Dog training, reviewed
The best online dog training programs, without the hype.
We compared the most popular online courses on what actually matters: the method they teach, who made them, what they cost, and the kind of dog and owner they suit. Three made the list. None of them is right for everyone.
Our picks, in order
Ranked on method, depth and value. Each links to a full review with the downsides included.
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01
Best overall
Brain Training for Dogs
By Adrienne Farricelli, CPDT-KA certified trainer
A structured, reward-based course built around 21 games that build focus and impulse control, with a large library on everyday problems like barking, chewing and jumping.
- Method: force-free, positive reinforcement
- Best for: most family dogs and puppies
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02
Best on a budget
Secrets to Dog Training
By Daniel Stevens, Kingdom of Pets
A 256-page illustrated manual covering more than 25 behavior problems, from house training to aggression, plus a short video program and a members' forum.
- Method: mixed, with some dated "alpha" framing
- Best for: owners who want a broad reference book
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03
Best for reactive dogs
Solve Dog Reactivity
By Doggy Dan, The Online Dog Trainer
A focused video workshop for dogs that lunge, bark or panic at other dogs, people or traffic on walks, from one of the longest-running online trainers.
- Method: calm, relationship-based leadership
- Best for: walks that have become a battle
Side by side
The details that tend to decide it. Prices change; we check them monthly.
| Brain Training for Dogs | Secrets to Dog Training | Solve Dog Reactivity | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $67 (one payment) | $39.95 (video upgrade $59.95) | $97, with optional upsells |
| Format | Online member area: lessons, training games, articles | eBook, audiobook, 30-minute video | On-demand video workshop |
| Method | Positive reinforcement, force-free | Mixed; leans on pack leader ideas | Calm leadership, little use of food |
| Creator | Certified trainer (CPDT-KA) | Professional trainer | Professional trainer, online since 2009 |
| Covers puppies | Yes, dedicated section | Yes, incl. house training | No, focused on reactivity |
| Support | Members' forum with the creator | Members' forum consultations | Program materials |
| Guarantee | 60 days | 60 days | See sales page |
| Best for | Everyday obedience and boredom problems | A cheap, wide-ranging reference | Lunging and barking on walks |
Prices in US dollars as listed on each official sales page in November 2026. All three are sold through ClickBank, which processes payments and refunds.
How we judge a training program
Four questions, applied the same way to every course.
Is the method humane and current?
We favor reward-based training, the approach recommended by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. Programs that rely on fear or physical correction rank lower or not at all.
Who made it?
We check the creator's credentials and track record. A certification such as CPDT-KA means independently tested knowledge, not just marketing.
Can an owner follow it?
Clear steps, realistic session lengths and a sensible order matter more than the number of bonus files in the bundle.
Is the price honest?
We note the real price, upsells and the refund policy, so there are no surprises at checkout.
Start with the problem you have
Free, practical guides. Most problems improve with the basics before you spend anything.
Barking
Why your dog barks, and a step-by-step plan for each kind of barking.
Read the guideAnxiety
Separation anxiety and fear: the signs, what helps, and when to call your vet.
Read the guideLeash pulling
Turn tug-of-war walks into calm ones, with the right gear and three simple drills.
Read the guidePuppy training
House training, biting, crate time and socialization in the first months at home.
Read the guideCommon questions
Do online dog training courses actually work?
For most everyday problems, yes, if you put in the practice. A good course gives you a plan and an order to work in; the results come from short, consistent sessions with your dog. Online courses are not a substitute for professional help with serious aggression or severe anxiety. For those, start with your veterinarian.
Which program should I choose?
If you are not sure, Brain Training for Dogs is the safest choice for most dogs: its methods follow current veterinary guidance and it covers the widest range of everyday issues. Choose Solve Dog Reactivity if your main problem is lunging or barking at things on walks, and Secrets to Dog Training if you want the lowest price and a broad reference manual.
Can I get my money back?
All three programs are sold through ClickBank, the online retailer that handles payment and refunds. Brain Training for Dogs and Secrets to Dog Training advertise a 60-day money-back guarantee. Check the current terms on each sales page before you buy.
How do you make money?
If you buy a program through a link on this site, we may earn a commission from the seller. It does not change the price you pay. Commissions never decide our rankings, and we include the downsides of every program we recommend. Read our full disclosure.