Best Dog Training Courses Online 2024

15 Dog training courses online to teach your furry friend good manners

Few relationships have such a profound impact on our lives as the ones we share with dogs. But it can be challenging to form a deep bond with your canine companion when they make messes in the house, jump on your friends, growl at other dogs, or chew up prized items. The following best dog training courses online go a long way in helping you connect with your dog. They are suitable for beginners and intermediates alike.

Dog Training Courses Online – Overview

When we fail to adequately train our dogs to listen, mind their manners, and socialize well, we set up situations that are not only embarrassing and stressful for ourselves but also detrimental to our dog’s well-being. Indeed, thousands of dogs are surrendered to shelters every day because of manageable behaviors that went unaddressed.

Basic dog training allows us not only to develop a meaningful, trusting bond with our dogs but also to help them become better canine citizens. Both parties thrive when your dog knows how to sit instead of jump on guests, interact with children, or come when called (especially in dangerous situations).

Online classes can be especially beneficial as dogs learn better in a familiar environment free from distractions. Whether you want to fix bad behavior, work on basic obedience, or integrate your kids into the training process, you can find many great dog training courses online that will suit you… and your dog!

Best Dog Training Courses Online 2024 – Top Picks

MasterClass	Udemy	SpiritDog	PetCo
with Brandon McMillian	Dog Training Courses	Puppy Training Courses	Online Dog Training
from $10/month	from $11.99/course	from $49/course	from $129/course
★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆
Visit Website	Visit Website	See Details	See Details

Note: This list aims to give an overview of the best dog training courses online. We cannot claim comprehensiveness as there are many other dog training classes available.

1. Brandon McMillan Teaches Dog Training – MasterClass

In Brandon McMillan Teaches Dog Training (visit website), world-renowned dog trainer Brandon McMillan frames trust as being the key to cultivating obedience in our canine friends. In over 12 lessons, McMillan’s MasterClass covers trust and leadership, simple methods for implementing routine commands, and how to fix common misbehaviors.

McMillan’s class opens with insights into how your dog’s breed, age, history, and DNA make them unique and what that means for their training. Next, you’ll explore how trust and leadership (not dominance) foster consistent obedience and a better bond with your dog.

The next few lessons focus on McMillan’s simple yet effective technique for training dogs in the 7 common commands: sit, down, stay, no, off, come, and heel. Building on this, you’ll learn to fix common behavior problems, such as digging and barking.

Ultimately, McMillan’s MasterClass aims to teach you how to train your dog while deepening your bond to cultivate a more rewarding relationship for you both. This is among the best dog training courses online for beginners, intermediates, and enthusiasts.

Instructor: Brandon McMillan, MasterClass | For: All Levels | Rating: 4.7 ★★★★★
Price: from $10/month or $120/year. Access to all 180+ online courses.
Info: View course. Compare pricing plans and browse all online classes.

2. Simple Solutions for Common Dog Behavior & Training Problems – Udemy

Comprising more than 6 hours of on-demand videos, Dr. Ian Dunbar’s Simple Solutions for Common Dog Behavior & Training Problems (visit website) on Udemy provides robust instruction on topics ranging from simple commands to fixing unwanted behaviors and exploring the different barriers dogs might encounter in training.

Dr. Dunbar cites 4 major misbehaviors as the top reasons many people feel forced to give up their pets: house soiling, destructive chewing, excessive barking, and home-alone problems. To correct these, he teaches simple training methods, such as lure reward, all-or-none reward training, and classical conditioning, as well as how and when to use them.

Moving on from the basics, Dr. Dunbar explores temperament issues such as fearfulness and aggression, and how one can begin to rehabilitate dogs who suffer from these problems. By the end of this dog training course, you’ll be able to resolve common training and behavior problems in your dog using more than one style of training.

Instructor: Dr. Ian Dunbar | Skill Level: Beginners
Lectures: 28 | Video: 6 hours | User Rating: 4.6 ★★★★☆
Price: View course. From $11.99. Up to 95% off. Browse category on Udemy.

