Free Dog Training Courses – Essential Guide
Dog training doesn’t have to cost a fortune. There are numerous free online dog training courses and local training resources available that can help you teach your pup basic manners and advanced tricks without spending money on expensive private lessons or training classes. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll outline a variety of free dog training options and provide expert tips and techniques to transform your dog into a well-behaved companion using only free online resources.
Online dog training Video Courses
Some of the best free online dog training courses come in video format, allowing you to watch, re-watch, and pause instruction as needed from the comfort of your home. Youtube is filled with quality canine educational content produced by certified dog trainers and behaviorists:
- Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution – Zak George has over 1 million subscribers to his dog training YouTube channel. He breaks down training into small, achievable steps and provides encouragement along the way. His videos cover everything from potty training to obedience.
- Kikopup – Emily Larlham is a certified professional dog trainer specializing in positive reinforcement techniques. Her videos demonstrate Training techniques in a gentle, clear manner. She has separate playlists for puppy training, basic commands, and advanced tricks.
- The Dog Trainer – Karen Overall focuses on using rewards to modify unwanted behaviors. Her videos provide expert guidance on issues like barking, chewing, jumping, and separation anxiety.
- Train Like a Pro – Ryan Dunn applies professional training methods in easy-to-understand videos. He has a very large library covering all manners of dog behavior topics.
Be sure to search for videos specific to your dog’s breed if there are known behavioral tendencies, like herding or hunting instincts, that may impact training. Take notes while watching to help refer back to the instructions.
Online Dog training Article Courses
While videos provide a visual training medium, online article courses allow you to learn at your own pace with flexibility:
- American Kennel Club (AKC) – The AKC has a wonderful free resource section on their website with in-depth articles on all aspects of dog care, health, and over 40 individual “skill” lessons for basic commands and tricks.
- ASPCA Pro – The ASPCA Pro training website houses a plethora of free article courses covering topics like leash training, crate training, loose leash walking, and preventing behavior issues. Courses include step-by-step instructions.
- Dogster – This popular dog blog has a training tab filled with “how to” guides for manners, tricks, solving behavioral problems and more written by professional trainers.
- Whole Dog Journal – A reliable source of canine information, their website posts many free online article courses for dog owners on all training subjects.
Take the online courses sequentially to build skills over time using a positive reinforcement training model. Print reference sheets for quick reminders during sessions.
Downloadable dog training eBooks
Some excellent free eBook resources pack comprehensive dog training syllabi into convenient digital formats:
- Ian Dunbar’s Free Downloads – Ian Dunbar, veterinarian and animal behaviorist, offers several high-quality training manuals which are widely considered gold standards. Titles include “Before You Get Your Puppy” and “After You Get Your Puppy”.
- SPCA of Texas Training Manual – This 50+ page manual from a reputable shelter provides step-by-step instructions for basic commands, introductions, grooming tips, and solving issues like barking.
- The Monks of New Skete’s The Art of Raising a Puppy – Written by a community devoted to breeding and training, this eBook manual is invaluable for new puppy owners.
Save the eBooks to your devices to access during sessions anywhere. The in-depth manuals complement shorter online articles and videos nicely.
Local Shelter & Humane Society Classes
Many municipal animal shelters and humane societies offer weekly free dog obedience classes taught by experienced dog trainers in your local community:
- Basic manners classes typically last 6-8 weeks, one hour per week, to teach sits, downs, stays, recalls and loose leash walking.
- Puppy kindergarten classes socialize young puppies and teach owners how to handle new dogs.
- Problem-solving classes address specific issues like jumping, barking, chewing using positive methods.
Call your local shelters to ask about schedules, available classes, age/vaccine requirements, and class sizes. Socializing with other dogs and owners creates lifelong positive associations with training. Shelter trainers have excellent credentials too.
Public Park Sessions
Once your dog has learned basic manners, practice and maintain skills off-leash at local dog parks that permit training:
- Work on obedience drills and tricks in stimulating environments to proof responses. Reward heavily with toys/treats initially.
- Invite responsible friends who will refrain from distracting your dog to assist as needed. Switch up locations routinely.
- Monitor your dog’s arousal level and don’t correct; instead use rewards to reconnect their focus back to you. End on a positive note.
Dog parks provide real-world experience that enhances training milestones you’ve achieved through free resources. Be courteous towards other users and follow all park rules.
Canine Clubs & Training Groups
Joining dog-centric social clubs and Facebook training groups supplies ongoing guidance and encouragement for free:
- Local Canine Sports clubs offer activities like agility, flyball, frisbee, and nosework for bonding and mental stimulation.
- Obedience and nosework competitor forums share prep advice to fine-tune skills for amateur trials.
- Breed clubs maintain Facebook pages for discussion, events notices and referrals for behaviorists if problems arise requiring specialist help.
Being an active member connects you with experienced trainers, breeders, and other owners dedicated to the best welfare of dogs. Clubs often organize fundraising to support animal welfare, too.
Relationship-Building Games
Incorporate simple free interactive games into your training regimen:
- Scent games – Hide treats and toys around your home/yard for finding games like “Go Sniff It Out!”
- Trick games – Practice tricks like spin, crawl or weave pole obstacles for mental exercise and bonding fun.
- Flirt pole – Use a long pole with attached toys to encourage chasing and exercise indoors/outdoors safely.
- Snuffle mats – Spread kibble/treats in deep fabric mats for rooting entertainment during mealtimes.
Reward dogs lavishly during play for desired behaviors like working as a team, following commands, and remaining calm/focused on you. Games provide stimulating outlets for your dog’s intelligence.
Practical Free dog Training Tips
Here are additional expert tips for effectively training your dog using free resources:
- Start with desirable behaviors rather than trying to eliminate undesirable ones at first. Build confidence through success.
- Use small dog training sessions spaced throughout the day for 5-10 minutes each to maintain your dog’s attention span.
- Stick to a routine schedule as much as possible for consistency. Dogs naturally thrive on structure.
- Praise and reward every desirable response with best dog treats and petting to reinforce the behaviors you want to see more often.
- Remain positive, upbeat, and patient during all training. Reward effort, not just success.
- Switch up treat types and keep sessions fun/interesting. Try cheese, boiled chicken, hot dogs cut into small pieces for high-value rewards.
- Practice new commands in minimum 5-10 locations to help your dog generalize learning in different environments and distractions.
- Always end on a positive note by rewarding and praising your dog for their efforts even if the session did not go perfectly as planned.
Most importantly, be consistent in applying rewards-based methodology outlined in your free training resources. Commit to at least 10-15 minutes daily and your dog’s behavior will slowly but surely improve over time with positive reinforcement.
In conclusion, superb dog training results can certainly be achieved through diligent use of the many quality free resources available online and in your local community. Developing a cohesive training plan catered to your individual dog’s needs using a mix of videos, eBooks, classes and DIY training is key to success without expensive private lessons. Committing the time to train positively with patience and consistency will yield a well-socialized, responsive furry companion you can be proud of for life.