Best Puppy Training Programs

Pros

• services.petsmart.com/Training 2026-09-07 lists Puppy Training as its own core class: (10 wks to 5 mths old), $149, 6-week introductory class for basic skills, communication & socialization; skills include leash manners and tips for barking/nipping. Same PDP also prints Fundamental Package $249 (Puppy or Beginner + Intermediate) and Premium Package $355 (Puppy or Beginner + Intermediate + Advanced). StartSmart™ 1-hour workshop $25 covers potty, crate, socialization, vet/groomer tips. Book by store zip.
• learn-more-pet-training: Puppy is a 6-week introductory course for puppies 10 weeks to 5 months; cues include Sit, Down, Wait, walking nicely on a leash, Come When Called, Leave It. Accredited Pet Trainers; positive reinforcement named. Gear: 4–6 ft leather/nylon leash (no retractable or chain); buckle collar, head halter or harness; no choke, prong, pinch, or electronic collars. Vaccines: DPP with adenovirus and rabies (age-appropriate), written proof, 48-hour rule. Aggressive dogs are not allowed in class; nervous-but-not-aggressive dogs may attend or take a free 15-minute evaluation.
• FAQ: typically 4–6 dogs; about copy also 4–10. Retake within 90 days if not satisfied; prorated refunds until the start of a second course in a 6-week class. Make-up: work with your trainer. Afterpay named. No membership required to book.

Cons

• The U.S. Training PDP we scored does not name iOS/Android or a Zoom product for this Puppy track — ease app/online points are zero. Classes may be limited and in select stores.
• PetSmart does not market this track as an official AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy title class on the Training PDP (Advanced reviews AKC CGC/CGN steps — that is not this Puppy row). We do not invent CPDT letters; the page says Accredited Pet Trainers.
• A group class is not a diagnosis. Bite history and aggression are out of group class on PetSmart’s learn-more page. Pain and sudden behavior change belong with a veterinarian. Confirm the local store’s schedule and vaccine list.

Score breakdown

Specs

Format

In-store 6-week group (1 hr) Puppy track plus StartSmart workshop / privates. Not a self-paced video academy.

Method

Positive reinforcement (Training page + learn-more). No choke, prong, pinch, or electronic collars in class.

Curriculum

Puppy 10 weeks–5 months: Sit, Down, Wait, leash manners, Come, Leave It, socialization, nipping/barking tips.

Credentials

Accredited Pet Trainers (official wording). We do not invent additional letters.

Class Size

FAQ typically 4–6; about copy 4–10 dogs.

Health

DPP+adenovirus and rabies; 48-hour rule; written proof. Aggressive dogs not allowed in group class.

Coach

Live in-store trainer. Make-up session named.

Apps

Not named as iOS+Android on the U.S. Training PDP.

Refund

Retake 90 days if not satisfied; prorated refund until start of second week/session in the stated policy.

Msrp

$149 / 6-week Puppy Training on services.petsmart.com/Training 2026-09-07

Overlap Note

Same brand as dog-training-programs #1; this row ranks the Puppy (10 wks–5 mo) SKU only.

Score Notes

quality 10 = puppy PDP + curriculum + method + live trainer + store locator. safety 10 = PR + vaccines/aggression rule + Accredited + class size. ease 8 = nationwide + bookable + make-up/retake, no app/Zoom on this page. value 10 = listed USD + from-price + no membership + refund/retake.

Pros

• stores.petco.com/training is a U.S. training locator. Live Durham, NC store PDP 2026-09-07 prints In Store Group Classes 6-weeks at $149 (as low as $24.83 per class): Puppy 8 to 16 weeks old — potty training process, proper socialization, foundational cues like sit/down/come. Beginner 16 weeks–6 months continues puppy work (loose-leash, leave it, wait). Private Lesson 101 $39 new customers; 4 sessions $249; 6 sessions $329 with “certified trainer” on the private block. Book Now on that page.
• Store copy and FAQ: group and private classes built around positive reinforcement — “rewarding good behavior rather than punishing unwanted behavior.” FAQ What do puppy training classes cover?: foundational skills (sit, come, leash walking), potty/chewing problem-solving, socialization, confidence-building. Proof of vaccinations required (Vetco named as one option). FAQ: group classes have a max of 4 dogs.
• Cancellation FAQ: full refund up to the start of the second class; after that they say they will make sure you reach your training goals — even if it means retaking the class for free. No membership required to book. National location list on stores.petco.com/training.

