Welcoming a new puppy into your home is a joyful experience, but it also comes with a crucial responsibility: early training. The first few months are vital in shaping your puppy’s behavior and ensuring they grow into a well-mannered dog.
We understand the importance of getting this right from the start, which is why we’ve tested and reviewed these online puppy training courses to bring you the very best.
Each course is designed to help you lay the foundation for obedience, socialization, and good habits – giving your puppy the guidance they need during this critical time.
Whether you’re a first-time pet parent or an experienced dog owner, one of these online puppy courses is guaranteed to be a good fit for you and your pooch.
NOTE: The following courses are focused on raising a puppy and teaching them essential new skills.
If you’re looking for a course that addresses specific behavioral issues, or would like to teach advanced skills, then we recommend our post on the 13 Best Overall Online Dog Training Courses
3 Reasons to Avoid FREE Online Puppy Training Courses
While free online puppy training courses may seem like a tempting, cost-effective option, there are a few key reasons why they may not be the best choice for your pup’s long-term development:
1. Not Comprehensive Enough
Free courses often provide only surface-level information, missing out on the depth and detail needed for effective puppy training. Without a full understanding of crucial topics, you risk leaving gaps in your puppy’s development.
2. Limited Time Window
Puppies grow and learn quickly, and there’s a critical window for shaping their behavior. If you rely on a free course that doesn’t cover everything, you might miss this window, potentially leading to long-term behavioral issues.
3. No Such Thing as a Free Meal
Professional dog trainers invest years of expertise into their craft, and it’s unrealistic to expect comprehensive, high-quality training for free. Many free courses are designed to lead you toward paid content, which is often where the real value lies.
So if you want the best possible training for your puppy, you’re better off finding a good quality paid course from a reputable training provider (from the start).
Why Training a Puppy in their First Few Months is Crucial
The first few months of a puppy’s life are critical for their development. During this time, they are learning about the world, forming relationships, and building the foundation for their future behavior. Providing the right training and experiences early on sets the stage for a confident, well-behaved dog.
Here’s why early training is essential:
Form a Strong Bond
In the first 6 months, puppies are forming social bonds and learning how to interact with their environment. Training them yourself not only teaches them essential skills but also strengthens the bond between you and your dog, creating a lasting relationship built on trust.
While personal one-on-one training is available, learning to train your pup yourself can be more rewarding and cost-effective.
Set Expectations
Training helps puppies understand what’s expected of them in their new home. They learn basic manners and obedience, helping them integrate into family life and interact appropriately with other dogs and people.
Early guidance ensures they grow into well-adjusted, well-behaved dogs.
Keep Them Safe
Puppies are naturally curious and full of energy, which can often lead to them getting into trouble. Effective commands can help to keep your puppy safe in potentially dangerous situations, such as running out into the street after a ball.
The best online puppy training courses will ensure you can immediately get your dog’s attention under any circumstance.
Prevent Behavioral Issues
Starting training early reduces the likelihood of developing behavioral problems later in life. Puppies who receive proper guidance from the beginning are less likely to exhibit issues like excessive barking, aggression, or anxiety, helping them grow into well-rounded, happy dogs.
By starting training early, you can set your puppy up for success and help them to develop into the happy, well-rounded pooch they should be!
7 Best Online Puppy Training Courses
Puppyhood is a critical period for socialization and learning the basics of life. With our recommended online puppy training courses, you can conveniently train your pup at home, guided by experienced trainers.
We’ve personally tested these flexible, step-by-step programs that seamlessly fit into any schedule. Get ready for a rewarding journey as your puppy grows into a well-behaved and cherished member of your family!
1. Essential Puppy Training Course (Best Overall)
The Dunbar Academy has earned its reputation by training over 115,000 puppies, and now they’ve introduced their brand-new Essential Puppy Training Course – the ultimate guide for puppies between 8-18 weeks, right when they’re in their most developmental stage.
Backed by decades of experience, this course provides a comprehensive and easy-to-follow guide to raising a well-behaved, happy puppy.
We’ve personally experienced the benefits of this course, which features over 100 video lessons that cover all the crucial topics new puppy parents need, such as:
- What You Need for Your New Pup
- Potty Training
- Crate Training
- Bite Inhibition
- Socialization
- Confidence Training
- Impulse Control
What we love about this course is its focus on helping you avoid common mistakes – like ignoring good behaviors or accidentally rewarding bad ones – something many new dog owners struggle with.
