better behavior. I’m still working on many behaviors “with” Doggy Dan but am encouraged by Barley’s progress so far.
– Michelle Schenker, Rescue Dog Parent, Canine Journal Co-Owner
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hundreds of videos online | Monthly fee (after a 3-day trial) |
| Mobile app makes it easy to train without a computer | No mention of dog trainer certifications |
| Access immediately upon signing up | Not U.S. based (but is in English) |
| Dog Calming Code method builds trust before training | |
| Community access and forum to ask questions (after trial period) | |
| Uses positive reinforcement, no force or aggression | |
| Trusted by the New Zealand SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) | |
| 60-day money-back guarantee | |
| Makes charitable contributions to rescue organizations |
Price
- 3-day trial: $1
- Monthly Membership: $27/month
- View all options
In-Depth Doggy Dan Review
Be sure to check out our full review of Doggy Dan to learn more about this affordable and highly effective online dog training program.
Runner-Up: Brain Training For Dogs Review
Brain Training For Dogs is a series of games and courses for improving your dog’s obedience. The games are taught by Adrienne Faricelli, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), who has more than 10 years of experience.
Adrienne’s courses engage your dog on a mental level to help your dog develop intelligence. Her program follows the belief that a more intelligent dog is a better-behaved dog. The Brain Game method uses mental stimulation learned through the games, so a dog’s brain will become more open and receptive to learning new information. There are seven modules that take you from preschool through graduation. You’ll also get access to 7 Trick Training videos, Obedience 101, Polishing Up Training, Adrienne’s Archives, and a bonus Behavior Training guide.
In addition to the videos, you’ll get access to a library of information on how to change specific problems and a private forum where you can discuss dog behavior, training, and more with like-minded owners.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| U.S.-based trainer with 10+ years of experience | Cannot download videos; must have an internet connection to view content |
| Adrienne is a CPDT-KA, featured in USA Today | Clunky user experience on the site |
| Uses positive reinforcement; no force or aggression | No app (just browser version) |
| Can start right away with instant access | |
| One-time fee | |
| Troubleshooting guides and step-by-step guides with picture and video demonstrations | |
| Private forum | |
| 60-day, no-risk money-back guarantee |
Price
- Brain Training for Dogs Course + Exclusive Bonuses: $67
The video below is a sample of some things you might learn from Adrienne’s brain training games.
In-Depth Brain Training For Dogs Review
Learn how this unique training program can help you understand why your pup behaves the way he does to train him in a positive way in our full Review of Brain Training For Dogs.
Third Place: SpiritDog Training
The trainer for SpiritDog’s online courses is Steffi Trott, a certified professional dog trainer who studied with European trainers such as multi-world champions in agility and European Open winners, as well as renowned U.S. trainers Kim Terrill and Daisy Peel. She’s a proponent of positive, game-based methods to influence dog behavior.
SpiritDog Training has 17 different courses, which you can purchase separately, but they also offer 10 discounted bundles. Each course has multiple step-by-step lessons that show you the training progression of skills from the very beginning until it is perfected. Courses cover topics like basic obedience training, listening skills, focusing when in public, leash training, aggression, agility training, and much more.
You can sign up for a free 7-day intro online course to get a feel for the training. And SpiritDog also has a 7-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with your course. We found many positive customer reviews about the courses.
You also have the option of joining the SpiritDogAcademy, which gives you access to some or all of the courses, depending on the package you choose, as well as weekly Zoom meetings with Steffi and an online community. SpiritDogAcademy has a $2 one-week trial and a 14-day money-back guarantee, and you can cancel your subscription at any time.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide variety of courses | Pricier than our top 2 picks |
| Steffi is a CPDT | No mobile app |
| Uses positive, game-based training methods | |
| Can start right away with instant access | |
| Free intro course | |
| Zoom meetings & community (with Academy membership) | |
| Money-back guarantee |
Price
Courses
- Single courses range from $90-$199
- Bundles range from $49-$499
- View all options
Academy
- Puppy Starter: $20/month
- Super Dog (all courses, Zoom meetings, community): $497/year
- Legend Dog (Super Dog access plus 30-min private session every month): $89/month
- View all options
In-Depth Spirit Dog Training Review
Read our full review of Spirit Dog Training for more details on this program’s specific courses, pricing, and much more.