Cons

• www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/c/puppy-training and national petco-dog-training HTML returned 403 from this research host, so Zoom/online puppy copy from those URLs is not scored here. The Durham store PDP does not name iOS/Android — ease app/online points are zero. Prices can vary by store.
• Trainer FAQ: “rigorous training” and breed/behavior experience — we do not invent CPDT-KA. No written group-class aggression ban in so many words; FAQ says discuss specific issues with the trainer. No choke/prong gear ban printed the way PetSmart prints it.
• A four-dog group class is still a class, not a behavior diagnosis. Pain, bite history, and sudden change belong with a veterinarian or a credentialed behavior professional. Confirm your store’s vaccine list and schedule.

Score breakdown

Specs

Format

In-store 6-week group (1 hr, max 4 dogs) Puppy 8–16 weeks plus Beginner 16 weeks–6 months and privates. Online/Zoom not scored (national pages 403).

Method

Positive reinforcement / reward good behavior (store PDP + FAQ).

Curriculum

Puppy 8–16 weeks: potty, socialization, sit/down/come. Beginner 16 weeks–6 months: loose-leash, leave it, wait, tricks/games.

Credentials

“Certified trainer” on private packages; FAQ “rigorous training.” No extra letters invented.

Class Size

Max 4 dogs (Durham FAQ).

Health

Proof of vaccinations required. No written group-class aggression ban on that FAQ.

Coach

Live in-store trainer. Free retake after the second-class refund window.

Apps

Not named on the store training PDP we scored.

Refund

Full refund until start of second class; then free retake (store FAQ).

Msrp

$149 / 6-week Puppy group on the Durham store PDP 2026-09-07

Overlap Note

Same brand as dog-training-programs #2; this row ranks the Puppy 8–16 weeks track.

Score Notes

quality 10 = locator+store PDP + puppy curriculum + method + live + U.S. locator. safety 10 = PR + vaccines + certified named + class size 4. ease 8 = nationwide locator + bookable + retake, no app/Zoom on scored page. value 10 = listed USD + from-price + no membership + refund/retake.

Pros

• baxterandbella.com Lifetime MEMBERS ONLY Access PDP 2026-09-07 lists $238.00. Membership never expires and includes signature STEP-BY-STEP TRAINING PROGRAMS covering Housetraining, Manners, Obedience, Leadership and Socialization; more than 75 lessons; hundreds of how-to videos; virtual classes & courses; training games; socialization ideas; printable charts.
• Same PDP names Unlimited LIVE! one-on-one Video Sessions, Unlimited LIVE! one-on-one Phone Calls, Unlimited LIVE! Group Q&A Events (weekly Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays), and Unlimited LIVE! Courses including a 6 week Puppy Course, Games & Activities, Intermediate, and AKC Canine Good Citizen Prep Course. Learn-more copy describes effective positive training.
• Fully online U.S. consumer checkout; one-time lifetime fee (no monthly membership required for access). Instant enroll on the product page. Ask the Trainer and Puppy Parent Forum named as included resources.

Cons

• The scored membership PDP does not print a dated money-back window (days) in the purchase block we captured — Returns and Refunds is a separate site link. Value refund points are zero this pass. No vaccine/group-health rules (online).
• We do not invent CPDT or other letters; the page says a team of professional trainers. Not an in-person socialization ring — live help is remote video/phone/group events.
• A membership and a 6-week Puppy Course are not a behavior diagnosis. Aggression, bite history, and pain belong with a veterinarian or a credentialed behavior professional.

Score breakdown

Specs

Format

Online lifetime membership with step-by-step programs + LIVE 1:1 + weekly Q&A + named 6-week Puppy Course.

Method

Positive training (learn-more page).

Curriculum

Housetraining, Manners, Obedience, Leadership, Socialization; LIVE 6-week Puppy Course named on the PDP.

Credentials

Team of professional trainers (official wording). No extra letters invented.

Class Size

1:1 live sessions named; group LIVE courses/Q&A also named.

Health

Online — no vaccine requirement on the membership PDP.

Coach

Unlimited LIVE 1:1 video/phone + weekly group Q&A + Ask the Trainer.

Apps

Mobile app access named on learn-more resource copy.

Refund

Returns/Refunds page linked site-wide; dated window not printed on the scored $238 PDP.

Msrp

$238.00 Lifetime Membership 2026-09-07

Score Notes

quality 10 = PDP + puppy curriculum + positive method + live 1:1/Q&A + app. safety 7 = positive + credentials + 1:1 (no vaccines). ease 10 = online + bookable + self-paced + Zoom/live. value 7 = listed USD + from-price + no required sub; no dated refund on PDP.