3. Petco Online Dog & Puppy Training Courses

Led by certified trainers and AKC evaluators, Petco’s online dog and puppy training courses offer benefits beyond in-person training or other online solutions. For starters, live classes take place over Zoom so you can get real-time feedback from your training mentor.

These classes are limited to 6 participants to keep instruction intimate and focused. Secondly, because the training takes place at home, you’ll be able to address behaviors where they occur, in the security of your own environment.

Petco offers 2 online dog training courses: Puppy Basics and Adult Basics. Puppy Basics covers house training, crate training, leash training, coming when called, nipping, and socialization. Adult Basics teaches coming when called, how to walk politely on a leash, sit and stay, manage undesirable behaviors, prevent boredom, and meet new people.

Each course comprises 4 sessions, after which you’ll have the foundational knowledge to train basic cues and reinforce positive behaviors. In general, Petco offers some of the best dog training courses online for beginners.

Platform: Petco/Zoom | Style: Online Dog & Puppy Training | Duration: 4 sessions
For: All Levels | Price: Various packages. From $129

4. How to Train a Puppy – Udemy 

Udemy’s How To Train a Puppy course (visit website) teaches popular methodologies for dog training, using over 12 award-winning videos, numerous blueprints, and 4 best-selling books. More than just instruction on how to train a puppy, this dog training course looks at the world of dog training using Dr. Dunbar’s most popular tools.

The course begins with an in-depth exploration of Dr. Dunbar’s SIRIUS method for training both puppies and adult dogs while covering people training (from your dog’s point of view), biting, and fighting. You’ll also learn strategies for training basic commands such as sit and stay and fixing behaviors such as house soiling, digging, barking, and chewing.

Learn what to do before and after welcoming a new dog into your home, and explore the minds of hyper and fearful dogs. Notably, this course offers instruction on how to include children in training the family dog, including a short book written for kids on how to understand the language of dogs.

Overall, this program is among the best dog training courses online and incorporates tried-and-true methodologies with creative games and practical exercises to teach you how to train your dog.

Instructor: Dr. Ian Dunbar | Skill Level: Beginners
Lectures: 36 | Video: 15 hours | User Rating: 4.9 ★★★★★
Price: View course. From $11.99. Up to 95% off. Browse category on Udemy.

5. Good Dog Every Day Online Dog Training Course – Success Dogs

Professional trainer Jean Cote and the Success Dogs team offer their reward-based Good Dog Every Day online dog training course for new dog parents and anyone who has struggled to train their existing pet.

Module One sets the stage with instruction on basic dog psychology, including motivation and why your dog may not be listening to you. Learn the simple four-step training method before covering essential obedience skills, such as sit, down, stand, and come.

Expanding on essential obedience, Module Three focuses on 4 next-level commands that cultivate listening and attention: get in, look at me, playtime, and give. By signing up for this course, you also get access to Jean and his team for one-on-one guidance, 2 e-books, and a bonus video lesson on fun tricks, such as roll-over, stand-tall, and figure 8.

Instructor: Jean Cote | Platform: Success Dogs | Style: Dog Training
For: All Levels | Price: One-time payment of $47. Up to 50% off.

Online courses: Browse our lists of the best Coursera courses or Domestika courses or MasterClass classes or Udemy courses or edX courses to further improve your skills.

6. SpiritDog Online Dog and Puppy Training Program

SpiritDog’s online dog and puppy training classes use positive, game-based methods to teach dog owners how to correct undesirable behaviors and improve their relationship with their dogs through new tricks. Their suite of on-demand classes also includes access to a community of trainers and learners where you can upload videos for feedback. 

SpiritDog offers over 12 individual classes, ranging from house and leash training to resource guarding and agility. Other topics include building confidence and frisbee play. The Rescue Dog Bundle focuses on the specific needs of rescue dogs, such as focus, reactivity (e.g. lunging and growling), resource guarding, and basic obedience.

In the Ultimate Puppy Bundle, you’ll learn how to house-train your new puppy, handle chewing and biting, and cultivate focus and attention in a young dog. This is one of the best online dog training courses for beginners who want to get a puppy.