Online Dog Training Resources Compared
Want to see how the various dog obedience classes online compare? We took a look at all the options in our review so you can see their features side by side.
| Visit Website | Price | Pre-Recorded On-Demand Courses | Live Classes or Instruction | Forum or Community Support | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doggy Dan The Online Dog Trainer | Visit Website | Starts at $1 for 3-day trial |  |  | |
| Brain Training For Dogs | Visit Website | $47 one time | | | |
| SpiritDog Training | Visit Website | Varies | | | |
| All Day Dog Adventures | Visit Website | $280 for 2-hour consultation | | | |
| DIYK9 | Visit Website | Varies | | | |
| Instinct | Visit Website | Free | | | |
| K9 Training Institute | Visit Website | $497 | | | |
| MasterClass (with Brandon McMillan) | Visit Website | $180/year | | | |
| Petco | Visit Website | $99 for 4 group sessions, $59 for private class | | | |
| SIRIUS® | Visit Website | $160 for 4 sessions, $200 for 5 sessions | | | |
| Udemy | Visit Website | Varies | | | |
| Zak George’s | View On Bookshop.org | $15.99 | | | |
What About PetCo, Udemy, Master Class, Instinct & More?
These online dog behavior training solutions are worth considering even though they didn’t make it into our top picks.
All Day Dog Adventures Review
All Day Dog Adventures offers private dog behavior consultations to help you with your dog’s issues at home. Topics cover door manners, food guarding, counter surfing, separation anxiety, and more. You’ll fill out a history questionnaire, client form, and training disclaimer. Then, they’ll set up an appointment time that works for your schedule. Before the class, they might ask you to submit a video of your dog’s behavior so that they can see it in action.
When it’s time for your appointment, their trainers spend up to two hours working with you and your dog. They’ll provide tips to combat their bad dog behavior using force-free techniques. After your virtual Zoom or Facetime session, you get a written training plan to keep working on what you learned.
All Day Dog Adventures also has online classes for puppies and dogs on specific tricks, including scent training. Check their website for details and dates.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Personalized, individual attention | Expensive |
| Set your own schedule | Not a long-term course for ongoing training |
| Work on correcting a specific behavior | |
| Low-commitment |
Price
- Online Dog Behavior Consultation: $280 (up to 2 hours via Zoom or Facebook with a certified behaviorist)
- Online Private Training Classes: starting at $360 (for four 60-minute sessions)
- View all options
DIYK9 Review
DIYK9 has a fantastic reputation for effective dog training. All pre-recorded video lessons are taught by by professional dog trainer Garret Wing, who has over 20 years of extensive experience training and working with police dogs. DIYK9 offers eight different courses suitable for puppies and adult dogs with multiple step-by-step lessons that are easy to follow.
Thanks to Wing’s vast experience, you can gain a lot of insight into your dog’s behavior. You learn why your pup is behaving a certain way and how his training techniques work. Throughout the lessons, you can ask questions in the comment section and get responses from Wing or his team of professional dog trainers.
While most courses involve positive reinforcement (reward-based) training, one of his most popular classes is Unleashed! This unique online course helps you train your pup to behave well off-leash using an e-collar (an electronic remote training collar). It also includes many other lessons to master additional skills and eliminate common behavior problems.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Program has an excellent reputation | Expensive compared to many online dog training programs |
| All lessons taught by a certified police dog trainer and handler and experienced pet trainer | Not as wide of a variety of specific individual courses than some other programs |
| Most courses use positive reinforcement training (except Unleashed!, which uses e-collar corrections) | No mobile app (but you can still view the web-based lessons on your phone) |
| Can start right away with instant access | |
| Live Q&A sessions and community forum (with membership) | |
| 30-day money-back guarantee on individual courses | |
| Can cancel monthly membership any time |
Price
You’ll have access to courses for one year after your purchase. DIYK9 has a 30-day money-back guarantee on courses if you’re not satisfied.