Given its comprehensive, well-structured, and easy-to-follow format, coupled with our personal experience, we highly recommend the Essential Puppy Training Course as our best overall pick for an online puppy training course.
Plus, with a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee, you can feel confident in your investment. It’s an excellent fit for any new puppy owner looking for expert guidance without the fear of making costly mistakes.
$50 OFF – Discount Code
The Essential Puppy Training Course is a fantastic deal at $200, however, you can enjoy a $50 introductory discount off the full price (automatically applied through link) or use the code ‘barmybeagle’ at checkout. This special offer also grants access to 25+ additional training videos for your pup’s long-term growth, ensuring incredible value for years to come.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive, trusted, and results-driven puppy training course, the Essential Puppy Training Course is our top recommendation for setting your pup up for success.
2. Ultimate Puppy Program (Best Low-Cost)
The SpiritDog Ultimate Puppy Program is an exceptional choice for those looking for an affordable yet comprehensive puppy training course. Priced at just $49, it offers incredible value for new puppy owners without compromising on quality.
The program provides detailed video lessons and access to a private online forum, where you can ask questions and receive advice directly from expert dog trainers. This personalized support ensures that you and your puppy are never left in the dark.
The course covers essential areas of puppy training, including:
- Hyperactivity
- Jumping Up
- Biting / Nipping
- Separation Anxiety
- Potty Training
- Breed-Specific Puppy Raising
For those wanting even more, many users opt to upgrade to the Ultimate Masterclass Bundle, which includes lifetime access to 18 additional courses, allowing you to continue your puppy’s training journey as they grow.
Take a quick tour of all available classes here
What sets SpiritDog apart is its impressive variety and continually expanding course catalog, making it one of the most well-rounded and diverse puppy training programs available. And with a 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee, there’s no risk in giving it a try.
If you’re looking for a low-cost, high-value option that doesn’t skimp on quality or support, the SpiritDog Ultimate Puppy Program is a top pick.
3. K9 Training Insititute (Best for Reactive Puppies)
If you have a puppy that struggles with reactivity or needs help focusing, the K9 Training Institute offers the best online training course to address these issues.
Led by Dr. Alexa Diaz, a renowned service dog trainer, and Eric Presnall, host of the hit TV show Who Let The Dogs Out, this course takes a unique approach to puppy training, using the same techniques employed to train service dogs.
The result? A well-behaved, focused pup with long-term behavioral improvements.
Having personally experienced the transformation the K9TI Masterclass can achieve, we confidently rank it as the Best Overall Online Dog Training Course.
While the Total Transformation Masterclass is priced at $497, making it one of the most expensive courses on this list, the value is undeniable. It’s the first time the techniques of the service dog industry have been shared with the public, allowing everyday dog owners to tap into these proven methods.
By mastering two fundamental principles of service dog training, you’ll be equipped to prevent most behavioral problems in your puppy long-term, making this course a future-proof investment in your dog’s development.
You can get started with their generous free workshop, which gives a sneak peek into what the full Total Transformation Masterclass offers. They often include a promotion for $200 off, making it even more accessible – and as the course grows in popularity, prices may rise, so now is the perfect time to get started.
Plus, it comes with a 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee, the longest offered by any online dog training provider. That’s how confident they are that you’ll love this course!
The K9 Training Institute is quickly becoming one of the most popular online puppy training courses. For reactive puppies or those needing focus training, it’s a standout option, offering expert-led guidance and real-world results that will last a lifetime.
4. Brandon McMillan (Most Engaging Trainer)
If you’re on the hunt for the most engaging online puppy training classes, Emmy Award-Winner Brandon McMillan should be at the top of your list.
Having personally experienced his course, we were impressed by his exceptional communication skills that make every lesson easy to follow. His videos are polished, captivating, and packed with practical training tips – just check out his class trailer to see the quality for yourself!
Brandon skips the basics and goes straight into teaching obedience commands using positive reinforcement, one of the most effective methods for training young puppies. This no-nonsense approach allows you to focus on what truly matters: shaping a well-behaved and happy pooch.
You can access Brandon McMillan’s Dog Training Course through a Masterclass subscription, which starts at $90 per year and includes unlimited access to hundreds of other celebrity-taught courses.
Note: Masterclass is a platform where world-renowned experts share their skills, offering on-demand lessons from top professionals in fields like cooking, writing, and more. With a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee, you can explore their courses risk-free and dive into a wealth of knowledge from the comfort of your home.
