- Dog training apps at a glance
- Nine dog training apps
- Why rewards work better than telling off
- Puppy courses, trick apps and behaviour help
- A simple daily training routine
- Training mistakes that slow dogs down
- Setting up your home for training
- My plain advice on choosing a dog training app
- Frequently asked questions
The best dog training app gives you short, clear lessons you'll fit into a busy day, using rewards rather than punishment. Check whether it covers your dog's age and problems, how lessons are shown and what the free version includes. Nine apps follow in no particular order, plus a simple routine to follow.
Training a dog is mostly about little and often: a few minutes a day, every day, with something your dog loves as the reward. Apps help because they break skills into steps, remind you to practise and show you what good looks like on video.
The nine apps below are listed alphabetically and in no particular order, from puppy courses to behaviour programmes for older dogs. Each description comes from the app's own website or store listing, re-checked today. If you're working from home with a restless dog, my ideas for puzzle toys for dogs help between sessions.
Dog training apps at a glance
In the free plan column, Yes means the app's own site or store listing describes a free app or free version, Trial only means a time-limited trial and No means neither is stated. Free versions usually open a few lessons and keep full courses for subscribers.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dogo | Clicker training app | Tricks with a built-in clicker | Yes |
| EveryDoggy | Training courses app | Courses for common problems | Yes |
| PawChamp | Personalised programmes | A plan matched to your dog | Yes |
| Pupford | Puppy course app | Week-by-week puppy basics | Yes |
| Puppr | Tricks app | Fun tricks step by step | Yes |
| SpiritDog Training | Online courses | Reactivity and behaviour courses | No |
| Whistle Training by Dogo | Whistle training app | Recall using a whistle | Yes |
| Woofz | Behaviour programmes app | Biting, barking and anxiety plans | Yes |
| Zigzag | Puppy training app | Age-based puppy plans | Yes |
Nine dog training apps
Dogo
Best for: New owners who want short lessons, a clicker on the phone and video feedback from trainers.
EveryDoggy
Best for: Anyone working on pulling, barking or chewing who wants a course built around one problem at a time.
PawChamp
Best for: First-time owners who want a training plan matched to their dog's age, breed and behaviour.
Pupford
Best for: People bringing home a new puppy who want a step-by-step course covering toilet training, crate time and first commands.
Puppr
Best for: Families who want to teach fun tricks with photo steps and a clicker, especially with children joining in.
SpiritDog Training
Best for: Reactive or anxious dog owners who want in-depth video courses from professional trainers they can replay at home.
Whistle Training by Dogo
Best for: Dogs that ignore a shouted name and owners who want to train recall at a distance with a whistle sound.
Woofz
Best for: Households dealing with biting, separation stress or nonstop barking that want a step-by-step behaviour programme to follow.
Zigzag
Best for: Breeders' new families and puppy owners who want daily lessons matched to their puppy's age and breed from the first week home.
Why rewards work better than telling off
The method matters more than the app. The RSPCA says rewarding your dog with treats or praise when they show a behaviour means they're more likely to do it again, and that the better the reward, the more your dog will enjoy training.
What that means for you: pick an app built on reward-based methods and short sessions. Skip anything that suggests shouting, punishment or correction collars, and find out what your dog will work hardest for, whether that's a bit of chicken, a toy or a fuss.
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Puppy courses, trick apps and behaviour help
Puppy course apps take you week by week through toilet training, crate time, name recognition and first commands. Trick apps teach fun skills step by step and are great for families, because children can join in. Behaviour programmes focus on one problem at a time, such as pulling on the lead, barking or worry when left alone.
For a serious problem like aggression or severe anxiety, an app is a supplement, not a substitute for a qualified behaviourist working with your dog in person.
A simple daily training routine
- Pick one skill for the week.
- Train for three to five minutes, two or three times a day.
- Start in a quiet room with no distractions.
- Reward the moment your dog gets it right.
- Finish on a success, even if it's an easy one.
- Practise in the garden, then on walks, once it's solid indoors.
Training mistakes that slow dogs down
- Sessions that are too long. Tired dogs stop learning.
- Rewards that come too late. Reward within a second or two of the right behaviour.
- Different words from different people. Agree on one cue for each command.
- Moving on too fast. Make a skill reliable at home before trying it in the park.
Some habits aren't training problems at all; my piece on why your dog licks you so much explains one of the most common.
Setting up your home for training
Keep treats in small pots around the house so you can reward good behaviour the moment it happens, not just in sessions. A long line for recall practice, a comfortable bed in a quiet spot and a few safe chews all make training easier. And remember that a dog that's had a good walk is usually far easier to teach than one bursting with energy.
Do you make a dog training app? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on choosing a dog training app
Choose the app that matches the problem you have today. A new puppy needs a structured course; an older dog that pulls or barks needs a programme focused on that one habit. Fun trick apps are brilliant for bonding but won't fix a recall problem on their own.
Then commit to short sessions every day for a month before judging it. Consistency from everyone in the house matters far more than which app you pick, so agree on the same cue words and rewards before you start.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best app for dog training?
It depends on your dog. Puppy course apps suit new puppies, behaviour programmes suit specific problems and trick apps suit bonding and fun.
Are dog training apps free?
Most are free to download with a few free lessons; full courses are usually part of a subscription.
Can an app train an older dog?
Yes. Older dogs learn well with rewards; it may just take a little longer to change long-held habits.
How long should a training session be?
Keep sessions short, a few minutes at a time, and stop while your dog is still keen.
Do I need a clicker?
No, but a clicker or a marker word helps your dog know exactly which moment earned the reward.
When should I see a professional?
For aggression, severe anxiety or anything that worries you, see your vet and a qualified behaviourist.