- Single courses range from $119 – $697
- Complete Training Set bundle: $1,499
- Monthly membership: $24.99/month
- View all options
In-Depth DIYK9 Review
Our full review of DIYK9 includes detailed descriptions of courses and additional pricing options for memberships.
Instinct Dog Behavior & Training Review
Instinct Dog Behavior & Training is a dog training school founded in 2009 by two dog parents and certified dog instructors. Based in the New York City area, Instinct recently expanded its services to additional cities and also includes an online dog school. They offer four free self-driven online courses covering leash training, impulse control, using enrichment games with your pup, and dogs and kids. You can also contact them to set up virtual training help for a fee.
Instinct also has other helpful free content you can access through their website, including their award-winning Canine Journal podcast, articles, webinars, and more. Their team of certified behavior consultants and board-certified veterinary behaviorists reviews all content.
Our Personal Experience
I started using Instinct for my 2-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, who was very reactive on leash and experienced anxiety issues. After only one session, I was thrilled with how much he improved, and each lesson has been well-worth every penny. Our trainer listened to our issues, used positive reinforcement tactics to tackle each issue individually, and broke down the steps in an easy-to-understand way. She even put “homework” on a Trello board to keep me accountable for progress and support between lessons. There’s a Facebook alumni group for any students who want to get support from other pet parents who have used Instinct’s training. I highly recommend their trainers if you have the chance to work with them.
– Sadie Cornelius, Cavalier Parent, Canine Journal Creative & Content Marketing
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No cost for most courses | Only a few online classes to choose from |
| Classes developed by their team of board-certified behaviorists | Limited number of cities for in-person training |
| Can set up virtual training for a fee |
Price
- Dogs & Kids Course: Free
- Leash Reactive Dog Course: Free
- Dog Enrichment Course: Free
- Patient & Polite Dog Course: Free
- Nature Driven Nurture Foundations: $19
K9 Training Institute Review
K9 Training Institute or K9ti is a program designed to help pet parents understand their dog’s body language. The program is fully online and designed to be used at your own pace. K9 Training Institute was developed by a former service dog trainer, who uses those same methods to help pet owners train their dogs to behave better. It is a very helpful tool to help you understand how your pet thinks and the reasons behind certain behaviors.
Through gentle and consistent behavior modification, the program helps you learn how to focus your dog’s attention, calmly greet other dogs, stop aggressive barking, and work on impulse control, among other things. The class is not live; instead it is a 10-week series of recorded webinars you can access at your convenience. Live weekly calls are included, however, and you can access live trainers to get advice and answers to your questions. K9ti offers a free workshop to give you a preview of what the full class offers. The free workshop is helpful and quite informative. After completing the free workshop, you are offered a discount on the full class.
Our Personal Experience With K9 Training Institute
I tried the free K9 Training Institute workshop. I was specifically interested in training my senior dog, Daisy, a Labrador Pitbull mix, to stop barking when the doorbell rings or when she hears a similar sound. As she gets older, she has become more sensitive to this sound, and her behavior has gotten a little worse. I found the free class to be very informative, and easy to understand. With the simple tips and behavior redirection methods provided, I have been able to tamper down the barking behavior somewhat.
It is not all the way gone, but the information and approach did have an impact, and we are continuing to use these redirection methods. When the doorbell rings now, Daisy will lie down in one spot. She does still bark but it is much less than before.
–Danielle DeGroot, Rescue Dog Parent, Canine Journal Research & Writing
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to understand | Expensive |
| Well structured | Not comprehensive training |
| Free workshop available to everyone | Does not offer specific classes for behavior concerns |
| Uses body language and positive reinforcement methods | Classes are not released all at once |
| 10-week program with live weekly calls |
Price
- Free Workshop: Free
- 10-week Masterclass: $497
In-Depth K9 Training Institute Review
Our full K9 Training Insitute review includes details on methods used and other materials included with the 10-week class.