Pros

• spiritdogtraining.com/online-dog-training 2026-09-07 catalog lists Super Puppy MONEY BACK GUARANTEE at Current price $197.00 (Original $407.00). Copy: raise the puppy from day one; avoid common behavior problems; potty training, chewing, biting, obedience; includes structured puppy path + socialization guide; outcome framed as a calm, confident, well-behaved puppy. Homepage also lists Super Puppy at $197.
• Catalog and FAQ: positive, practical, step-by-step instruction; 10-minute daily lesson framing site-wide; unlimited questions to the trainer in the comments; pre-recorded access anytime. FAQ: if unhappy, refund within the first 60 days; catalog cards also say 30-day money-back on courses.
• Fully online U.S. consumer checkout; no required membership for the Super Puppy SKU; instant add-to-cart on the catalog. Separate Ultimate Puppy Program funnel pages print $49 with 8 modules — we scored the catalog Super Puppy SKU, not the timer sales funnel.

Cons

• Safety points stop at the named positive method: no vaccine rules, no named class-size/1:1 session, and no CPDT-style credential letters on the Super Puppy card (Steffi Trott is named as head trainer site-wide — we do not invent board certs).
• Pre-recorded video plus comment Q&A is not the same as an in-store puppy kindergarten ring. Super Puppy product hub /super-puppy/ returned thin content this pass — we scored the live catalog card.
• A puppy video course is not a diagnosis. Reactivity/aggression and bite history belong with a veterinarian or a credentialed behavior professional — not a DIY checkout alone.

Score breakdown

Specs

Format

Self-paced online video course (Super Puppy catalog SKU).

Method

Positive step-by-step (catalog + FAQ).

Curriculum

Potty, chewing, nipping/biting, crate anxiety, structured puppy path, socialization guide (catalog copy).

Credentials

Head trainer Steffi Trott named site-wide. No extra letters invented.

Class Size

Self-paced; trainer Q&A in comments (not a numbered group class).

Health

Online — no vaccine requirement on the catalog card.

Coach

Unlimited questions in comments (FAQ).

Apps

Access on mobile or computer named site-wide.

Refund

Catalog 30-day money-back; FAQ 60 days.

Msrp

$197 current / $407 original on /online-dog-training 2026-09-07

Overlap Note

Same brand as dog-training-programs #3; this row ranks Super Puppy only.

Score Notes

quality 9 = puppy PDP + curriculum + method + comment Q&A + online. safety 3 = positive method only. ease 10 = online + bookable + self-paced + mobile/computer. value 10 = listed USD + from-price + no membership + money-back window.

Pros

• dunbaracademy.com Essential Puppy Training Course PDP 2026-09-07: one-time $200 lifetime access, or Top Dog Academy $20/month for this course plus other courses and a private Facebook group. 30-day money-back guarantee. Organized into 5 developmental stages with 100+ step-by-step videos, downloadable documents, and short quizzes.
• Stages named on the PDP: (1) Household Training — potty, crate, chew toys, settled alone; (2) Confidence Training — socialization, desensitization, outings, handling, grooming; (3) Lure-Reward Training — useful skills on cue; (4) Motivation and Reliability — phase out food lures, life rewards; (5) Life Skills — distractions and harder set-ups. Page says ideally start at 8–16 weeks; still useful for older pups.
• SIRIUS® Puppy Training founded 1982 by Dr. Ian Dunbar; Kelly Gorman Dunbar and Jamie Dunbar credited for distilling the Essential course. siriuspup.com states the Essential course is included free for three months with every SIRIUS class and sells stand-alone on Dunbar Academy for $200.

Cons

• Stand-alone Dunbar Academy purchase is pre-recorded — no live Zoom/1:1 on this PDP (live is a SIRIUS class add-on). Ease app/Zoom points on this page are zero beyond fully online access. Safety vaccines/class-size points are zero (online).
• We do not invent CPDT letters; credentials scored from named Dunbar/SIRIUS founders on the page. Top Dog Academy $20/month is a membership option — the $200 one-time path needs no ongoing membership.
• An online developmental curriculum is not a behavior diagnosis. Fear, aggression, and bite history belong with a veterinarian or a credentialed behavior professional.

Score breakdown

Specs

Format

Self-paced online course (100+ videos, docs, quizzes). Optional Top Dog Academy subscription.

