Welcoming a new puppy is a joyous, yet responsibility-filled period. Amid the gushing and laughter, there’s a significant duty to provide care, attention, and consistent training, helping them grow into well-behaved dogs.
Understanding puppy training can seem challenging, but luckily, there are top-notch resources ready to assist new puppy parents.
We’ve selected the best online puppy training courses today, each dissected for cost and their unique value during the puppy’s crucial early months at home.
Embark on this exciting, rewarding journey, and ensure your puppy matures into a cherished, well-mannered family member!
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 for 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 convenient and cost-effective way to get your new dog started on the basics, there are several reasons why they are not always the best option.
1. Not Comprehensive Enough
Free online training courses are often not comprehensive enough to cover all of the topics that you need to know about puppy training. You might get some basic information, but you’re not going to get the in-depth knowledge that you need to really train your new puppy effectively.
2. Limited Time
You only have a limited amount of time to get your puppy training right – if you don’t learn everything you need to know in the course, you could end up with a poorly trained pooch. Puppies grow and learn quickly, so if you’re not diligent about their training from the beginning, you may have a few issues down the road.
3. No Such Thing as a Free Meal
Professional dog trainers need to earn a living, and they can’t do that if they’re giving away their services for free. They may offer a free introductory workshop, but the most successful trainers will be promoting a paid course. By investing in a quality puppy training course, you can be sure that you’re getting a suitable program from a credible dog trainer.
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
A puppy’s first few months are crucial to its development. This is the time when they are learning about the world around them and forming attachments to their new family. During this period, it is important to provide positive experiences that will help them learn to trust their human caregivers.
A professional online puppy training course should help you:
Form a Strong Bond
During the first 6 months, puppies are learning how to interact with the world around them and form social bonds with other animals and people. By taking the time to train and help them learn, you are creating a special bond that will last a lifetime.
Whilst personal one-on-one professional training is available (and expensive), it’s always best to learn how to train your pup yourself in order to build a strong bond from the start.
Set Expectations
Through training, puppies learn basic manners and obedience commands, which helps them understand what is expected of them in their new home. They also learn how to interact appropriately with other dogs and people.
By providing training and guidance during this period, you can help your puppy to develop into a well-rounded dog who is able to confidently navigate its environment.
Keep Them Safe
Puppies are full of energy and curiosity, 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
Puppies who receive training early on are less likely to develop behavioral problems later in life. Taking the time to train your puppy in their first few months can have a lasting positive impact on their development, preventing potential behavioral issues from developing in the first instance.
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 crucial time for introducing socialization and learning the ways of the world. With our recommended online puppy training courses, you can conveniently train your pup at home, led by experienced trainers.
We’ve personally seen the benefits of these flexible, step-by-step programs that easily fit into your schedule. Get ready for a rewarding experience as your puppy transforms into a well-loved family member.
1. Essential Puppy Training Course (Best Overall)
The Dunbar Academy, renowned for training over 115,000 puppies, now presents their brand new and improved Essential Puppy Training Course
This course is specifically aimed at puppies between the ages of 8-18 weeks, when they are at their most developmental stage.
With decades of dog training experience between the team, this course offers a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about raising a happy and well-behaved pup.
We’ve personally experienced the benefits of the Essential Puppy Training Course, which features an easy-to-follow format with over 100 videos, covering topics like:
- 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 that it helps you identify when you are ignoring good behaviors and accidentally rewarding bad ones – a common pitfall for new dog owners.
The course comes with a Risk-Free 30 Day Money-Back Guarantee if you’re not completely satisfied, so you can be totally confident in your purchase.
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.
Best For:
This course is geared towards puppies under 18 weeks who haven’t developed severe habits or behavioral issues, such as causing a serious injury from biting. It’s important to note that this is not a behavioral modification course.
$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.
2. Ultimate Puppy Program (Best Low-Cost)
The SpiritDog Ultimate Puppy Program offers not only detailed video lessons but also access to a private online forum where you can seek advice and answers directly from expert dog trainers.
The course covers a wide range of areas for puppy training, including:
- Hyperactivity
- Jumping Up
- Biting / Nipping
- Separation Anxiety
- Potty Training
- Breed-Specific Puppy Raising
Priced at just $49, the Ultimate Puppy Program is a steal. Many people choose to upgrade to the Ultimate Masterclass Bundle, which grants lifetime access to 18 other highly popular courses.
Take a quick tour of all available classes here
It’s the best online puppy training provider in terms of variety and its ever-expanding course catalog. With a 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee, it’s a no-brainer for most new puppy owners looking for a reliable and engaging training resource.
3. K9 Training Insititute (Best for Reactive Puppies)
If you already have a puppy that is reactive or needs some attention on focus training, then K9 Training Institute offers the best online training course to help with this.
Led by Dr. Alexa Diaz, a highly respected service dog trainer, and Eric Presnall, host of the hit TV show “Who Let The Dogs Out,” this dynamic duo has developed a series of workshops that teach you how to train your pup to be as well-behaved as a service dog.
We’ve personally experienced the transformational effect of the K9 Training Institute Masterclass, and it is now the overall winner of our Best Online Dog Training Courses.
The cost of the K9 Training Institute Total Transformation Masterclass ordinarily comes in at $497, making it one of the most expensive courses on this list, but for good reason. It’s the first time the secrets of the service dog industry have been made available to the public.
By mastering two fundamental steps in creating a well-behaved service dog, you’ll gain skills to prevent most behavioral issues in your dog long-term, making this the ultimate future-proof online dog training course.
Plus, it comes with the longest Money-Back Guarantee of any online dog training course – a 90 day refund policy. That’s how confident they are that you’ll love this course.