Platform: SpiritDog | Style: Dog & Puppy Training | For: All Levels | Rating: ★★★★★ | Price: Various packages. From $49. View.

7. Free Online Dog Training Workshop – K9 Dog Training Institute

Based on methods employed by service dog trainers, the K9 Dog Training Institute offers a unique free online dog training workshop that teaches dog owners how to train their dogs to achieve the highest degree of focus and attention.

In the workshop, experts teach you how to house train your dog, keep them from jumping on people, walk politely on a leash, and come when called. Much of the curriculum is designed to teach you how to communicate with your dog, both verbally and nonverbally.

You’ll learn how service dogs maintain focus on their owners even in the most distracting environments and how they learn to read body language. Upon completion, you’ll have a deeper level of communication with your dog and a repository of tips and tricks to teach your dog obedience and attention. 

Instructors: Dr. Alexa Diaz (Ph.D) & Eric Presnall | Platform: K9 Training Institute | Rating: 5.0 ★★★★★ | Style: Online Dog Training Workshop | For: All Levels | Price: Free

8. Inside Your Dog’s Mind with Victoria Stilwell – Udemy

Victoria Stilwell’s Inside Your Dog’s Mind course (visit website) on Udemy dives deep into the science behind canine intelligence, cognition, and emotion while imparting tips and tricks for how to develop a custom training plan for your dog.

The dog training course begins by covering the established knowledge and emerging research around canine cognition. It also explores canine ethology and how dogs evolved from wolves to become one of our most valued domestic companions.

From there, you’ll explore how dogs learn by studying associative learning, operant learning, and independent vs. dependent learning, as well as how hormones and neurotransmitters affect these processes. A big focus of the class is on the Five Cognitive Dimensions and how you can use these to develop a robust cognitive profile of your dog.

Using this profile, you’ll be able to design a comprehensive training plan for your dog and develop a deeper relationship with them through improved communication and understanding. You’ll emerge with a better grasp on how your dog perceives and processes their world, and how you can leverage that insight to better interact with them.

Instructor: Victoria Stilwell | Skill Level: Beginners
Lectures: 59 | Video: 3 hours | User Rating: 4.5 ★★★★☆
Price: View course. From $11.99. Up to 95% off. Browse category on Udemy.

9. Dog Obedience & Puppy Training – TrainPetDog 

TrainPetDog offers free training and pet-rearing resources to dog owners. You can sign up for a free online dog training course, as well as other seminars, to learn more about house training, basic commands like sit and stay, fixing misbehaviors like excessive barking, and how to be the alpha dog in your pack.

For people who are thinking about bringing a dog into their home but do not yet have one, TrainPetDog offers a vast library of free, breed-specific articles that detail what to expect from specific dogs and how they might fit into your home. 

This library also features information on how to handle shedding and stubborn behaviors, what diet and exercises are best for your dog, and what breeds make good family dogs. 

Platform: TrainPetDog | Style: Dog Obedience & Puppy Training | For: All Levels
Price: Various free and paid packages

10. Dog Training Online Courses – Dunbar Academy

Founded by a world leader in dog training, the Dunbar Academy features an à la carte menu of online dog training courses from Dr. Ian Dunbar and his team. For a monthly subscription, you can access the Top Dog Academy and hundreds of hours of content, ebooks, podcasts, worksheets, and live webinars.

In over 12 hours of content, the Behavior Problems Compendium covers easy, effective, and fun ways to fix unwanted behaviors, such as barking, chewing, jumping, and separation anxiety. Using dog psychology, you’ll learn the 3 most useful training methods that you can leverage to resolve an array of behavioral problems.

If there are children in your household, the Dog Training for Children course teaches the content of Dr. Dunbar’s children’s book, which hones in on how dogs communicate and how to avoid getting bitten by them.

For dog owners who are ready for something new, the Dunbar Academy offers the Reliability & Games Dog Training Workshop. Using games such as musical chairs and doggy dancing, dog owners practice obedience and communication in an off-leash setting for increased reliability in distracting situations.