Method

Lure-Reward Training named as Stage 3; SIRIUS force-free puppy-class lineage on the PDP.

Curriculum

5 stages: Household, Confidence, Lure-Reward, Motivation/Reliability, Life Skills; ideal start 8–16 weeks.

Credentials

Dr. Ian Dunbar / Kelly Gorman Dunbar / Jamie Dunbar / SIRIUS® named on the PDP. No extra letters invented.

Class Size

Self-paced online (not a numbered group class on this PDP).

Health

Online — no vaccine requirement on this PDP.

Coach

Pre-recorded on stand-alone purchase; Top Dog Academy adds Facebook group (not 1:1 Zoom on this PDP).

Apps

Not named as iOS+Android on the course PDP.

Refund

30-day money-back guarantee.

Msrp

$200 lifetime or $20/month Top Dog Academy 2026-09-07

Score Notes

quality 8 = PDP + curriculum + lure-reward method + online (no live on stand-alone). safety 5 = lure-reward/positive + named founders (no vaccines/class size). ease 8 = online + enroll + self-paced (no app/Zoom on PDP). value 10 = listed USD + from-price + no required membership on $200 path + 30-day refund.

Pros

• siriuspup.com/classes/puppy-kindergarten-in-person 2026-09-07: Puppy Kindergarten for puppies 8–12 weeks (56–84 days) old on the first day of class. $249 for 5 weekly 50-minute sessions. Instant access to on-demand online puppy training videos plus an expert trainer for housetraining, puppy biting, chewing, or separation anxiety questions.
• In-class focus: socialization for confident/friendly temperament; Lure Reward Training for Come, Sit, Down, Stand, Stay, Off (leave it), Take It, Thank you (release) with food lures/rewards. Vaccine policy cites AVSAB guidelines: minimum one set of vaccines including Distemper and Parvo at least 7 days prior, first deworming, stay up-to-date; proof required. Handlers: at least one adult per puppy.
• Locations listed on the page: Berkeley, Concord, Palo Alto, San Rafael, Santa Clara, San Ramon. Schedule search with preferred location/day. Continues to Puppy Training I at 12–18 weeks. Essential Puppy Training Course included with SIRIUS class enrollment (also sold separately on Dunbar Academy).

Cons

• Bay Area / listed California locations only — not a nationwide U.S. store chain. Ease nationwide points are zero. Refund/cancel window not printed on the Kindergarten PDP we scored.
• Class size number is not printed on this page (family/handler rules are). We do not invent CPDT letters; page says experienced puppy trainer.
• A kindergarten class is not a diagnosis. Keep young pups off public ground per the page’s own infection-risk note until vaccine timing allows. Pain/aggression belong with a veterinarian.

Score breakdown

Specs

Format

In-person 5×50-minute Puppy Kindergarten + included online Essential Puppy videos.

Method

Lure Reward Training (official page wording).

Curriculum

Socialization + Come/Sit/Down/Stand/Stay/Off/Take It/Thank you; housetraining/biting/chewing/separation support via online + trainer Q&A.

Credentials

Experienced puppy trainer (page wording); SIRIUS® founded by Dr. Ian Dunbar (related Essential course page).

Class Size

Not numerically published on this PDP; ≥1 adult handler per puppy.

Health

AVSAB-aligned: ≥1 Distemper+Parvo set ≥7 days prior; deworming; proof; stay current.

Coach

Live in-person trainer + expert Q&A for common puppy issues.

Apps

On-demand online videos included; not scored as iOS+Android app names.

Refund

Not printed on the Kindergarten PDP this pass.

Msrp

$249 / 5 sessions 2026-09-07

Score Notes

quality 10 = PDP + kindergarten curriculum + lure-reward + live + location list. safety 8 = lure-reward + AVSAB vaccines + experienced trainer (no class-size number). ease 5 = bookable + included online videos (not nationwide; no app/Zoom points). value 7 = listed USD + from-price + no membership; no refund window on PDP.

Pros

• pupford.com/pages/30-day-perfect-pup-with-zak-george 2026-09-07: Zak George + Pupford 30-Day Perfect Pup — 100% FREE, no credit card required, unlimited access forever on the Pupford app and website. 30 in-depth videos; exclusive private Facebook community (57K+) for questions; framed for first-time and experienced pup parents; all ages & breeds stated.
• Page: positive-reinforcement style online training class. Zak George bio on-page (#1 Amazon dog-training book claim, YouTube trainer, TV). Accessible worldwide. Pupford Academy page names positive reinforcement training and the free Pupford app; Academy Lifetime PDP lists Android & iOS app access.
• Optional upsell Pupford Academy+ Lifetime $99.99 (one-time) for 10+ courses — not required for the free 30 Day Perfect Pup course. No membership required for the free course.

