Affordable Dog Training Resources Every Pet Parent Should Know About

Training isn’t just for “problem dogs.” It’s one of the best ways to build trust, communication, and confidence between you and your pup — whether you’re welcoming home a new rescue or helping your longtime companion brush up on their manners.

The best part? Training doesn’t have to mean signing up for expensive classes or programs. There are plenty of low-cost and free resources created by shelters, rescues, and trainers that can help you tackle everything from basic obedience to reactivity. 

Read on to discover the dog training resources that won’t break the bank, and how to use them to build confidence, strengthen your bond, and set your pup up for success.

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Low-cost or free dog training resources from shelters and rescues 

Many shelters and rescues offer free or low-cost training programs. These programs are a part of a growing effort to reduce returns, support adopters, and give dogs the best chance at a stable, happy life.

Many SPCAs and humane societies offer low-cost group training classes. They often offer courses for different skill levels, such as puppy, beginner, advanced, or specialty.

Here are a few examples of organizations that offer training classes.

• East Bay SPCA: Offers six-week classes (meeting once a week for an hour) for beginner and advanced levels at $200, or $175 for dogs adopted from a nonprofit animal welfare organization. Specialty classes are also available for $250, or $225 for adopted dogs.

• Arizona Humane Society: Offers group dog-training classes for a variety of skills and experience levels. Courses run four to six weeks, meet once a week for an hour, and range from $125 to $190.

• Asheville Humane Society: Offers a variety of six-week classes, including Puppy Kindergarten, Canine Manners, and Beyond Basic Manners. Each class meets once a week for an hour and costs $185 for the full program.

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Free online dog training resources 

Online training can be a great way to learn at your own pace, and many reputable trainers offer free or low-cost lessons you can access from home.

Dunbar Academy 

Dunbar Academy offers a large library of free, science-based dog training videos on YouTube. They’re based on the work of world-renowned veterinarian, animal behaviorist, and dog trainer, Dr. Ian Dunbar. 

The content covers important topics such as puppy socialization, house-training, and solving common behavior issues like barking, jumping, and pulling. Their style is friendly, practical, and easy to follow, making it a great starting point for pet parents who want trustworthy guidance. 

You can also visit Dunbar Academy’s website to find more free resources, as well as their Top Dog Academy bundle for $20 per month (or $150 per year). This bundle gives you access to all of their online courses, their exclusive Facebook group where you can ask questions, and other perks. 

Kinship’s Basic Obedience Program 

Kinship’s Basic Obedience Program — developed in collaboration with training experts at Gentle Beast — is designed to give pet parents a solid, positive-reinforcement foundation. The two-week, eight-course program is free and includes short, focused lessons designed to help with fundamentals, such as house and crate training, socialization, and leash walking. 

The Leash Reactive Dog course

The Leash Reactive Dog course by Instinct Dog Behavior & Training is a free program designed specifically for dogs who struggle on walks (think barking, lunging, freezing, or reacting to triggers). 

The course walks you through the “why” behind reactivity, foundation skills for calmer walks, and step-by-step exercises based on desensitization and counterconditioning. If your dog’s reactivity is making daily walks stressful, this program provides practical, evidence-based tools to help you make progress at home.

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Low-cost and free dog-training apps 

Dog training apps make it easy to build good habits with quick lessons, reminders, and trainer-approved guidance you can access anytime, anywhere. Here are some of the most popular options that use positive reinforcement.

Pocket Puppy School 

Created by certified dog trainer Erki Hindo, Pocket Puppy School is a completely free dog training app offering daily lesson plans, short how-to videos, and simple solutions for training puppies and addressing common behavior challenges. It comes with a built-in clicker, which is a tool for reinforcing new skills.

There’s no required subscription, making it an excellent option for new dog parents who want structured support without hidden costs. 

Dogo 

Dogo is a mobile training app that offers more than 100 lessons, games, exercises, tricks, and commands — all developed by certified dog trainers. 

The app features several structured courses, including Dog Parenting 101, Potty Training, Stop Biting & Chewing, City Dog, and Stop Jumping. Each course includes a balanced mix of written guidance, short videos, and step-by-step exercises you can easily practice at home. Dogo also comes with a built-in clicker. 

As of 2025, pricing is $9.99 per week, $29.99 per month, or $49.99 per quarter.

Gentle Beast 

Gentle Beast is designed to emulate the experience of working with a certified trainer — just in a more flexible, accessible format. After gathering information about your dog’s age, breed, environment, behavior, and your training goals, Gentle Beast creates a detailed behavior profile and builds a personalized training plan that adapts as you progress. 

The program uses a feedback loop with the pet parent to adjust lessons in real time, so the guidance stays relevant as your dog learns. As of 2025, the price is $12.99 per month. 

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Other shelter dog training programs

Prison dog training programs pair recently adopted shelter dogs (or current shelter residents) with incarcerated handlers who provide structured training over the course of weeks. During their board-and-train stay, dogs work on basic manners, leash skills, crate training, and socialization. 

