Can Apps Help Train Puppies? These 3 Actually Do.

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By Dallas Hughes | App Reviews Column | The Pet Standard

There’s a unique madness that comes with owning a puppy. One minute, they’re asleep on your lap like a furry angel. The next, they’ve eaten a sock, weed on your rug, and sprinted into a wall and it’s not even 8am.

Naturally, you turn to your phone and search “how to train a puppy before I lose my mind.” And voilà apps. Hundreds of them. All promising to turn your ankle-biting maniac into a well-mannered marvel.

But can an app really teach your puppy not to eat your phone charger? We tested three that actually deliver.

What Should a Puppy Training App Do?

Let’s be clear: no app will magically raise your dog for you. (We can all dream.) But a good app should:

• Use positive reinforcement methods backed by animal behaviour science

• Offer clear instructions, videos, and progress tracking

• Be engaging enough that you’ll stick with it

• Work in real-world, chaotic, biscuit-crumb-covered conditions

My assistant for this trial? Rufus, a 6-month-old spaniel who thinks “sit” is a suggestion and “leave it” means “eat it faster”.

1. Dogo – Structured, Stylish, and Surprisingly Effective

💸 Price: Free basic plan, £9.49/month for premium

📱 Available on: iOS & Android

What it does: Dogo offers over 100 training lessons, including basic obedience, leash walking, crate training, and even tricks like “wave” and “spin”. The app includes video tutorials, daily training schedules, and the ability to submit videos for real trainer feedback.

What we loved:

• Genuinely useful progression: you don’t move on until your dog “gets it”

• The trainer video feedback felt like having a pocket sized behaviourist

• The interface is smooth, modern, and doesn’t shout at you with ads

Science Check: Dogo is firmly based on positive reinforcement, clicker training, and habit building. The lessons align with modern, force-free training methods no choke chains or shouting required.

Rufus’ progress: By Day 3, he was sitting before meals, touching a target stick, and looking smug. I was told I was “doing great too”, which felt mildly condescending… but also motivating.

Verdict: If you want an app that feels like a dog trainer and a coach rolled into one this is it.

2. Pupford – Big on Content, Light on Pressure

💸 Price: Free 30-day course, £9.99/month for Pupford Pro

📱 Available on: iOS & Android

What it does: Pupford delivers a free 30-day training challenge, guided by YouTube trainer Zak George.

It covers puppy basics, impulse control, socialisation, and common behavioural issues. You can also buy treats and training tools in-app (because capitalism never sleeps).

What we loved:

• Bite-sized, daily lessons that actually fit into your lunch break

• Encouraging tone without being nauseating

• Clicker and treat tracking built in (great for consistency)

Science Check: Zak George is one of the better-known names in science based, force-free dog training, and Pupford sticks to those principles. The app avoids punishment and encourages repetition, patience, and treats. So. Many. Treats.

Rufus’ progress: We had minor breakthroughs with crate time and recall, and he seemed to respond well to the enthusiastic tone. (Though he probably just liked the voice that meant “snack”.)

Verdict: Perfect for first-time puppy parents who want to follow a ready-made plan without overthinking it.

3. GoodPup – Pricey, But Personalised

💸 Price: £29/week (yes, weekly), but includes live 1-on-1 sessions

📱 Available on: iOS only in the UK

What it does:GoodPup connects you with a real, live trainer via video chat for weekly sessions. You also get a personalised training plan, daily goals, and messaging support throughout the week.

What we loved:

• You’re not just following a template you get advice tailored to your dog

• The trainers are patient, professional, and encouraging

• Follow-up support means you’re never stuck for long

Science Check: All trainers are required to use positive reinforcement and are vetted for humane, R+ training methods. It’s basically having a real dog trainer without having to clean your house beforehand.

Rufus’ progress: After one session, we adjusted our leash training method. Rufus stopped pulling like a caffeinated rhino and started walking like a semi-respectable citizen.

Verdict: It’s a splurge, but ideal if you want professional help without the scheduling hassle. Great for more difficult behaviours or nervous new owners.

What About the Others?

We also looked at EveryDoggy, Woofz, and PetCoach but found them lacking in either science, clarity, or charm. Some were riddled with ads, some reused free YouTube content, and some just made Rufus confused (and me, angry).

Final Thoughts: Can an App Really Help?

Yes but only if you actually use it.

The best puppy training app is the one you’ll open every day, watch the lesson, and then put your phone down to actually practice. Apps are tools, not magic wands. Your pup won’t learn “stay” because an animated dog on a screen said so they’ll learn because you’re consistent, and they get rewarded for trying.

Still, if you're looking to avoid midnight Google searches like “why is my puppy eating his bed again”, these three apps are a great place to start.