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The Great Dog Trainer Shootout… Who’s the best, and how you can save hundreds

dog training to build a strong bond and better behavior.

Last Updated: October 2022

Last updated: October 2025

Real dog trainer compared to online dog training

Want to know how to save literally hundreds of dollars training your dog?

The other day a lady emailed me from Kentucky in the States, her dog had been a jumper, a barker, was becoming a little aggressive when people came to the front door. In fact her dog had all sorts of issues by the sounds of things and she was starting to give up hope. As with so many people that I work with she explained how she had done everything that she thought she was supposed to, taking her puppy to puppy school, dog training and basic obedience and had now paid for 3 different professional trainers to come and work with her and her dog with no success. Sound familiar?

So why was she emailing me? Well the email was a ā€œThank you for saving her dogā€ email, as she put it. The whole situation put a huge smile on my face as she explained how she had accidentally stumbled across my video website TheOnlineDogTrainer.com, joined up and followed the video course for a whole week with stunning results.

As she explained, she was not really somebody who went for an online solution but this experience had really opened her eyes to the opportunity of what is available.

Her emailed prompted this post!

I decided it would be interesting to compare online training (such as my website) with a conventional dog trainer who works with you in person. Here are the 4 key areas that I have decided to measure and compare the two.

  1. Cost – the total cost that you will end up paying
  2. Solution – the quality of the solution provided and how effective it was
  3. Usability – how convenient, easy and time consuming the training was
  4. Back up – ongoing support quality, usefulness and cost

So just to reiterate, in this comparison I am comparing a typical dog trainer (of course they all vary) with my websiteĀ TheOnlineDogTrainer.com

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1. Cost:

Paying big bucks does not get you results.

The cost of training and raising a puppy using a dog trainer in person can quickly climb. Lets look at a typical scenario. You pay $100 for puppy classes to socialize them, and then $150 for some basic obedience class. It’s at this point that many people are then encouraged to attend advanced dog training class for (one reason or another) at a cost of say, $150. All goes well until your dog hits 1 year old and then you need some help for behavioral issues costing $250 for a professional trainer. Even if your problem is solved then you have still spent $650. The result is you’ve spent a lot of money and STILL need to find a solution to your dog problems! Aggghhh!

So is there a better way? Well imagine this. For a single USD$1 you are shown through videos how to establish yourself as the pack leader, raise a puppy and stop all unwanted dog behaviors. Sound too good to be true? Well for $1 you can actually gain access to all of this inside my site for a total of 3 days before deciding if you would like to stay on as a member. If you like then you pay a monthly membership and if not you simply cancel. The price of a monthly membership is USD$37.

As a dog trainer, I charge around USD$300 for a 3 hour consultation. During that time I cover off almost the same information that is available through my website. However inside the website there is actually a lot more information including over 20 hours of video clips.

In summary:
When it comes to cost TheOnlineDogTrainer.comĀ can save you a ton of money.

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2. Solution:

I think that when it comes to the quality of the solution this is where it is easy to make a bad call.

Here’s why.

Firstly, let me state the obvious. There are lots of people who love dogs, who would love to help dogs, who are renting out their services as ā€œdog trainersā€ā€¦ but… they are not getting very good results. How do I know that? Well because I am told it all the time when I go to help out!
Many of these people are nice, well meaning dog trainers, however the solutions that they are using are not effective enough in delivering the results that people are expecting.

Put very simply, you can spend hundreds of dollars and it doesn’t mean that you are going to get a result. Much of this is simply due to the method and training techniques that are being used.

So what are the advantages of a dog trainer to come and work with you in person? Well there can be some real benefits. For example, when I visit a home I can tailor the solution to that specific dog, the delivery is tailored to that person and the solution is tailored to the exact situation. However the reason I am able to do this is that I have worked with literally thousands of dogs! And that is one of the issues… Not many dog trainers can offer that level of experience.

However if you compare this to what is offered with TheOnlineDogTrainer.comĀ you will see that throughout the 250 videos I cover off so many different situations, dog personalities, homes and issues that it’s not hard to get a pretty well tailored solution to your situation. Not only that but something that I’ve been doing more of from inside the Forum on the site, is actually watching video clips of the dogs that people have posted to get a better feel for their particular situation.

One of the huge benefits of my video website is that it uses the amazing power of technology. What do I mean by this is this? Well, I see myself as a great trainer, however there is no way I can deliver everything that is inside my site during a consultation. It is simply impossible! The videos I have caught and use explain some amazing dog behavior and really demonstrate exactly what to do.

