The Best Dog Training Apps for 2024 - Train Your Dog on the Go

Training is the backbone of the relationship between you and your furry friend. You'll bond and enjoy adventures better with a trained and well-behaved dog. But the traditional ways of training dogs isn't easy. You have to take your dog to training classes, or hire a professional trainer. Some of these trainers use aversive training methods such as prong collars, which causes stress and frustrations.

The good news is that the rise of dog training apps has brought a revolution in dog training. You can connect with trainers online and then do the actual training yourself. Here are some of the best dog training apps for 2024 and how they can help you train your dog on the go.

The Best Dog Training Apps for 2024

 

The pet care industry is fast growing, and it's valued at around $232 billion. The industry's value is expected to reach around $350 billion by 2027. That is around 6.1% annual growth rate.

Statistics show that around 31% of the customer base is made of millennials.

So, there is a high chance apps will continue rising as the basic tool for dog training. But not all apps are the same. In this guide, we'll share the features of good training apps and compare some of the popular options in the market.

Key Things to Consider in a Dog Training App

Like other software, dog training apps come with variations in complexity, features, and pricing. This makes some more effective than others. So, before getting a dog training app subscription, make sure to check whether it meets the following things.

User Interface

You'll be interacting with the user interface when using the app. The interface can be visual elements like buttons and controls or voice-based commands. As a rule of thumb, you want an interface that is simple and intuitive. Go for an app that allows you to complete the training session in a few clicks and voice commands. This allows you to focus more on dog training than using the app.

Training Videos

The aim is to do what dog training experts do. There is no better way of knowing what to do than getting good instructional videos. For instance, if you are training your dog for obedience, you want to see how professionals achieve this using positive reinforcement training methods.

So, the more instructional videos an app offers, the better. Something worth mentioning is that you don't want an app that offers extra long videos. You can't scan through videos and jump right into the part you need as you would do with text-based guides.

That means you will need to watch the entire video. Go for an application that offers short clips that get you right into what to do.

Versatility

A simple user interface doesn't mean the application needs to be simple. You want an advanced and versatile application that covers almost all aspects of dog training, exercises, and behavior issues.

Also, the app should cover the entire training, from basics to advanced tricks. That way, you won't fill your phone with many training apps or spend money subscribing to multiple apps.

However, note that some apps won't have all the features unlocked at first. For instance, some apps will have basic features in their free version, standard features in their paid version, and advanced features in the premium version. We will get more into that when talking about pricing.

Compatibility and Security

Many developers design apps for both iOS and Android operating systems. But that's not always the case. You can find an Android app without a corresponding iOS version and vice versa. Or an Android app that lacks some features similar to those of its iOS counterpart.

Another thing is security. Avoid apps that need to be downloaded directly from third party websites instead of App Store and Google Play store. It doesn't mean they are cyber attacks, but you can't be sure of their security. Don't take chances. We recommend first checking that the app is in Google and Apple stores before paying for it.

Updates

The app update is a controversial topic. Updating the app is like installing the latest software without downloading the whole package afresh and losing your settings. Most developers analyze the user reviews and feedback and then use the data to know the changes they need to make.

For instance, there might be a bug that developers never knew about, but fix it in the updates. Or, there's a new dog training trick, and they incorporate the new feature in the newer releases. Another thing is that the operating systems are ever evolving. For instance, both Android and iOS release their new versions every year.

Most of these newer versions aren't backward compatible, and won't support apps designed for the older versions. Developers usually make their apps compatible with the newer OS versions, seal the newer loopholes hackers might use to breach your privacy and security, take advantage of the latest OS and device features, and then get that into your app through updates.

That's why you need to get an app that receives occasional updates. The reason we said it's a controversial topic is because frequent updates aren't good. You don't want an app that asks for updates almost every time you're starting a training session. Also, the updates shouldn't be overly forced.

Don't go for an app that exits itself when you don't update it now and then. We recommend apps that update in the background once you're connected on the Internet, without interfering with the training session.

Online Community

Dogs are unique, so the issues dog owners face during training. You might face an issue that the developers never addressed in the app and the experts in the instructional videos never talk about. That's where an online community comes in.

Most of the issues we consider unique are almost always a repeat. Somebody somewhere had faced the same issue and probably found a solution. An app that connects you with the online community allows you to chat about these issues, exchange ideas and tactics, ask questions, get suggestions, and get feedback on your dog training performance.

Another advantage is that some of the online community members are professional dog trainers. That means you can still get professional help absolutely free. That way, you won't need to go around forums and social media platforms like Facebook looking for dog training tips.

Pricing

The app developers need compensation for their hard work. Usually, the compensation is in two ways: monthly subscription, or a free version that shows ads. As we mentioned, most apps will give you a limited free version, a short free trial for the paid version, and a high-end premium version. Go through the app's pricing to make sure the features are worth the pricing.

Comparison of Top Dog Training Apps

We have talked about the features to look out for when getting a dog training app, but it's overwhelming to go through tons of apps trying to see which has the best features and fair pricing. We have done the hard part for you. Here are the best training apps and how their features compare.

Puppr

Puppr is probably the most popular training apps in 2024. This app is for both Android and iOS, so it doesn't matter the platform you're using. The app comes with more than 100 lessons, which allows you to train your furry friend from the basics such as potty training, to advanced things like sports and agility missions.

The app gives you a weekly puppy guide and master classes on advanced tricks. The app also allows you to chat with the training professionals. That means you'll get personalized human support whenever you face challenges in your dog training journey.

