This article lists the six finest online dog training courses for 2023. These courses are all positively rated, reputable, and effective, covering diverse aspects, such as dog obedience training, potty training, and more. You can rest assured that our chosen courses suit dogs of all ages, breeds, and temperaments.
Before starting, let’s make it clear why you should choose these online training courses instead of offline ones:
Does online dog training work? Yes, online dog training can be highly effective when conducted through reputable and well-designed practices.
Virtual training works just as well as in-person training. You’ll get the same guidance and instruction. The main difference is that you’ll be in charge of handling your dogs during the training sessions.
Many dog owners have gained successful outcomes and improved their dogs’ behavior with the help of online dog trainers. Moreover, training your dog online has practical benefits that you should definitely consider:
- Learn at your own pace and schedule
- Access training sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Choose from various topics and levels
- Get personalized feedback and support from professional dog trainers
- Interact with like-minded dog owners for a supportive community
So without further ado, let’s take a look at the six best dog training online courses and choose one that satisfies your demands:
Petco
Petco is among the most well-known names in the pet industry, and they have years of experience in this field. Certified dog trainers who use positive reinforcement training methods are the ones who lead Petco’s online dog training courses.
They offer a variety of online dog training courses for both puppies and adult dogs, as well as private lessons. You will train your dog online via Zoom – an easy and convenient way to attend. The best part is that these classes are affordable, with prices starting at around $129 for four sessions:
Petco is known for its successful training programs, with over one million dog graduates. Those dogs learned practical skills and gained confidence for a happier life with their owners.
What makes Petco stand out is the quality of its trainers. All of their trainers are AKC CGC evaluators. They learned science-based methods that reward good behavior instead of punishing bad behavior. That’s how Petco creates a positive environment for dogs.
Besides training, Petco also offers a 360º health & wellness advisor. It means they provide guidance on nutrition, product advice, and other tools to support owners throughout their dog’s life. Therefore, join Petco’s classes now before they are all fully registered.
Petsmart
The next in our online dog training course list is Petsmart. They are another big name in the pet industry with quality classes. Dog training at Petsmart is also led by accredited professional dog trainers who use positive reinforcement methods.
Petsmart’s courses are a reliable and effective way to train your dog at home. They offer online solutions for both new and experienced pet owners.
Based on your puppy’s conditions, you can choose from three levels of training: basic obedience, advanced skills like tricks, and therapy dog training. You can also choose between group classes for socializing and private courses for personalized time.
To find the right course, visit Petsmart’s website and pick the training type that suits your needs. The good news is their online classes are affordable, starting at $119 for six weeks. That means it only costs around $20 per class. Consider a $329 premium package if you are looking for more advanced courses.
Petsmart’s classes have more benefits than you think. You may find the perfect fit for your dogs’ needs and keep them safe by teaching crucial skills like recall and leash walking. Plus, it strengthens the bond between you and your pet and lets them socialize with other dogs.
SIRIUS Dog Training
SIRIUS Dog Training is one of the most respected names in dog behavior and training. Founded by Dr. Ian Dunbar, this pet store offers awesome online courses for instructing your dog.
What makes SIRIUS impressive is live classes. These classes cost $250 and include 5 video sessions with a skilled instructor. Before joining, prepare a computer or mobile device and a good internet connection.
With SIRIUS Live Online, you’ll get personalized feedback on your pup’s training and have all your questions answered. The instructor will focus on the most important things for you and your classmates. They even check how your pup behaves at home and give detailed tips just for you.
Besides the live classes, check out other online resources to support your training. For example, joining the Puppy Training class allows you to get the Essential Puppy Training Course for life. It is the most comprehensive puppy training program out there.
Besides, if you’re in the Dog Training class, you’ll get six months of access to the Top Dog Academy, all included at no extra cost.
K9 Training Institute
K9 Training Institute offers online dog training to help you train your dog to be well-behaved and obedient. They have a free workshop where you can learn the secrets of professional service dog training.
Through this workshop, you will learn from Dr. Alexa Diaz and Eric Presnall, who are experienced dog trainers. By the end, you may teach your dog to be as well-behaved as a service dog.
In addition to the free workshop, K9 Training Institute also has a 10-week masterclass called the Total Transformation Masterclass. It teaches a step-by-step process used by service dog trainers to train dogs.
One unique thing about the courses is that they use body language, not just words, to train dogs. This method is based on science and has been proven effective in training service dogs. You don’t need a certain degree to learn these techniques.
The courses include videos on how to train your dog and homework assignments. These tasks summarize what was taught in the lectures and suggest a plan for practicing the training methods. Finishing the homework enables you to effectively put into action what you have learned during the course.
There’s even more: The bonus section has videos to assist you with specific issues you might have as a dog owner, such as potty training and nipping. They also have weekly calls to support your learning journey. During these calls, owners ask questions and get guidance from the trainers.
If you prefer, you can also email your questions to the K9 Training Institute, and they will quickly respond. Plus, if you miss any calls, inspect recorded videos of past sessions for extra details.