5. The SIRIUS® Puppy Training (Best Live Sessions)
SIRIUS® offers some of the best live virtual puppy training classes available, founded by Dr. Ian Dunbar, a globally recognized dog trainer with over 35 years of experience.
Unlike pre-recorded courses, SIRIUS® classes are live Zoom sessions led by professional trainers, allowing you to ask questions, receive feedback, and observe other participants’ progress in real-time.
Each course includes five weekly 50-minute sessions held at the same time each week, requiring consistent availability. At $250, it offers excellent value compared to private one-on-one sessions, with personalized live instruction.
Be aware that classes often fill up quickly, so it’s best to reserve your spot early if you’re planning to get a puppy soon.
For those seeking the best live, interactive training, SIRIUS® stands out as a top choice.
6. Puppy & New Dog Training (Great Value Bundle)
Holly & Hugo’s Puppy & New Dog Training is an excellent choice for new dog owners looking for a comprehensive and affordable online training resource. We’ve personally experienced this course and highly recommend it for its step-by-step video tutorials, interactive activities, and detailed guidance on everything from basic commands like ‘sit’ to introducing your puppy to other pets.
This course is ideal for first-time owners wanting to build confidence in training and create a strong bond with their new dog. The extensive course library ensures you’ll find the perfect match for your pup’s specific needs.
While one downside is the 45-day access limit, this can be extended for $7.99. We’d prefer longer access options, but this helps keep prices low, with the course priced at $49 or $129 for access to all courses – a great value considering the variety offered.
A 14-Day Money-Back Guarantee gives you peace of mind if you find the course isn’t the right fit.
For those seeking an affordable, comprehensive training bundle, Holly & Hugo offers one of the best options for new dog owners, delivering quality content at a great value.
7. Raising Your Puppy (Best Step-by-Step Guide)
Raising Your Puppy is a comprehensive, step-by-step video course designed to guide you through every stage of puppyhood, from choosing the right tools to navigating the critical first six months with your new pup.
Led by certified dog trainer Robin Bennett, this course features over 100 short, 2-minute video lessons, making it easy to digest and revisit as needed. You’ll also gain lifetime access to a private Facebook group where you can ask questions and get personalized advice from Robin and other puppy owners.
What makes this course stand out is Robin’s ability to simplify complex concepts, making it accessible for any dog owner to implement the right training techniques. The concise video format allows you to fit lessons into your busy schedule without missing a beat.
At $139, the Raising Your Puppy course is excellent value for those seeking a structured, easy-to-follow training guide. Robin’s approachable style and the course’s detailed, step-by-step approach make it one of the best options for new puppy parents.
For anyone looking for a practical and engaging way to raise a well-behaved puppy, Raising Your Puppy is a top choice, providing clear guidance and expert support throughout your training journey.
Puppy Training Courses vs. Adult Dog Training Courses
Training is essential at any stage of a dog’s life, but the approach varies for puppies and adult dogs. Understanding these differences is key to selecting the right course, especially if you’re working with a new puppy.
Puppy training courses focus on establishing positive habits early and preventing bad behaviors before they take root. These courses typically cover basic commands, house training, socialization, bite inhibition, and manners. Since puppies have shorter attention spans, lessons are designed to be engaging and brief, helping them learn effectively without overwhelming them.
In contrast, adult dog training focuses on reinforcing good behaviors, correcting existing issues, and addressing bad habits that may have formed. These courses often include more advanced commands, behavior modification, and specialized skills like agility or reactivity training.
The main advantage of puppy-specific training is the ability to shape behaviors while puppies are most receptive. Puppies learn quickly and adjust more easily to their environment, making early training critical for preventing future problems. By setting a strong foundation through a puppy training course, you’re helping your dog transition smoothly into adulthood with good manners and fewer behavioral challenges.
If you’ve recently brought home a puppy, opting for a puppy-specific training course is highly recommended to ensure they grow into a well-behaved adult dog.
Rounding Up the Best Online Puppy Training Courses
Training a puppy can feel overwhelming at times, but the reward of watching your pup master a new skill is priceless! Luckily, with the rise of online puppy training courses, you can embark on this journey without ever leaving your home.
Pairing these courses with the right training tools and gadgets can make a world of difference, helping set your puppy on the path to good behavior from day one.
After personally testing several online courses, we’ve narrowed down the best of the best to help you find the perfect fit for your new furry friend.
Think we missed a great course? Let us know in the comments – we’re always on the lookout for fresh recommendations!