Cons

• Safety stops at the named positive-reinforcement method: no vaccines, no numbered class size, no CPDT-style letters on the free course page. Facebook community is peer/support — not the same as a live in-store trainer.
• Course FAQ says tools work for any age dog — it is puppy-branded but not limited to under-6-months. Free course has no refund window (N/A); we do not invent a paid guarantee onto the free SKU.
• A free video series is not a diagnosis. Aggression, bite history, and pain belong with a veterinarian or a credentialed behavior professional.

Score breakdown

Specs

Format

Free self-paced 30-day video course on web + Pupford app; optional paid Academy+.

Method

Positive-reinforcement style (course page).

Curriculum

30 daily videos covering puppy/dog foundations (sit/stay and related skills named in testimonials; page positions as comprehensive 30-day program).

Credentials

Zak George named on the PDP with public trainer bio claims. No CPDT letters invented.

Class Size

Self-paced; Facebook community for questions.

Health

Online — no vaccine requirement.

Coach

Facebook community support; not a booked 1:1 trainer on this free PDP.

Apps

Pupford app iOS & Android named on Academy Lifetime PDP; course accessible on app/web.

Refund

Free course — no purchase refund; Academy+ references Pupford Promise separately.

Msrp

$0 free course; Academy+ Lifetime $99.99 optional 2026-09-07

Overlap Note

Same brand as dog-training-programs Pupford Academy; this row ranks the free 30 Day Perfect Pup course page.

Score Notes

quality 8 = free puppy PDP + 30-day curriculum + PR method + apps (no live 1:1). safety 3 = PR only. ease 10 = online + enroll + self-paced + app. value 7 = published $0 + from-price + no membership; no refund points on free SKU.

Pros

• academy.dogmantics.com/products/courses/puppytraining 2026-09-07: The Complete Guide to Puppy Training — $65.00, 17 Chapters, 45 Lessons. Covers essential skills and problem behaviors; adjust the plan to the puppy’s personality. Addresses mouthing, chewing, house training, separation, overexcitement early.
• Curriculum structure on the PDP: first 3 days (loose in house, house training, initial separation); first 6 weeks (problem behaviors, mindful socialization, puppy training essentials — settle, recall, leash games, stop biting/handling, crate/pen, drop it, leave it, resource-guarding prevention); next 3 months (add criteria, out-and-about). PDF download of the written course included.
• Academy home: Emily Larlham / Kikopup, San Diego Dogmantics; Progressive Reinforcement Training and free tutorials that do not involve physical or psychological intimidation. Instant online enroll at $65; no required membership.

Cons

• Pre-recorded Thinkific course — no live Zoom/1:1 or numbered class size on this PDP. No vaccine rules (online). Refund/money-back window not printed on the puppy course PDP this pass — value refund points are zero.
• We do not invent CPDT letters; credentials are Emily Larlham / Kikopup / Progressive Reinforcement as stated on academy.dogmantics.com.
• A self-paced puppy course is not a diagnosis. Resource guarding, aggression, and bite history belong with a veterinarian or a credentialed behavior professional.

Score breakdown

Specs

Format

Self-paced online course (17 chapters / 45 lessons) + PDF handouts.

Method

Progressive Reinforcement Training; no physical or psychological intimidation (academy home).

Curriculum

First 3 days, first 6 weeks, next 3 months — house training, socialization, settle, recall, leash, biting/handling, crate, leave it, resource-guarding prevention, criteria building.

Credentials

Emily Larlham / Kikopup / Dogmantics (San Diego) named. No extra letters invented.

Class Size

Self-paced (not a group class).

Health

Online — no vaccine requirement.

Coach

Pre-recorded; no live coach named on this PDP.

Apps

Not named as iOS+Android on this PDP.

Refund

Not printed on the puppy course PDP this pass.

Msrp

$65.00 2026-09-07

Overlap Note

Same brand as dog-training-programs Kikopup/Dogmantics; this row ranks The Complete Guide to Puppy Training SKU.

Score Notes

quality 8 = puppy PDP + curriculum + Progressive Reinforcement + online (no live). safety 3 = force-free/PR method only. ease 8 = online + enroll + self-paced (no app). value 7 = listed USD + from-price + no membership; no refund window on PDP.