All Day Dog Adventures
All Day Dog Adventures is another choice if you are struggling with dog training online. They offer various options, such as group classes, scent classes, trick dog classes, 1:1 private training, and behavior consultations. This school even allows you to conveniently train your dog from home and set your own schedule.
The group classes take place within a private Facebook group. All Day Dog Adventures provides detailed video guides each week and assign tasks for you to practice with your dog.
Even better, you can submit videos of your training sessions for professional trainers to review. You even have the chance to submit videos of your training sessions for review by their trainers.
Also, they offer live question-and-answer sessions with trainers every week. The cost for their six-week online dog training course is $100.
All Day Dog Adventures’ lessons stand out because of their commitment to force-free, reward-based training methods. Their trainers are not only highly skilled but also certified, ensuring that you receive top-notch instruction and needed feedback for your dog’s training.
SpiritDog Training
The last on our list is SpiritDog Training. This company divides its variety of courses based on different goals and interests. The system is the product of Steffi Trott – a professional dog trainer specializing in positive reinforcement methods and clicker training.
SpiritDog Training offers over 20 online courses that cover topics such as obedience training, behavior training, trick training, agility training, and more.
Their online courses consist of video lessons that let you watch at your own pace and practice with your companion. Each class also comes with written instructions, homework tasks, quizzes, certificates of completion, and lifetime access.
The courses range from $39 to $149, depending on the topic and length. Consider a bundle of six courses for $199 or access to all courses for $299 if you want to spend less. Plus, use these SpiritDog Training coupons to budget wisely on high-quality dog training courses. For more ways to save, have a look at this saving guide.
SpiritDog Training’s online courses are suitable for dogs of all ages and skill levels. Don’t worry whether these lessons suit your dog because they offer a free trial to help you get started. It’s time to browse and purchase your online course on SpiritDog Training’s website.
Training Duration for Dogs
Training a dog takes time, and most online courses last about six weeks. However, your dog is hard to change completely after just one class. Experienced trainers work with owners for years and still expect them to continue training even after the courses end.
Remember that each dog is different, so stay flexible with your training and expectations. Weigh these factors to know what affects how long it takes to train a dog:
- Age: Puppies are more receptive to learning new skills. Besides, they also have shorter attention spans and more energy. Older dogs may have more difficulty learning new skills, but they also have more maturity and focus.
- Breed: Some breeds are more trainable than others. It depends on their intelligence, temperament, and physical abilities. For example, border collies, poodles, and golden retrievers are known to be very smart and easy to train. Meanwhile, bulldogs, beagles, and chow chows are more stubborn and self-reliant.
- Personality: Each dog has its own unique characteristics. This trait may affect how they respond to training. Some dogs are confident, curious, and eager, while others are more shy, fearful, or lazy. Remember to adapt suitable training methods to your dog’s personality and likes.
- Training quality: The quality of the training you choose for your dog makes a big difference in how fast and well they learn. You need to use positive reinforcement methods as well as be consistent, clear, and patient with your dog. Avoid confusing or frustrating them to get better results.
- Training frequency: The frequency of the training also affects how they learn. You must train your dog regularly and frequently. The ideal rate is every day or at least several times a week. Plus, keeping the training sessions short and fun, ideally 10 to 15 minutes each, helps your dog learn better.
As you can see, there is yet to be a final answer to how long it takes to train a dog. However, you will see progress and improvement in your dog’s behavior and skills as you follow one of the at-home dog training programs we shared above.
Tips for Training Your Dog at Home
Training your dog at home using online courses might seem challenging, especially for those with rescue dogs. But don’t worry, as we’ve got you covered. Here are some tips to help you become a pro in no time:
- Start with the basics: Teach your dog simple commands like sit, stay, and come when called before guiding more complex tricks.
- Have fun: Make training enjoyable for both you and your pet. Use treats, toys, and praise as rewards to keep you both motivated and eager.
- Get the right tools: Depending on your training method, you might need special equipment like a harness, clicker, or treat pouch to assist your dog in learning better.
- Practice regularly: Consistency is crucial. Practice the new skills your dog learns a few times a day. Involving all family members in the training process is a plus.
- Be patient: Training takes time, so be patient with your furry friend. Sometimes, it might seem like they’re not learning, but suddenly everything falls into place.
Remember, training your dog at home can be a rewarding experience with these tips. Have fun, be patient, and enjoy the process of teaching your companion new tricks!
See more: How To Crate Train a Rescue Dog w/ Separation Anxiety?
Time For Best Online Dog Training Courses!
Online dog training course is a great way to build bonding with your dog at home, and choosing the right one will determine how fast and how well your dogs learn. Petco, Petsmart, SIRIUS, K9, All Day Dog Training, and SpiritDog Training all offer excellent practices that you should get.
Whether you want to train your puppy, your adult dog or even become a professional dog trainer yourself, there is a dog training class you need on this list. So what are you waiting for? Choose your fitting course today and start your journey to a happier and healthier relationship with your furry friend.
