Top Dog Training Apps for New Pet Owners

Top Dog Training Apps for New Pet Owners: Training a new dog can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re bringing home a fluffy puppy or adopting an older rescue, consistent, positive training is essential for building a strong bond, encouraging good behavior, and preventing future problems.

Luckily, in today’s digital age, you don’t have to do it alone. There are dog training apps that bring professional guidance, customizable routines, and progress tracking right to your fingertips.

This guide covers the best dog training apps for beginners, detailing their key features, pros and cons, cost, and ideal use cases plus answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Top 7 Dog Training Apps for Beginners

1. Pupford

Best for: Step-by-step obedience training with video support
Platform: iOS & Android
Price: Free core course; premium version available

Overview:
Pupford is an all-in-one dog training app developed in partnership with professional dog trainer Zak George. It includes a 30-day free training course perfect for beginners, complete with daily lessons, video tutorials, and behavior troubleshooting.

Features:

• 30-day Positive Reinforcement Training Course
• Video-based lessons (5–10 mins)
• Sections for leash pulling, jumping, barking, recall, etc.
• Built-in progress tracker
• Treat shop and product recommendations

Pros:
Clear, easy-to-follow instructions
Suitable for puppies and older dogs
Backed by a well-known trainer
Active online community for support

Cons:
Advanced lessons require payment
Some users report occasional app glitches

Ideal for: First-time dog owners who want structured, video-based guidance.

2. Dogo

Best for: Trick training, daily routines, and certification
Platform: iOS & Android
Price: Free basic plan; premium from $9.99/month

Overview:
Dogo is one of the most popular dog training apps with a clean interface and science-based approach. It offers a wide range of lessons—from sit and stay to high-five, leash walking, and crate training. You can also submit videos for real-time feedback from professional trainers.

Features:

• Over 100 training commands
• Daily task lists and reminders
• “Ask a Trainer” feature with video feedback
• Clicker tool and sound markers
• Behavior-specific plans (barking, biting, anxiety)

Pros:
Interactive and customizable
Great for teaching fun tricks
Certified trainers provide personalized support
Excellent user interface

Cons:
Most features require premium subscription
Limited content in free version

Ideal for: Owners who want a digital training assistant and daily structure.

3. GoodPup

Best for: 1-on-1 live training with certified professionals
Platform: iOS, Android, Web
Price: Free 7-day trial, then ~$30/week for live sessions

Overview:
GoodPup offers weekly live video training with professional dog trainers, making it the most personalized app on this list. It’s particularly useful for behavior issues that need real-time support, like aggression, reactivity, or anxiety.

Features:

• 30-minute live training sessions
• Custom training plans
• Daily practice goals
• In-app chat with your assigned trainer
• Health support options

Pros:
Real-time coaching for serious behavior issues
Flexible scheduling
Highly personalized
Excellent for reactive or rescue dogs

Cons:
Expensive for long-term use
No offline access or self-guided lessons

Ideal for: New pet parents who need hands-on guidance and accountability.

4. Pup to Date

Best for: Routine building and daily checklists
Platform: iOS only
Price: Free with optional in-app purchases

Overview:
This app is great for staying on top of your dog’s training, feeding, walking, medication, and vet appointments. While it’s not a lesson-based trainer like Pupford, it helps new owners create consistent schedules and routines.

Features:

• Customizable routine builder
• Appointment and feeding reminders
• Training logs
• Health and vaccination tracking

Pros:
Helps build consistency
Great for families sharing care
Syncs routines with other users

Cons:
Limited actual training content
iOS only (no Android version yet)

Ideal for: Organized owners or families co-managing a puppy.

READ ALSO: 5 Ways to Keep Your Cat’s Coat Shiny and Healthy

5. EveryDoggy

Best for: Comprehensive, science-based training with real-time support
Platform: iOS & Android
Price: Free trial; premium subscription from $14.99/month

Overview:
EveryDoggy offers a well-rounded blend of professional training, behavior correction, and fun exercises. Lessons are categorized by age, experience level, and behavior type.

Features:

• 70+ lessons and tricks
• Potty training, leash manners, separation anxiety guides
• Clicker functionality
• Audio cues for dogs
• Trainer feedback via community

Pros:
Ideal for both puppies and adult dogs
Offers plans for behavior issues
Clean UI and tracking tools

Cons:
Subscription model is more expensive than some alternatives
Not as interactive as GoodPup

Ideal for: Owners seeking a one-stop-shop for all training needs.

6. Pocket Puppy School

Best for: Bite-sized puppy training lessons
Platform: iOS & Android
Price: One-time purchase (~$3–$5)

Overview:
This budget-friendly app provides easy, digestible lessons tailored to puppies. It’s beginner-friendly and ideal for people who want to focus on the basics without a recurring subscription.

Features:

• Step-by-step text lessons
• Clicker tool
• Tips on toilet training, socialization, basic obedience
• Reminder feature

Pros:
One-time purchase, no subscription
Simple and to the point
Designed for very young dogs

Cons:
No video content
Not comprehensive for advanced training

Ideal for: First-time puppy owners on a budget.

7. PetCoach by Petco

Best for: Quick advice from veterinarians and trainers
Platform: iOS & Android
Price: Free

Overview:
While not a dedicated training app, PetCoach allows you to ask questions about training, health, behavior, and diet especially useful for beginners who want reassurance or second opinions.

Features:

• Ask questions to certified professionals
• Health, nutrition, and behavior advice
• Articles and guides

Pros:
Great for multi-topic support
No cost
Backed by a large pet retailer

Cons:
Not a structured training system
No interactivity or video tutorials

Ideal for: Owners who want a general support resource in addition to training apps.

FAQs

Can I really train my dog using just an app?

Yes if the app is structured and you stay consistent. Apps like Pupford and Dogo offer proven training methods, and live support apps like GoodPup help with behavioral problems. However, in-person help may be needed for serious aggression or fear issues.

Which app is best for potty training?

Pupford and Dogo both offer potty training lessons. For routine-building and reminders, Pup to Date is helpful too.

Are free dog training apps effective?

Many free apps include solid basic training (like Pupford), but advanced support and feedback often require paid upgrades. Free content is great to get started, though.

Do I need a clicker if the app has one built-in?

A physical clicker can be more reliable in real-world settings, but digital clickers within apps (like in Dogo or EveryDoggy) are fine for casual training at home.

Is GoodPup worth the price?

If you’re dealing with behavioral issues or need real-time coaching, yes. You get direct access to professionals. For casual training, more affordable apps are sufficient.

Are these apps suitable for older dogs too?

Yes! Dogs of any age can learn. Many apps offer adult-specific programs focusing on obedience, enrichment, and behavior correction.

Can I use multiple dog training apps at once?

You can, but it’s better to stick to one for consistency. If needed, use a combo like Pupford (training) + Pup to Date (routine tracker).