Online dog trainer schools teach you how to become a dog trainer from home using structured lessons and step-by-step training methods. Many programs are self-paced, so you can train on your own schedule while learning the skills you need to work with real dogs and real clients. Because programs vary widely in cost, depth, and support, it’s important to know what you’re getting before you enroll.
In this post, you’ll learn what online dog trainer schools typically cost, how long they take to complete, what qualifications you need to enroll, and whether these programs provide certification. You’ll have all of your questions answered, and you’ll know how to choose a program that’s right for you.
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How Much Do Online Dog Trainer Schools Cost?
For legitimate online dog trainer education aimed at becoming a paid professional (not casual dog training videos), tuition commonly starts around $2,000 and often ranges from roughly $3,000 to $6,600+ depending on program depth, coaching, and mentorship.
In general, the more direct instructor access and mentorship you get, the higher the tuition tends to be.
If your goal is to train dogs professionally (and charge for it), the real cost question isn’t just, “How cheap can I get this?”—it’s, “Will this program give me the skills and confidence to work with real dogs and real owners?”
Programs with structured coursework, live coaching, and ongoing mentorship often provide more practical value than self-study video libraries.
My recommendation? If you want a flexible, beginner-friendly online school you can start right away, I recommend Doggy Dan’s Dog Trainer Academy. If you want a more intensive, career-focused education with a higher training standard, Western States K9 College is a better fit.
I’ll be giving you more information about these two programs later in this post.
How Long Do Online Dog Trainer Schools Take to Complete?
Online dog trainer schools can take anywhere from a few weeks to 12+ months depending on depth, assignments, and how much hands-on practice you do. Many online programs are self-paced, so you can move faster if you have time—or slower if you’re working a job or caring for family.
A longer program isn’t automatically better—it really depends on your goal. If you want the skills to start offering basic training services as a side hustle, part-time income, or a small dog training business, a shorter, well-structured program may be more than enough to get you moving quickly.
But if you’re aiming for a full-time, higher-paying career as a professional dog trainer—especially if you want deeper expertise and long-term credibility—then a more in-depth program is often the smarter investment.
What Qualifications Do I Need to Enroll in Online Dog Training School?
Most online dog trainer schools don’t require formal prerequisites beyond being an adult with basic reading/writing skills, reliable internet access, and the ability to practice training techniques with dogs. Many programs are designed for beginners and will teach foundations like how dogs learn, how to communicate clearly, and how to solve common behavior problems.
That said, your real “qualification” is commitment: you’ll learn faster if you can devote time to the training consistently. Also, you should be comfortable interacting with people, because professional dog training is largely client education. If a program includes mentoring or coaching, you’ll usually get better results because someone can spot mistakes early—before they become habits.
Do Online Dog Trainer Schools Provide Certification?
Many online dog trainer schools provide a certificate of completion or a “program certification,” but that is not the same thing as an independent, third-party credential. In the dog training industry, there is no single government-required license in most places, so the meaning of “certified” depends on who is issuing it and what standards they use.
For more clarification on certification requirements, read my post, Do You Need Certification to Be a Dog Trainer? The answer is yes and no. No, it’s not legally required in most places, including the US. But you’ll likely earn more money and gain more respect from dog owners if you complete a program that provides a basic certification.
If you do want a widely recognized third-party credential, one example is the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT). Their CPDT-KA exam has eligibility requirements (including logged training experience) and an exam fee. You can review their requirements here.
My Recommendation
If you want a flexible program that’s easy to start and work through from home, my top pick is Doggy Dan’s Dog Trainer Academy. His program is best for aspiring trainers who want a clear step-by-step training system.
I’ve been recommending Doggy Dan’s dog training programs for more than 10 years. His training methods are kind, easy-to-apply, and his focus is on teaching dog owners how dogs actually think. In his dog trainer academy, he’s teaching those very same methods. That’s why his online dog trainer school is my top recommendation.
You can read my full review of Doggy Dan’s Dog Trainer Academy here.
For aspiring dog trainers who want a more college-style education with a structured curriculum and a deeper, more comprehensive training experience, I’d recommend Western States K9 College. It’s a great fit for students who prefer a formal learning path and want their dog trainer education to feel more like a professional training school than a self-paced course.
I don’t have a decade of experience with this school’s owner like I do with Doggy Dan. But from the communication I’ve personally had with her and my full review of her program, I have to say she’s the real deal. Her bio is downright impressive.
You can read my full review of Western States K9 College here.
Dog Training Schools Online FAQ
Below are answers to the most common questions aspiring dog trainers ask when choosing an online dog training school.
What Are the Benefits of Attending Online Dog Trainer School vs In-Person Dog Trainer Schools? Online programs are usually more flexible, often self-paced, and can be significantly less expensive than in-person schools. In-person schools may offer more built-in hands-on coaching, but online programs can still be strong if they include live feedback, mentorship, and structured practice assignments.
What Will I Learn in a Dog Trainer School Online? Most online dog trainer schools teach you how to train dogs and solve behavior problems using humane, effective methods. You’ll typically learn obedience training, behavior modification, and how to work with a wide range of dogs—from simple issues to more serious behavior challenges, as well as how to educate and communicate with dog owners.
Will I Have an Instructor for an Online Program? It depends on the program. Some are video libraries with little or no instructor access; others include live coaching calls, feedback on assignments, and mentorship. If you want to earn money training dogs, instructor feedback can shorten your learning curve and reduce costly mistakes.
How Soon Can I Start Earning Money as a Dog Trainer? Some people start earning within a few months by offering beginner-friendly services (basic manners coaching, puppy basics, leash walking) while they continue learning. The safe approach is to start with simpler cases, get experience with multiple dogs, and avoid taking on aggression or complex behavior cases until you’re truly prepared.
Will the Program Teach Me How to Start My Own Dog Training Business? Some do, some don’t. If your goal is income, look for business coverage like pricing, packages, getting clients, handling consultations, policies, and client communication. If a program doesn’t teach business basics, you’ll need a separate plan for that part.
Summary
Online dog trainer schools make it possible to become a professional dog trainer without going to an in-person school, and they’re one of the fastest, most flexible ways to start building a real income in this field.
The right program can give you a clear training system, the skills to work with real dogs and owners, and the confidence to start booking clients—whether you’re aiming for a side hustle or a full-time dog training career. No matter what your ultimate goal is, I wish you luck and success! – Debra
For help deciding whether online dog trainer schools will provide sufficient training, read my post, Can You Become a Dog Trainer Online?
Don’t forget to grab your free checklist below:
For More Information on Becoming a Dog Trainer
- Complete Guide to Starting a Dog Training Business
- Doggy Dan’s Dog Trainer Academy Review
- Is Doggy Dan’s Dog Trainer Academy Worth It for Beginners?
- How to Become a Dog Trainer with No Experience
- Western States K9 College Review
- Is Dog Training a Good Side Hustle?
- Is Dog Training a Good Career?
- How Much Do Dog Trainers Really Make?
- Can You Become a Dog Trainer Online?
- Do You Need Certification to Be a Dog Trainer?
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