One such program is Shelter Paws for Life, run by Paws for Life K9 Rescue. This free program is available to anyone adopting an eligible dog through Los Angeles Animal Services or a reputable LA-based rescue. Dogs enrolled in the program receive six weeks of one-on-one training from incarcerated handlers under the guidance of professional trainers.

Prison training programs are a win-win: Dogs gain the skills and confidence to boost their adoptability and help them stay in their new homes, while the handlers receive vocational training, emotional support, and a sense of purpose.

Many regions across the U.S. have similar programs. Check if there is a prison-based training program in your area.

How do you choose the best training tool?

There’s no shortage of dog training options out there, so how do you choose the right one? The key is finding a tool that fits your dog’s needs and works for your lifestyle and budget. Here’s what to consider.

• Match the tool to your dog’s specific needs: A puppy with zero manners needs something very different from an adult dog struggling with leash reactivity. Look for resources that address your dog’s age, behavior challenges, and skill level. 

• Choose positive, science-backed methods: The most effective and humane training tools rely on positive reinforcement — not punishment or intimidation. Look for programs led by certified dog trainers or behavior consultants who use reward-based or fear-free training backed by modern behavioral science.

• Consider your preferred format: Some people learn best with step-by-step videos, while others prefer written guides, live classes, or interactive apps. Think about which format makes it easiest for you to understand and actually apply the information.

• Make sure it fits your schedule: Training only works if you can stay consistent, so choose a tool you can realistically stick with. If your schedule makes it hard to attend in-person classes each week, a self-guided option, such as an online course or a training app, may be a better fit. 

• Check for support options: If you’re facing more complex behavior issues, such as excessive barking, reactivity, separation anxiety, or food aggression, seek tools that provide professional feedback (i.e. trainer-reviewed videos, virtual consults, or in-person group coaching).

Practical tips for training success

No matter which training tool you choose, a few simple habits can make the process smoother and help your dog learn faster.

Keep sessions short and consistent

Dogs learn best in small, frequent bursts. Aim for a few five- to 10-minute sessions throughout the day rather than one long block of training. 

If you’re enrolled in once-a-week, hour-long classes, that principle still applies. Your trainer will break the class into manageable exercises. Your job is to reinforce those skills at home in short, consistent sessions between classes. 

Start in a low-distraction environment

Start practicing at home, where your dog can focus more easily. Once they understand the behavior, gradually add distractions, new environments, and more challenging situations to help solidify the skill.

Use high-value rewards

Find treats or rewards your dog really cares about. For one dog, that might be dehydrated chicken treats — for another, salmon jerky. The more motivating the reward, the faster the learning.

Set realistic expectations

Training isn’t linear. Your dog may have great days and not-so-great days, and that’s normal. Be patient and practice at your dog’s pace.

If your dog seems confused or overwhelmed, you may be asking for too much too soon. Break down the behavior into smaller steps and take it a bit slower. 

Watch your own energy

Dogs pick up on our emotions. Staying calm, upbeat, and encouraging helps your dog stay relaxed and engaged. If you’re frustrated, it’s a sign to take a break.

Reinforce good behavior outside of training sessions

Training happens all day long — not just during “official” practice. Reward your dog when they naturally offer behaviors you like, such as settling quietly, making eye contact, walking politely, or when they respond positively to your cues. 

Commonly asked questions 

What to do if you can’t afford dog training?

If you can’t afford typical dog training classes, look for free or low-cost options through shelters, humane societies, online courses, and apps. Many offer group classes or virtual support at little to no cost.

How can I get free service-dog training?

Some nonprofits, such as Canine Companions, provide fully trained service dogs at no cost to eligible applicants. There are also programs like Atlas Assistance Dogs that help pet parents train their own service dogs, though these options typically cost several hundred dollars. In many cases, financial assistance or scholarships may be available.

What is the average cost to train a dog?

Basic group classes typically cost $150 to $250 for a multi-week course. Private sessions often run $75 to $200 each, and board-and-train programs can range from $500 to $1,250 per week. Fortunately, there are plenty of free and low-cost options available, too.

Are dog training classes worth it?

Dog training classes are worth it! Quality classes teach essential skills, build confidence, and help prevent behavior issues. 

What is the 10-10-10 rule for dogs?

The 10-10-10 rule for dogs is a potty-training method: Give your dog 10 minutes of supervised time in a designated potty area, with about 10 feet of space to explore. If they don’t go, bring them inside for 10 minutes, then try again.

Is it good to send your dog away for training?

Board-and-train can give your dog a solid foundation, but you’ll still need to practice those skills at home. It can be a good option for pet parents who don’t have the time to handle all the foundational training themselves and have a large training budget.

References 

Madson, Cathy. “Board and Train for Dogs: Is It Worth It?” Preventive Vet, 10 Nov. 2022, www.preventivevet.com/dogs/board-and-train-for-dogs.

“Shelter Paws for Life Program.” Paws for Life K9 Rescue, 20 Apr. 2025, pawsforlifek9.org/shelter-paws-for-life-program.‌

Weaver, Hilary. “Have a New Dog? Try Our Free Training Program from the Experts at Gentle Beast.” Kinship, 2025, www.kinship.com/dog-behavior/gentle-beast-training-program.