MasterClass With Brandon McMillan Review
MasterClass is a collection of online courses taught by celebrities and highly-notable people in their respective areas of expertise. They have classes ranging from songwriting with Alicia Keys to cooking with Gordon Ramsay. Brandon McMillan, an expert dog trainer and Emmy-award-winning former T.V. show host, has a MasterClass on dog training.
In his three-hour course, McMillan walks you through building a solid foundation of trust with your dog. Then you’ll learn lessons ranging from basic commands to how to correct destructive behaviors like chewing and digging. It’s on the pricey side ($180 per year), but you also get access to 100+ other classes and topics through MasterClass. So you can brush up on some other hobbies or skills in addition to improving your pup’s behavior. They also offer a 30-day guarantee, so you can get a refund if you are not pleased with the service in the first few weeks.
Our Personal Experience
Brandon’s approach to dog training focuses on helping “untrainable” dogs rehabilitate and become family dogs. His loving and focused approach helps you uncover your dog’s inherent strengths, allowing them to shine and you to build a trusting relationship.
Michelle S., Canine Journal
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stream or download to watch offline | No live option |
| View on desktop, phone, or tablet | No forum for additional support |
| PDF workbook included | |
| 30-day satisfaction guarantee |
Price
- MasterClass Membership: $180/year
Petco Dog Training Review
The popular retail dog store Petco has in-person dog training at locations across the country, but they also now offer both group and private online classes with trainers via Zoom. Since Petco is a national chain, they have a large selection of class dates and times to pick from, with next-day availability in most cases.
Petco believes in the power of positive reinforcement training, guided by expert-tested methods meant to build trust and support your dog’s physical, social, and mental health. All teachers are certified dog trainers, and you can read a short bio (but not reviews) on the trainer before picking a course.
Because the classes are live, you must commit to a class schedule versus doing them on your own time. If you need more structure and prefer to have more interaction, Petco classes could be a suitable fit for you.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Variety of trainers, class options, and dates | Experience varies based on the teacher (and other dogs if you choose a group class) |
| All instructors are certified dog trainers | Classes are at specific dates and times |
| Backed by 50+ years of Petco experience | |
| Receive a full refund up to the start of the 2nd class if you’re not satisfied |
Price
- Online Group Class (Puppy Basics, Adult Basics, or Separation Anxiety) $99 for 4 sessions (class capacity is 6 dogs)
- Online Private Classes: $229 (4-pack)
- Online Single Session Private Class: $59
- View all options
SIRIUS Dog Training Review
SIRIUS is a popular puppy school developed by Dr. Ian Dunbar in the San Francisco area more than 30 years ago. They have in-person classes but have also added online training for puppies and dogs. With SIRIUS classes, you advance to the next level as you complete each previous one (there are some pre-requisites).
Similar to Petco’s online dog classes, you’ll get personal attention since instruction is “in-person” via Zoom. Note that all classes take place in Pacific Standard Time. Slots book up quickly, so be sure to plan in advance and prepare to wait a few weeks before starting.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Live classes with certified dog trainers | No money-back guarantee (but can cancel or reschedule with 5 days’ notice before class starts) |
| Courses are based on your dog’s age and level | Must meet at specific dates and times vs on your own schedule |
| Classes are kept small for more individual attention |
Price
- Puppy Kindergarten (for dogs 8-12 weeks old): $160 for 4 weekly 50-minute sessions
- Puppy Training I (for dogs 12-18 weeks old): $200 for 5 weekly 50-minute sessions
- Puppy Training II (requires Puppy Training I): $200 for 5 weekly 50-minute sessions
- Adolescent & Adult Manners (for dogs 18 weeks old and up): $200 for 5 weekly 50-minute sessions
- View all options
Udemy Review
Udemy, an online learning website, has a growing number of courses, including hundreds of dog training classes. Subjects include (but are not limited to): Dog Aggression, Dog & Cat Behavior Issues, Training From Puppy To Dog, Common Dog Behavior Issues, and more. You can even take a class on how to become a dog trainer.
