iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Dog training is an essential part of every dog’s care, but traditional training classes can be too expensive and time-consuming for many dog parents. Yet, that doesn’t mean that your precious pup has to miss out on learning essential skills. Online dog training is a great alternative because it allows you to train your dog at your own pace from the comfort of your home, which can save you time and money. The K9 Training Institute is one of the best online dog training classes because it checks all the boxes. Keep reading to find out the details of this dog training company so you can decide if it’s a good choice for you and your furry friend.
What To Look For In An Online Dog Training Class
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to online training classes, and all of the following aspects are important.
Training Methods
Not all dog trainers have the same values, so you should find one that aligns with yours. For most dog lovers, positive reinforcement is the best training method because it’s both effective and fun for your furry friend. So, look for a trainer that also values rewarding good behavior instead of focusing on punishment-based training.
Classes Offered
If there’s a specific area of training you want to focus on, make sure that topic is covered. Most online training courses have basic obedience classes, but not every training company works on specific areas like reactivity or agility.
Communication
Since online classes aren’t in person, communication is especially crucial. Before purchasing a course, check to make sure you’ll be able to easily reach out to a trainer whenever you have questions or concerns.
Cost
If you’re on a budget, finding a class that’s a good value for money is a priority. Dog training classes aren’t cheap, but online options are often more affordable. Consider what the class offers to decide if it’s worth the price. If the company offers a free trial class, that’s a great way to decide if it’ll work for you or not.
Why is K9 Training Institute a Great Choice?
Have you ever wondered how service dogs behave so calmly in public? Some of those techniques can also be used to help pets be well-behaved too. K9 Training Institute follows processes commonly used to train service animals to help your dog be the best version of themselves. The key to doing so is focusing on body language instead of verbal commands. Regardless of your dog’s age or breed, these training methods can be effective long-term.
Signing up for dog training classes can be a big commitment, so to prove the program is worthwhile, K9 Training Institute has interested dog parents start with a free workshop. The workshop covers basic topics like barking, chewing, nipping, leash pulling, potty training, and ignoring commands. That way, you’ll get to test out the training class before deciding if you want to move forward with more courses.
Once you complete the free training workshop, you can buy more online classes if you want to further your furry friend’s learning. After all, training is something that should continue throughout your dog’s life, not just for one class.
Who are the Trainers?
Dr. Alexa Diaz and Eric Presnall are the two dedicated trainers behind K9 Training Institute. They’re both passionate about training rescue dogs to give them a higher chance of success in their forever homes.
Alexa has a Ph.D. in animal behavior and has spent over 20 years training service dogs, so she knows first-hand that these training methods are successful. She also used her expertise to publish research in two scientific journals.
Eric is known for being the former host of “Who Let the Dogs Out” on Animal Planet. The show focused on dogs with unique talents, such as surfing dogs and service dogs, and Eric was one of the people judging how well the dogs were trained.
Pros and Cons of K9 Training Institute
Pros:
- Uses methods that are successful for training service dogs
- Trainers have lots of experience with animal behaviors
- Starts with a detailed free workshop
- Allows you to train your dog from anywhere at your own pace
- Focuses on body language instead of verbal commands
- Focuses on positive reinforcement methods instead of punishments
- Covers a variety of topics, including barking, potty training, and leash pulling
- Teaches you how to get good behavior results without having to bribe your dog with treats
Cons:
- It’s hard to find the details of the paid courses without attending the free workshop first
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the K9 Training Institute Have a Good Success Rate?
Yes, almost all of the dog parents who have used K9 Training Institute have given it a good review. However, like with any training, you need to continue working on these skills even after the course is over to ensure those good behaviors stick.
How Much Does K9 Training Institute Cost?
The initial workshop of K9 Training Institute is free, but the masterclass that comes after the free workshop is about $497. When you buy the masterclass, several free courses are often added to it. You will receive more information about the masterclass once you complete the free workshop.
Is There a Time Limit for K9 Training Institute Classes?
No, once you buy the training masterclass, there’s no time limit to complete it. You can work at your own pace and revisit the classes as much as you want in the future.
Can I Get My Dog Trained as a Service Dog Through K9 Training Institute?
Even though K9 Training Institute uses methods common used in service dog training, it isn’t a method to get your dog certified as a service dog. You will need to go to a specialized trainer for that.
Are Online Dog Training Classes Effective?
Yes, online dog training classes work well for many canines. Yet, like any training, online courses are only successful if you continue to practice what you learned with your dog even after you finish the class. Dog training should always be part of your pup’s care, not just when they misbehave.
What is the Best Age to Attend Dog Training Classes?
Dogs can start training at any age, but starting at 8 weeks old is recommended if possible. Since training helps build a bond between you and your dog, starting as soon as you can is typically recommended.
Is it Ever Too Late to Train My Dog?
No, it’s never too late to train a dog. Despite the common saying, you can teach old dogs new tricks. With an adult dog, you may need to take different approaches, but any dog can learn new things with enough patience, trust, and repetition.
How Long Does it Take to Train a Dog?
It depends on the type of training, but most dogs can understand the basics within a few weeks if you regularly practice training with them. However, even after your dog learns the desired command, you should keep reviewing it with them throughout their life.
What is the Best Dog Training Method?
Positive reinforcement is the best training method. Rewarding your dog helps reinforce good behaviors, helping them better understand what’s expected of them. It also makes it fun and helps your dog form a stronger bond with you. Most dog trainers avoid punishment-based training because it makes dogs stressed and fearful which doesn’t set them up for success.
Final Thoughts
The K9 Training Institute is one of the best online dog training options because it allows you to test it out through a free workshop before committing to anything. It also relies on positive reinforcement training that’s successful with service dogs. So, it can help your dog become calm and well-behaved even in public settings, just like a service dog. With this training, your dog will have a blast and create a stronger bond without you having to break the bank or fill up all your free time to do so.
Want to explore other online dog training options before making a decision? Check out the 7 Best Online Dog Training Classes That Can Benefit All Canines.
Toledo, United States.