They offer a very generous free workshop that’ll show you exactly what you can expect from their Total Transformation Masterclass, which often includes a promotion for $200 off the full price at the end. This is fast becoming one of the most popular online puppy training courses right now, and we’re certain the price is likely to go up once it becomes further established.
4. Brandon McMillan (Most Engaging Trainer)
If you’re on the hunt for the most engaging online puppy training classes, look no further than Emmy-Award Winner Brandon McMillan
Having personal experienced his course, we love his exceptional communication skills, making it incredibly easy to understand his teachings. And his videos are some of the most polished and captivating dog training content you’ll ever see – just take a peek at his class trailer!
Brandon skips over basic preparations like readying your home for a puppy and dives straight into teaching obedience commands. His approach is based on positive reinforcement training, widely recognized as the most effective method for training dogs of any age.
You can get access to Brandon McMillan’s Dog Training Course through a Masterclass Subscription, which starts from $90 per year and provides unlimited access to hundreds of other celebrity classes.
Note: Masterclass is a platform where world-renowned experts share their skills, providing on-demand access to lessons from top chefs, writers, and artists. With a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee, you can explore their offerings risk-free and enjoy a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips.
5. The SIRIUS® Puppy Training (Best Live Sessions)
SIRIUS® offers some of the best and most popular virtual puppy training classes currently available. Founded by Dr. Ian Dunbar (Dunbar Academy) over 35 years ago, he is globally recognized as one of the leading dog trainers of our time.
Instead of pre-recorded videos, SIRIUS® classes are live Zoom sessions led by a professional puppy trainer who guides you step by step.
You can ask questions, receive feedback, and observe the progress of fellow participants.
These classes consist of five weekly 50-minute sessions held at the same day and time each week, so consistent availability is required.
Although SIRIUS® Puppy Training comes with a $250 price tag, it offers excellent value for money. As live classes, they naturally incur higher costs but remain more affordable than private one-to-one sessions.
Be aware that there’s typically a waiting list, with classes booked months in advance. If you’re planning to get a puppy soon, it’s best to reserve your spot as soon as possible!
6. Puppy & New Dog Training (Great Value Bundle)
Puppy & New Dog Training is among the many courses offered by Holly & Hugo, a comprehensive online resource for pet owners that we’ve personally experienced and highly recommend.
This course covers everything from teaching basic commands like “sit” to introducing your pup to other household pets, helping you set realistic expectations and build a strong bond with your pooch.
Featuring step-by-step video tutorials, interactive activities, and detailed guidance, Puppy and New Dog Training is perfect for first-time owners looking to become confident trainers. Plus, their extensive library of courses ensures you’ll find the ideal match for you and your pup.
One downside to Holly & Hugo courses is the 45-day access limit. However, you can extend this by purchasing a license for $7.99 if needed. We’d prefer yearly or lifetime access as a standard, but the limited access helps keep prices low at $49 per course or $129 for access to all courses, offering great value.
A 14-Day Money-Back Guarantee is available if you decide the courses aren’t for you.
Whether you’re a new dog owner or an experienced trainer, Holly & Hugo delivers some of the best online puppy training courses tailored to your needs, ensuring a positive and engaging experience.
7. Raising Your Puppy (Best Step-by-Step Guide)
Raising Your Puppy is a comprehensive, step-by-step video guide covering all aspects of puppyhood, from selecting the right tools and equipment to navigating the first six months with your new pup.
The course is delivered by certified dog trainer, Robin Bennett, and includes more than 100 short video lessons (all around 2 minutes). You’ll also get lifetime access to a private Facebook group where you can ask questions and get advice directly from Robin and other puppy parents.
What sets this course apart is Robin’s ability to simplify complex concepts, making it easy for anyone to understand and implement the right techniques. The brief video lessons are convenient to watch and revisit whenever needed.
The cost of the Raising Your Puppy course is $139, making it extremely good value in terms of a fantastic step-by-step online puppy training course by one of the most down-to-earth trainers around.
Raising Your Puppy offers exceptional value as a top-tier online puppy training course led by a down-to-earth expert. Its engaging and effective approach has made puppy training more enjoyable and rewarding for countless owners and their little hounds.
Puppy Training Courses vs. Adult Dog Training Courses
Training is vital at any dog’s age, but the approach differs for puppies and adult dogs. It’s crucial to grasp these differences when choosing the right course, especially for your new puppy.
Puppy training courses aim to establish positive habits early and prevent bad behaviors. They cover basic commands, house training, socialization, bite inhibition, and manners, using engaging and short exercises due to a puppy’s limited attention span.
On the other hand, adult dog training reinforces good behaviors, corrects ongoing issues, and can reverse bad habits. These courses may include complex commands, behavior adjustments, and specific skills like agility training.
The advantage of puppy training courses is the ability to shape behaviors when puppies are most receptive. They learn quickly and adjust faster to their surroundings. A solid foundation set through puppy training can prevent future behavioral issues.
Hence, if you have a new puppy, a puppy-specific training course is recommended. It ensures they transition smoothly into a well-behaved adult.
Rounding Up the Best Online Puppy Training Courses
Navigating the puppy training maze can be a handful, but oh, the joy when you see your little furball nail that new trick! Now, thanks to some stellar online puppy training courses, you can take on this adventure without leaving your living room.
Equipping yourself with the right dog training gadgets can also be a game-changer, setting your pup on the right cognitive path from the get-go.
Having put several online puppy courses to the test, these picks truly rise above the rest.
Got a top-tier course in mind that we missed out on? Drop it in the comments below—always eager to spot fresh contenders!