For example, the puppy section includes all the videos of me training my puppy Moses from 8 weeks through to 8 months. The pack leader section includes my 5 Golden Rules that are the key to my method and the dog behavioral section shows you how to stop all unwanted dog behaviors. In other words you get a lot of bang for your buck! And if you have a dog with lots of issues, you can cover them all off!

In summary:
A great dog trainer is worth their weight in gold however there are also incredible solutions available insideĀ TheOnlineDogTrainer.com

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3. Usability:

There are huge benefits to using an online solution.

One of the big issues with a dog trainer in person is that they are only there with you for a few hours and then they are gone! This causes several issues which an online solution can solve.

Firstly trying to get the whole family together for an in home consultation can be a real issue. With a video website you are able to let people study the videos and training in their own time, which puts a smile on their face.

Secondly if you need to recap anything at any time, say if you are at the park or just want to go over something late at night when you are struggling, with a dog trainer who comes to your house once they are gone, that’s it. However with a video website you are able to revisit the site and watch the appropriate videos again and again.

Another huge benefit of an online site is that you can actually use it when you are in the park and having all the problems that may not have occurred when the trainer was with you!

In summary:
When technology is put to good use it’s hard to beat!

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4 Back up:

Make sure you are not left alone.

Back up service is important and can vary immensely from trainer to trainer. Some trainers offer a fantastic back up solution either by phone, email or in person however there are just as many people who feel let down by trainers who ā€œdisappearā€ once the training sessions are complete.

Having some sort of quality support is a key component to your dog training as very often just a couple of simple suggestions can really assist you on your journey to success.

Again something that you need to watch out for is paying over the top for extra visits. With my in home consultations I provide people with free telephone and email support after a visit as I know that my solution works and so am not going to be bombarded with requests for help.

I also have my video website which people are blown away by as an extra support option!

Inside TheOnlineDogTrainer.comĀ I offer people (who’ve decided to stay on after the trial) access to the forum where they can ask me unlimited questions and seek help. This is also where I watch video clips of people’s dogs to give better feedback, all included in the monthly price of $37.

In summary:
Great back up support is essential. Just make sure that you are not going to be breaking the bank to get hold of it.

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Thousands of happy dog owners

If you ask anyone who's trained using my method, they'll all tell you about the quality of the material inside the members area, and the results they're getting. On this page you'll see some of the wonderful feedback from just a few of the thousands of people who've transformed their dogs using The Online Dog Trainer: Doggy Dan's Results.

So there you go… If you find a great dog trainer in your area then congratulations, that could be the solution for you. However if you don’t then do not worry. The chances are you can save a ton of money using one of my programs, such as The Dog Calming Code.

Who knows, after a visit you too may be sending me your ā€œThank you for saving my dog emailā€!

All the best and enjoy the site.

Have a great day and love your Dog,

Doggy Dan Signature
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Gentle journey for your puppy.

Doggy Dan

Doggy Dan stands out through his “five golden rules” that focus on canine psychology rather than repetitive drills or force. Unlike traditional trainers, he teaches owners to become the “calm leader” their dogs need. Over the last two decades, his methods have helped transform over 125,000 dogs worldwide. As the founder of TheOnlineDogTrainer.com blog and podcast and creator of the Dog Calming Codeā„¢, he has become a trusted voice in dog psychology and training. His philosophy is simple: reactive dogs don’t need punishment or endless treats. They need a leader they can trust.

FREE TRAINING:

How to Solve Dog Reactivity WITHOUT Food Bribes, Tricks, or Force

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How to Solve Dog Reactivity WITHOUT Food Bribes, Tricks, or Force