Platform: Dunbar Academy | Style: Online Dog Training
For: All Levels | Price: Various free and paid packages. From $20/month

11. Online Dog Training – Peach on a Leash

Peach on a Leash offers virtual dog training in addition to a handful of on-demand online dog training courses for pet owners seeking assistance with basic obedience or behavior problems. One-on-one training happens over Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime and comes with a custom training plan for you and your dog.

Your personalized training plan may include instruction on manners and obedience, aggression and reactivity, jumping, barking, or separation anxiety. Further, Peach on a Leash members can turn to an online community for support between lessons.

Their on-demand courses cover topics such as leash reactivity and excitement, polite leash walking, and how to train your dog to come when called. These courses are comprehensive and come with up to 4 private review sessions with a trainer.

Platform: Peach on a Leash | Style: Dog Training & Behavior Services
For: All Levels | Price: Various packages. From $379. View.

12. Self-Study Courses + Membership – Dogmantics

Created by popular online personality and professional dog trainer Emily Larlham, Dogmantics offers pet owners numerous self-paced online dog training courses and videos, as well as membership options for longer-term learning, to help learners build stronger relationships with their dogs.

All Dogmantics’ curricula are modeled after Larhlam’s Progressive Reinforcement method, which is an approach to teaching and modifying dog behavior without any physical or psychological intimidation.

Larlham’s on-demand videos range in topics from clicker training and running a multi-dog household to relationship essentials and fun tricks. Different membership options include modules such as manners, inspirations, and puppyhood.

Instructor: Emily Larlham | Platform: Dogmantics | For: All Levels
Style: Science- and Ethics-based Dog Training | Price: From $29.99.

13. Online Puppy Training – PuppyTrainedRight

PuppyTrainedRight’s Online Puppy Training course is designed for new puppy owners and anyone who’s preparing to bring a new puppy into their home. Developed by a trainer with over 40 years of experience, the curriculum focuses on tried-and-true positive reinforcement methods and dispelling popular training myths.

Featuring a series of on-demand videos, this dog training course teaches basic puppy-handling skills, such as how to pick up a puppy, how puppies learn, and what to expect on your puppy’s first day home. From there, you’ll learn effective house training techniques, basic commands like sit, fetch, and down, and polite leash walking.

Learners will also gain access to dozens of articles on puppies ranging in topics from biting and impulse control to socialization and meeting other animals.

Platform: PuppyTrainedRights | Style: Basic Obedience Instructional Puppy Training
For: All Levels | Price: CAD$299

14. Fenzi Dog Sports Academy

For dog owners with a wide range of interests and needs, the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy offers in-depth instruction on everything from behavior and obedience to agility training taught through the lens of dog sports. The learning mode is versatile to cater to busy learners and includes on-demand videos, live webinars, workshops, and online classes.

In the 6-week Adolescent Minds and Manners course, you’ll learn about what is happening developmentally to your dog in its adolescent stage, including what opportunities and challenges you may expect. It is designed for both pet dogs and sports dogs and focuses on helping your canine friend grow into a confident adult.

If you struggle to play with your dog or are just beginning to explore dog sports, Fenzi Dog Sports Academy offers its Toys – Developing Cooperation and Play course, which is ideal for owners of dogs who tug but won’t give, play keep away, and fetch but don’t return.

Platform: Fenzi Dog Sports Academy | Style: Sports-oriented Dog Training
For: All Levels | Price: Various packages. From $19.95. View.

15. 1-on-1 Dog Training – GoodPup

If you’re a dog owner in search of a robust training program with live support, GoodPup offers its in-depth one-on-one dog training program via browser or their app. GoodPup’s goal is to teach you to train your dog and help you build a better relationship with them.

The program begins with a consultation between you and a trainer, where you can answer a series of questions to help the trainer develop a customized program.

After you pinpoint the specific behaviors you wish to eliminate and the commands you’d like to focus on, you’ll have weekly remote sessions with your trainer. In between sessions, you can use GoodPup’s illustrated practice guides and message your trainer on the 24/7 chat if you have any questions. One of the best 1:1 dog training courses online.

