Yes, you can become a dog trainer online — and many people successfully do. Online dog trainer courses can teach you real training skills, dog behavior fundamentals, practical methods you can use with dogs and their owners.
The key is choosing the right type of program for your goals. Some people want flexible, skills-based training they can apply right away, while others are looking for a more formal or structured educational path. Understanding that difference upfront helps you avoid wasted time and choose an online program that actually fits what you want to do.
👉 Watch This Free Workshop On How to Get Started as a Dog Trainer
Before you invest in an online dog trainer course, it helps to understand whether you’re looking for skills-based training you can apply right away or a more structured, credential-focused path.
How to Become a Dog Trainer Online
You can utilize online dog trainer courses that are designed to teach you how dogs learn, how behavior problems develop, and how to apply effective training methods in real-life situations. Many people use online programs to build a strong foundation in dog behavior, communication, and problem-solving that they can earn money with sooner, while they continue developing their skills through hands-on practice.
Become a Professional Dog Trainer Online Courses: What They Really Offer
Online dog trainer courses vary widely, and many people assume they’re all interchangeable. They are not.
Most online programs fall into one of two categories. Some are skills-first programs that focus on behavior, communication, and practical training methods. Others are credential-driven programs that resemble a more formal education path.
My Recommendation for a Skills-First Program
If your goal is flexibility, faster skill development, and learning how to actually train dogs, skills-first programs are often the better starting point. This is where Doggy Dan’s Dog Trainer Academy fits well.
The program focuses on understanding dog psychology, calm leadership, and real-world behavior issues rather than checklists or rigid theory. You’d be learning the same training philosophy that Professional Dog Trainer and Behavioral Specialist, Doggy Dan, has used to help thousands of dog owners resolve serious behavior problems.
You can read my full review of Doggy Dan’s Dog Trainer Academy here (includes video).
My Recommendation for a More Credential-Driven Program
Some people want a more formal, mentorship-driven path into dog training. For those students, programs like Western States K9 College may be a better fit.
These programs are typically longer, more structured, and closer to a traditional, college-like educational model. They are not necessary for everyone, and they tend to be more time-intensive and expensive. But they can make sense for those who want a formal educational pathway.
You can read my full review of Western States K9 College here.
If you decide to enroll in Western States K9 College, you can use code peoplelovinganimals at checkout for $500 off tuition!
How to Become a Certified Dog Trainer Online
The phrase, “certified dog trainer” causes a lot of confusion, and many programs take advantage of that misunderstanding.
There is no single government-issued license required to become a dog trainer in the United States. Certification usually means completion of a private program, passing an independent assessment later, or meeting experience requirements set by a third-party organization.
For example, organizations like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers require documented experience and testing — not just course completion.
This is why online education works best as a first step. It helps you build foundational skills, gain experience working with dogs, and decide whether you want to pursue any sort of formal certification later.
For more details on dog trainer certification requirements, read my post, Do You Need Certification to Be a Dog Trainer?
How to Become a Dog Trainer
A realistic path to becoming a dog trainer usually starts with structured education that teaches training fundamentals, dog behavior, and proven methods you can begin applying right away. From there, students practice what they’re learning with their own dog, friends’ dogs, or local clients as their skills develop.
Online dog trainer programs work especially well for people who want flexibility and the ability to learn at their own pace while gaining real-world experience. Many students prefer this approach because it allows them to start learning, earning money, and developing their skills at the same time.
Choosing the right program is about finding one that matches how you want to learn, work, and build experience.
Is Becoming a Dog Trainer Online Worth It?
For many people, becoming a dog trainer online is worth it because it offers a flexible way to learn proven training methods and dog behavior principles without the constraints of in-person schooling. Online programs allow students to focus on understanding how dogs learn and how effective training techniques are applied.
On a personal note, I’ve promoted Doggy Dan’s dog and puppy training programs on this website for more than ten years because his methods are practical, effective, and easy for dog owners to follow. His Dog Trainer Academy builds on that same proven training approach, but is designed for people who want to become dog trainers — not just people who want to train their own dogs.
If you are looking for a flexible way to learn real dog training skills, starting online makes sense. Programs like Doggy Dan’s Dog Trainer Academy provide a clear starting point for learning effective training methods you can use right away and improve on over time.
If you’d like to compare Doggy Dan’s program to the Western States K9 College program, read my post, Professional Dog Trainer Education vs Casual Online Courses.
Also, if you’d like more discussion regarding online dog training schools, read my post, Dog Trainer Schools Online: Details and Top Recommendations.
Don’t forget to grab my free checklist below for exact steps to become a professional dog trainer! – Debra
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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