dog training to stop unwanted jumping and barking

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Two months ago I adopted a 7 year old Morkie, a very nervous but loving little fellow. I tried several different training techniques and even purchased a program that was lengthy and very time consuming before I discovered Doggy Dan. I've been using his program for two weeks and am astounded by the change in my Dexter. He is calmer, more obedient and friendlier to others than I imagined possible. Dan's training is concise. It differs from others I found, Dan trains you to become the leader of your pack through a dog's perspective. I like that the training is specific yet compassionate. This is a program that works if you are consistent. Thanks Doggy Dan!
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Kathy Fore
17 September 2026
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Susie in the UK. I am only 10 days in but took in a 9 yr old emergency rescue from Romania who had been in kennels for 6 years and then had 3 failed foster placements in the UK. Luca is a big powerful mixed breed with huge stress and anxiety and very reactive, he bounded into my home and took over - aggressive with my 2 others, and visitors and pulling and pushing on walks. I thought I couldn't handle him but saw an advert for Doggy Dan on line and signed up - we've had a wonderful turnaround and he is finally decompressing, being polite with my dogs and responds excellently to the time-out if reactive with guests. Walks are much better and all 5 rules are in place. I believe he will continue to improve but only if I remain 100% consistent with him for the rest of his life. He is 9 years old and deserves a happy old age being loved and looked after with no further upsets in his life so fingers and toes are crossed for him
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SoBS Truro
15 September 2026
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I started. The course 3/4 weeks ago. As Dan says you have to work on things if you get stuck. I have a Staffordshire x cane corso who is now six months old. She is very intelligent but sometimes she just doesn’t listen. Doing the five codes I’m finding it’s going pretty well except trying to get her calm so I am persevering with it again with my own space. I have a trainer call shortly which I will ask for advice on this. It’s great also that you can ask anything you’re not sure of on line. It’s so great to have someone there to help. I’m looking forward to having a relaxed girl instead of hyper most of the time as she gets so excited about almost everything. I would truly recommend doggy Dan and just wished I would have come across him much earlier. Thanks again for everything so far.
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Hazel Coad
12 September 2026
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I ā¤ļø my dog. Such a good girl! 5 Golden rules, really work.
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Victoria van Sommeren
9 September 2026
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This program is amazing!. We have a VERY reactive rescue dog that has bitten his previous owner and as well, myself 3x and my husband 4 x's. He had never been around people or other animals, and had never been walked on a leash. (in fact never run off-leash either, just tied to the front steps). We began with traditional treat-based training with a professional, but the progress was frustrating. A reactive dog does not want treats; it wants comfort. With the 5 Golden Rules and and some of the other training we have received with our subscription, in just 3 weeks, we can let him off leash at the dog park, he has not growled at any stranger, and he has not attacked any other animals. He is still a work in progress, but we see progress!!!! He has become a cuddly, sweet dog and for a greyhound, he even has recall! This program is amazing to say the least. We were at our wits end, but now we have hope.
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susan kent
8 September 2026
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Okay, he says it’s not magic, but the results and the peace in so little time with so little effort sure feels like magic! My 11 month old pup was a 60lb highly reactive, very loud disaster waiting to happen. Now we are both calm, the house is quiet and I don’t live in absolute fear of his reactivity towards others. There’s always still work/training to do of course, but wow are we in a much better place to get on with that!
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Theresia Travers
8 September 2026
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Just started with the 5 rules. It's only been a week and a half and I'm noticing less stress, and a reduction in reactivity. We still have a way to go. But finally something I can work with. I went for the online course.
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Fiona Bower
31 August 2026
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I watched the free Webinar and joined at the end. I am up to No.3 atm and I’m actually feeling hopeful 🤞🏼
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Jackie Grimmer
29 August 2026
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The program is great. I started to see the changes in my cocker spaniel from day one.
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Joy Winnington
18 August 2026
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My Lab mix puppy and I are on Day 3 , but, I do feel a stronger connection. She appears calmer overall / looking forward to consistently following these five rules. Doggy Dan is clear, concise, comprehensive and compassionate . Very pleased with his program. Diane
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Diane Patterson
16 August 2026
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We have an 8 month old Goldendoodle who has fear issues outside the home and gets easily overwhelmed going into panic/flee mode if several triggers coincide (people, loud dog barking and noises like motorcycles/construction). So pleased to find Doggy Dan and seeing positive changes after just two weeks. Feeding time is calm after using the gesture eating and "thank you" when he barks works a treat. I realized I'm babying my dog too much and trying to be his best pal instead of a leader so I'm working hard on that. We've changed to the no pull harness and love that. Doggy Dans video clips really help bring the philosophy together and I love his attitude. He is calm, clear, firm but so kind and loving with dogs and very down to earth and relatable. I've got great help too from the AI coach and the daily emails and videos help keep us on track and feeling positive. We've still got a mountain to climb with our pup but I finally feel hopeful and supported. We'd tried trainers, behavior specialists and all sorts before finding Doggy Dan and this is by far our best investment. Can't recommend you trying this highly enough. Photo of our boy.