Platform: GoodPup | Style: Live 1-1 Dog Training on Video | Rating: 4.8 ★★★★★
For: All Levels | Price: $34/week. View.

How to Choose the Best Dog Training Courses Online

Online dog training offers several benefits over traditional training programs. Where many expensive programs involve dropping your dog off with the trainer for weeks at a time, online courses not only offer you an opportunity to learn with your dog and deepen your relationship, but your dog also benefits by being able to remain with their family.

Yet, with so many online dog training courses, formats, and methods available, it can be a challenge to know which one to choose. Let’s explore a few factors that might help you decide.

First, consider how you’d like to learn. On-demand videos may be perfectly sufficient for you, especially if your dog is equally eager to learn. At the other end of the spectrum is one-on-one training with direct support, which might be perfect if your dog needs extra help and your budget allows it.

Next, it may be worth exploring the trainer’s methodology. The online dog training courses on this list all use positive training methods, but each may vary a little based on the trainer’s experience. It’s important to keep in mind that the goal is to strengthen your bond with your dog and help them become more reliable companions.

Essential Tips for Training Dogs at Home

As you may have noticed, some recurring themes cut across these dog training courses when it comes to best practices and essential skills. For both your and your dog’s sake, it is worth making sure that you can meet a few requisite conditions.

First, practice makes permanent! Both dogs and humans learn best when new skills are practiced regularly. As such, try to commit to daily dog lessons, even if you only spend 15 minutes on them.

Second, training should be a positive experience for you both. Dog training should never involve intimidation; remember, you’re building trust, not forcing submission. Positive behavior begets positive behavior. Creative games might even make the experience fun. So, be sure to show up for your dog with enthusiasm, patience, and a few treats!

Finally, practice compassion. Whether you just adopted a dog or you’ve had them since puppyhood, they don’t misbehave to upset you; in fact, dogs are natural people-pleasers. Misbehavior may be the result of miscommunication or an adverse past that is clouding their senses. In any case, remember that there are no bad dogs, only bad behaviors.

Here are some other interesting thoughts and tips to consider:

• Positive Reinforcement: You can reward desired behaviors with treats, praise, or play to encourage your dog to repeat them.
• Consistency: Try using consistent commands, routines, and rules to avoid confusion and reinforce learning.
• Patience: Dog training certainly takes time; so it is best to just be patient and understanding as your dog learns new skills.
• Clear Communication: It is recommended to use clear, simple cues and body language to convey your expectations effectively.
• Socialization: We want our dogs to be healthy. Try exposing your puppy to various people, places, and experiences to build confidence and reduce fear.
• Bonding Time: It is a friendship. Spend quality time with your dog through play, walks, and cuddles to strengthen your relationship.
• Obedience Commands: At the minimum, teach basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “leave it” for safety and control.
• Leash Manners: That’s important for any type of activity. Train loose leash walking and proper leash behavior to make walks enjoyable for both of you.
• Problem-Solving: Address undesirable behaviors with redirection and positive alternatives instead of punishment.

Best Dog Training Courses Online 2024 – Summary

Wrapping up our tour of the best dog training courses online in 2024. No matter how long you and your dog have known each other, there’s never a bad time to commit to training. Training cultivates clear expectations and reliability, making for a deeply satisfying relationship between you and your dog.

Online courses can help you reach your goals in the comfort and safety of your own home. If you’re unsure where to begin, start with one of the pros and sign up for any of Dr. Dunbar’s tried-and-true online dog training courses. Your dog will thank you.

Other Dog Training Courses Online

• Nate Schoemer – YouTube – View
• Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution – YouTube – View
• The Training School – DIYK9
• Online Dog Training Class – All Day Dog Adventures
• PetSmart Dog Training Classes
• Potty Training Classes for Dogs – Various Providers
• Obedience Dog Training Courses – Various Providers

What are the best dog training courses online for 2024, in your opinion? Which online dog training classes have you taken? What have you learned? Please let us know in the comments below, or contact us via email for questions.

Sources: What is heel? Brandon McMillan’s Guide to Training Dogs – 1 | What is classical conditioning? – 2 | What is dog sports? – 3