Before signing up, you can read a class overview and requirements as well as feedback and reviews from students who took the course. Teachers set their own prices, so costs vary by class.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide-variety of options | Trainers not vetted or guaranteed certified |
| Search classes by length, rating, topic | Not as much of a holistic program as other training plans |
| Classes available in other languages, including Spanish and Portuguese | No built-in community for additional resources |
| Low commitment to purchase individual courses | An overwhelming number of options to pick from |
| Train on the go with Udemy’s app | |
| 30-day money-back guarantee |
Price
Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution Review
View This Book On Bookshop.org
Zak George is a celebrity dog trainer with over three million YouTube subscribers. He’s also featured as an expert on several Animal Planet shows and as a dog expert on late-night T.V. and morning news. His YouTube channel, Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution, is one of the most popular training channels in the world, with more than 10 million views annually.
In 2016, he published Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution, summarizing his YouTube content into a book format. It covers everything from choosing the right pup for you, housetraining and basic training, handling biting, leash pulling, jumping up, barking, aggression, chewing, and other behavioral issues.
Zak also goes into health care essentials, how to do tricks, traveling tips, and activities to enjoy with your dog. He references the videos in the book to see success stories in action as you read along.
Zak advocates that people shouldn’t treat their dogs like members of a pack because they are domesticated animals now and not the ancient wolves they once descended from. Using his positive methodology, he tailors training to each dog’s unique personality.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Many free resources on his YouTube channel | No community (except for reading through comments on YouTube channel) |
| Book is affordable | Doesn’t offer one-on-one training |
| Well-established, reputable trainer, trusted by celebrities and featured on T.V. | |
| Covers a wide range of topics for all dog types and behaviors |
Price
- Book via Bookshop – $15.99
- YouTube videos: Free
4 Tips On How To Train Your Dog Online Successfully
Training your dog online, no matter which class you take, requires patience, time, and dedication. Here are a few ways to make the most of your experience, so you’re set up for success:
Schedule time each day to work on skills – Even if you’re signing up for a live class with dedicated times, you still need to work on “homework” in-between classes.- Repetition is key – Dogs are creatures of habit. You need to do certain techniques over and over again before they pick up and master a skill.
- Stay persistent – Don’t give up if they don’t learn something overnight.
- Use food as treats (or training treats) – One way to cut down on calories when training is to use food instead of treats (just feed them less at mealtime). Another way would be to use training treats, which tend to be smaller with fewer calories than a traditional dog treat. If you train right before their mealtime, they’re hungry (and receptive) to respond to food as a reward. You can also read our article on how to train a dog without treats.
Additional Training Resources
Hopefully, you now have a broad overview of the variety of online dog training tools at your disposal. Each training system is unique. So what may work for one dog might not work best for another. Pick a course that meets your needs and schedule. And in the end, a small investment could go a long way, not only in improving your dog’s behavior but, ultimately, your relationship with him.
Some trainers might recommend using a collar specifically for training purposes. We share some of the options in our dog training collar review. We also encourage you to stock up on dog training treats. If you’re working on a specific issue, search our site to view our training articles to learn more.
Why Trust Caine Journal?
Sadie Cornelius has more than a decade of dedicated dog-sitting experience, specializing in the care and companionship of her beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Over the years, she’s spent hours of extensive training, collaborating with multiple certified trainers across various settings, from in-home sessions to virtual private lessons to training academies and online courses. She uses positive reinforcement training to build a strong bond with her dogs, emphasizing encouragement and rewards for good behavior. Sadie’s dog suffers from separation anxiety and situational anxiety, but her hard work, patience, and consistency have paid off, making progress and improving an even better relationship with her beloved fur baby.