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Jackie Ward
13 August 2026
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Absolutely amazing transformation in just a few days. Just need to stick to the 5 Golden rules 🙂
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Martine Adkin
13 July 2026
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I couldn’t believe my dog’s problem resolved completely within a week! Easy but not easy if you are inconsistent with the 5 rules. I highly recommend this method! Somethings don’t seem important or relevant but they are!
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Dawn McCordic
13 July 2026
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I just started my training about 2 weeks ago, and I do mean MY training. My 2 girls are really responding to my changes in how I am relating to them better. Thank you Doggy Dan, I really needed this win, 2 reactive dogs and we have made progress with the 5 golden rules and we have not with anything else. Crystal Gayle the Red Heeler and Sadie the Border Collie.
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Betty Nicholl
11 July 2026
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For three years, I tried every treat-based method and expensive course to stop my large, powerful male dog from pulling on the leash, barking, and stressing out when his energy got too high on our walks. (So while he is a farm dog who enjoys total freedom off-leash on our farm most of the day, on-leash in the city, he totally lost it). He was practically hanging from the leash, two feet in the air (almost strangling himself), always demanding to walk in front and make all the decisions. Absolutely nothing worked—until I found Doggy Dan! 🏆 After just a couple of weeks implementing The 5 Golden Rules, the transformation is absolutely mind-blowing!!! By focusing on connection and calm leadership rather than rigid commands, my dog has FINALLY reconnected with his natural calmness (that has actually always been there inside him) ā¤ļøā¤ļø When we walk through town now, I look down at my dog walking in a perfect "heel." The leash hangs completely loose, and that loose leash really says it all 👍👍👍 He does not pull, bark, or growl AT ALL when other dogs bark at him!😱 Yes, he looks at them and is interested, but he remains completely calm. We pass shouting people, groups of kids on scooters, and dogs barking aggressively behind gates—he is interested, but he remains entirely unfazed. Just yesterday, we stopped in front of a fence with chickens walking in a garden, and he just stood there watching curiously, staying completely still. And as we walked across a large, grassy schoolyard, we suddenly crossed paths with two rabbits—when I told him to, he immediately sat down. Of course, he was highly interested, but he sat completely, utterly still! I constantly find myself thinking: This can NOT be my dog, LOL! 🐇🐓 Dan refers to himself as a dog trainer, but in my humble opinion he is a dog philosopher. The course is incredibly generous, filled with hundreds of real-life videos from every situation imaginable, offering a massive toolkit for an amazing price. I am so excited to continue this course, so happy about the progress, and so looking forward to the future with this beloved dog of mine. I HIGHLY recommend it! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Ingrid-Tove Astrup
8 July 2026
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I've only been working the program for a week and already are seeing some great improvements with an overexcitable, energetic, barking at everything, and fun Maltipoo. I'm focusing on the 5 golden rules and watching the training videos. Thanks Doggy Dan!
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Rebecca Cheney
4 July 2026
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In a matter of days my 5 year old Frenchie is calmer and seems happier, albeit not happy that I'm ignoring him but it works! I live alone so he thinks he should be boss and protect me from every visitor but he didn't even bark at the window cleaner yesterday, just followed him around each window. My life might be my own soon, thank you!
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Shauna
2 July 2026
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The Golden rules i now understand are NOT called GOLDEN RULES FOR NO REASON! WOW , JUST WOW, I WAS DOING ALL 5 WRONG !
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Tim Waldner
2 July 2026
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We have adopted a Poodle and he us very high energy, anxious and insecure. I joined the online program after I watched the free online webinar about the 5 Golden Rules. While watching the webinar all 3 of my dogs ran off barking... I calmly called out "thank you" and they all came back to me.. from that moment I was hooked. I love the fact that we use minimal sound in this technique as I can become anxious and unsure in my tone. I have seen results with the new Poodle and I am exited about our future. Thanks Doggy Dan, you are a gem 👌🐾🐾🐾
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Jane Uprichard
22 June 2026
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The training has been amazing. I've been training dogs in unprofessional situations since the mid 1970's. I've never heard of this philosophy! We have a 4-year-old Great Dane mix who is leash aggressive and hyper-reactive to any noises. This training has been incredible. In a week we've seen dramatic differences in his anxiety - just based on the 5 Golden Rules (we haven't even gotten to the Reactive Dog training yet). My only complaint is the persistent emails to sign up for the Canine Coaching Club - which is a monthly subscription. That's been a lot and it started immediately. Other than that, I highly recommend this training system.
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Kristi Nay
15 June 2026
FREE webinar:

How to Solve Dog Reactivity WITHOUT Food Bribes, Tricks, or Force

dog training to stop unwanted jumping and barking

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