Best Dog Training Apps: Build Better Habits With These Top Picks

A good dog training app combines on-demand video lessons, structured curricula, and a way to track progress between sessions. The best ones work for both first-time puppy owners and experienced handlers tackling specific behavior issues. They’re not a replacement for an in-person trainer for serious problems, but they’re more than enough for the basics.

We compared the major dog training apps on curriculum depth, trainer credentials, ease of use, and value. Here are the seven worth considering, plus what to look for.

How we evaluated dog training apps

We weighed five factors: depth and breadth of training content (basic obedience through advanced behaviors), credentials of the trainers behind the curriculum, ability to message trainers or get personalized feedback, ease of use and progress tracking, and value relative to the monthly or one-time price.

One note on positive-reinforcement methods: all the apps we recommend rely on positive reinforcement (treats, praise, marker training) rather than aversive techniques. This is the consensus approach among modern certified trainers and behaviorists.

1. GoodPup

Best overall. GoodPup pairs you with a certified trainer for weekly 30-minute video calls plus unlimited messaging between sessions. The 1-on-1 format is closer to private in-person training than any other app, and trainers are CPDT-certified or equivalent.

Pricing runs around $35-50 per week. Higher than self-paced apps, but the personalized coaching makes a real difference for puppies with persistent issues or first-time dog owners.

2. Pupford Academy

Best self-paced option. Pupford offers a structured curriculum (the 30-Day Perfect Pup program is the flagship) plus a library of hundreds of additional videos covering everything from leash manners to trick training. The app includes a treat-pouch reminder and daily training streaks.

Pricing is around $99/year for Pupford Academy access. Excellent value for the depth of content. Best for self-motivated owners who don’t need live coaching.

3. Dogo

Best for puppies. Dogo specializes in puppy training with short daily lessons (5-15 minutes each) and a clicker-training audio feature built into the app. Curriculum is organized by age and includes potty training, socialization, and basic obedience tracks.

Pricing runs around $80-100/year. The interface is friendly for first-time owners and the daily-lesson format works well for busy schedules.

4. Puppr

Best for trick training. Puppr is built by Sara Carson, a celebrity dog trainer, and focuses on trick training in addition to basic obedience. The app’s tricks library is the most extensive of any app on this list — hundreds of step-by-step video tutorials from simple sit-stay to choreographed routines.

Pricing is around $40/year. Most lessons are unlocked at the free tier, with premium content behind the paywall. Best for owners who want training to also be entertainment.

5. iTrainer Dog Whistle

Best for specific recall and stop-behavior commands. iTrainer is a different category — it’s a dog whistle and clicker app combined with brief training tips, not a full curriculum. The whistle feature includes adjustable frequencies useful for recall training.

Free with optional in-app purchases. Best as a supplement to a structured program, not a primary training app.

6. Doggo App

Best for behavior modification. Doggo focuses on behavior issues specifically — separation anxiety, reactivity on leash, resource guarding, fearfulness — rather than general obedience. Content is built by certified behaviorists.

Pricing runs around $20/month. Best fit for owners dealing with specific persistent behavior problems and willing to commit to structured behavior protocols.

7. Petcube Care + Training

Best paired with a pet camera. If you already have a Petcube pet camera, the Care subscription bundles in access to vet and training advice. Training content is integrated with the camera feed so trainers can see your dog’s environment.

Pricing runs around $10-30/month depending on tier. Limited as a standalone training resource, but a strong add-on for Petcube owners.

How to choose a dog training app

If you want personal coaching and live trainer access: GoodPup.

If you want a deep self-paced curriculum: Pupford Academy.

If you have a young puppy and want age-appropriate lessons: Dogo.

If you want trick training: Puppr.

If you’re tackling a specific behavior issue: Doggo App.

For most owners with a normal puppy or adult dog, Pupford or Dogo at under $100/year is more than enough to cover basic obedience, manners, and confidence-building. Step up to GoodPup if you want a real human coach to message between sessions.

Frequently asked questions

Can a training app replace in-person classes? For basic obedience and puppy socialization, mostly yes — though in-person classes have a socialization benefit (other puppies, distractions) that’s hard to replicate at home. For serious behavior problems like aggression or severe fear, see an in-person certified behavior consultant.

What’s the right age to start training my puppy? Training can begin the day you bring your puppy home, typically 8 weeks old. Early socialization (positive exposure to people, places, sounds, surfaces) is one of the highest-leverage things you can do in the first three months.

How long should daily training sessions be? For puppies, 3-5 short sessions of 2-5 minutes each. Multiple short sessions beat one long session. Adult dogs can handle 10-15 minute sessions but the same principle applies — frequency over duration.

Want your brand on this list? If you offer a dog training app or related pet education product and would like to be considered for inclusion in this article, email ken@cornerstonecontent.com with your product details. We review additions on a paid basis and will get back to you within one business day.