The app doesn't have time limitations, so you'll train the dog at your most convenient time. There is a free version that allows you to train basic commands and tricks for free. This is a great option for people on a budget. Premium features are also available for a limited one week free trial period.

The downside is that the masterclass and weekly puppy guide feature aren't available on the Android platform. Another thing is that you have to part with $22.99 per month or $99.99 per year for the premium version subscription plan.

Pupford

Pupford is more of an online dog training academy. It gives you access to guides and resources that will help you in dog training. Just like Puppr, the resources are comprehensive, covering both the basics, like leash walking, and advanced things, like jumping on people.

The instructional videos are divided into modules, making it easier to pick the right module depending on the dog's level of training. The instructions are both in audio and text. This makes it easier to jump right into the information you need. The platform is also easier to use.

For instance, you can simply pick Leash Talking from the list of courses on the platform, and that'll take you right into the leash walking course. The platform also offers some basic courses absolutely free. However, for you to access the premium resources, you need to pay a subscription of $9.99 per month. But this fee is still a little cheaper compared to Puppr.

GoodPup

The GoodPup app was developed in 2018, aiming to make dog training accessible, affordable, and simple for every dog owner. The training team in GoodPup is led by Kait Hembree, a professional dog behaviorist with vast experience dealing with animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and behavior modification.

The app gives you one-on-one live training sessions with this team of experienced dog trainers. To get started with the app, you will first need to answer some questions about your dog's current level of training, such as its response crate training, potty training, healthcare needs, what makes it stressed, and its behavioral state.

That way, the team knows the best training program for your furry friend, and knows where to get started. If the dog completes all the training successfully, it will get the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen certificate. Generally, this app is like hiring the traditional dog trainer, only that the training is conducted online.

On the downside, GoodPup is the most expensive option compared to the above competitors. You'll need to part with $34 per week for the training, and the training runs for 8 to 10 weeks. That is around $306.

Once you stop making your weekly payments, you lose all access to the platform. However, if you're not satisfied with their services after the subscription, you can get a refund anytime during the first month.

Dogo

The Dogo app gives you access to more than 100 training exercises. The app is generally based on treats when the dog obeys commands. So, to improve effectiveness, the app comes with a built-in clicker. This helps to reduce the training time by up to 40%.

The best thing about Dogo is the access to a large online community of around 4 million members. All these dog parents can help share valuable training tips. When you sign up on the platform, you'll need to fill out a questionnaire to help gauge the kind of training your pup needs.

This can range from basic commands like Place, Down, Stay and Sit, to things like leash walking and no biting. After filling the questionnaire, the app will populate your account with the relevant lesson plans, step-by-step guides and instructional videos.

You can also work with a certified trainer, where you send training videos and get feedback. The app costs $9.99 per week, $29.99 per month, or $49.99 per three months. New customers usually get a 50% discount during the first billing period.

Pros and Cons of Using Apps for Training

Dog training apps are a technological advancement that is revolutionizing dog training. They are not a total replacement for traditional training but complement it to make training a lot easier and more effective. Here are some of the advantages of using apps for training. 

• Systematic training: The app gives you step-by-step training guides. This makes the training systematic and professional, starting with basics and going your way up to the advanced tricks.
• Performance feedback: The app allows you to track your dog's training performance. This allows you to know how to tweak the training and when to proceed to the next training level.
• Cost-effective: Even if most high-quality dog training apps require subscription plans, they are still cheaper compared to hiring a dog professional dog trainer.
• Hands-on training: Using training apps means it's more hands-on compared to hiring a trainer. This creates a stronger bond.
• Gives you training knowledge: Training is a continuous process, and you will need to keep reinforcing the training in the future. Because you'll be watching the instructional videos and doing the training yourself, you'll gain expertise over time. This makes it easier to reinforce the training in the future or train a new dog.
• Convenient: Professional dog trainers need scheduling, and it's not so easy to adjust these schedules. Training apps give you the flexibility to set your own training sessions and adjust them the way you want. So, the training goes at your own pace. However, we still recommend that you keep the training sessions frequent and consistent.

Cons

Like any other technology, these apps aren't perfect, and you can expect the following cons.

• Lack of technological consistency: As we said, there are many variations in dog training apps. As a result, it's difficult to know which app has the best features and which has access to the best resources and online community. That means you might be using outdated features and resources without knowing.
• Complex user interface: Many of the training apps don't use the latest machine learning for advanced voice control. That means you'll need to navigate the app's features on the go.
• Security: Although you can get some security assurance by getting the app from the Google and Apple Stores, it's still hard to know how secure the app is.

App Reviews and User Testimonials

App reviews and testimonials are the true reflection of how good or bad the app is to dog owners. To start with, Puppr has a rating of 4.8 stars in the App Store, out of over 24K users. One of the users testified how the app helped train a deaf dog in around 3 days.

When we look at Pupford, we see a wide user base of over 2 million pet parents. One of the new dog owners says she was able to train her furry friends in around 30 days using this app. That's impressive compared to traditional training.

The same is reflected in GoodPup. It has a good history, having helped to train over 80K dogs. The app has an impressive user rating of 4.8 stars on the App Store. One of the users recommends the app after being able to meet one of the dog trainers in less than an hour after signup.

We get similar ratings for Dogo. The app has a 4.7 star rating on Google Play Store and 4.8 star rating on App Store. One of the users testified how the app helped him train a Shi Zu that has a hearing problem.

Conclusion

Training determines the success or failure of your furry friend. Remember, training is a lifelong process that requires commitment. The good news is that training apps are revolutionizing the process. You can now train the dog at your convenience time, get tips and ideas from professionals and online communities, and gauge the training performance.