Which Pet Training App Actually Works? Real Reviews

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By Dallas Hughes / App Reviews Column / The Pet Standard

Let’s face it most of us have, at some point, found ourselves sitting on the floor, phone in one hand, treat in the other, desperately pleading with our dog to sit just once before your coffee goes cold.

In the era of smart everything, it only makes sense that your phone would help turn your beloved chaos gremlin into a well behaved angel.

But here’s the problem: not all pet training apps are created equal. Some are brilliant. Others are just glorified clickers wrapped in a subscription model.

So, I’ve downloaded, tested, and (mostly) survived a week-long trial of the top-rated pet training apps available in the UK. I’ve roped in my enthusiastic-but-stubborn spaniel, Rufus, and my wildly unimpressed tabby, Margot, to help answer the burning question:

Which pet training app actually works?

What Should a Good Training App Do?

Before we jump into the apps, let’s talk criteria. A good training app should:

• Be based on positive reinforcement and science-backed methods

• Offer clear, step-by-step guidance

• Include progress tracking or habit reminders

• Have video tutorials or demos (because “calm assertive energy” means nothing when you’re being barked at)

• Ideally, be fun or at least not make you want to launch your phone into the nearest pond

1. Pupford

Price: Free Basic, £9.49/month Pro

Verdict: Actually decent—but prepare to be upsold like it’s Black Friday

Pupford is wildly popular, and to be fair, it earns its reputation. The app offers a free 30-day training course led by professional trainer Zak George (who seems like the human equivalent of a golden retriever relentlessly positive). Lessons are short, practical, and very beginner friendly.

There’s a lot to love:

✅ Bite-sized videos

✅ Clicker and treat tracker

✅ Games for mental stimulation

❌ But oh, the constant reminders that your life would be so much better if you just paid for Pupford Pro...

Science check: Based on reward-based training, ticks all the right boxes here.

Rufus rating: 4/5 paws. Sat on command after day 2, rolled over once (probably by accident). Margot rating: 1/5. Only participated for the treat.

Available on: iOS & Android Price: Free basic access; £9.99/month for Pro features

2. Dogo

Price: £9.49/month or £89/year

Verdict: Sleek, structured and weirdly encouraging

Dogo feels like the Apple Watch of dog training. The app is beautifully designed, with a clean interface and a structured daily training schedule that actually motivates you to stick with it. There are over 100 tricks and commands, from basic obedience to flashy party tricks (yes, “high five” is in there).

What sets Dogo apart is the feedback feature you can send a video of your dog performing a command and get a response from a real trainer. Yes, a real human. In an app!

Science check: Backed by positive reinforcement, behaviour chains, and consistent cues. Spot on.

Rufus rating: 5/5. Genuinely seemed to enjoy “training time.”

Margot rating: 0/5. Refused to acknowledge the app’s existence.

Available on: iOS & Android Price: £9.49/month or £89/year

3. GoodPup

Price: £29/week (yes, really)

Verdict: Personalised coaching that costs more than your dog’s bed

GoodPup offers 1-on-1 video training sessions with a live coach. That’s right someone, somewhere, watches you flail about in your living room and gently tells you how to fix it. There’s also daily check-ins, text support, and custom training plans.

This is perfect if you need accountability or have a dog with specific behavioural challenges. However, it’s not cheap.

Science check: Absolutely. GoodPup trainers use humane, evidence based techniques and tailor advice to your dog’s needs.

Rufus rating: 4/5. Loved the attention.

Margot rating: Not applicable. They don’t train cats. Shocking.

Available on: iOS only (UK Android app pending)Price: £29/week (but they offer a free first week)

4. EveryDoggy

Price: £10.99/month or £79.99/year

Verdict: A little too cheerful, but surprisingly thorough

If apps had personalities, EveryDoggy would be the overenthusiastic camp counsellor of the lot. There’s upbeat music, bright colours, and a narrator who sounds like they might burst into applause at any moment. But don’t be fooled there’s a robust training programme underneath the glitter.

It includes lessons, progress tracking, and a surprisingly detailed puppy training schedule. However, older dogs may not benefit as much unless you're going back to basics.

Science check: Based on clicker training and reward systems. Thorough, but very focused on young pups.

Rufus rating: 3/5. Too many jingles, not enough sausage.

Margot rating: 2/5. Enjoyed watching Rufus get confused.

Available on: iOS & AndroidPrice: £10.99/month or £79.99/year

5. PocketSuite for Pet Trainers

Price: Free to use (Trainer-side), Prices Vary

Verdict: Not for pet owners—unless you are a trainer

This one’s a bit of a curveball. PocketSuite is more of a booking and payment app for professional trainers. While it’s great for the industry, it’s not designed to help you train your own dog or cat. I included it because, hilariously, it pops up in every search for “dog training app.”

Science check: N/A

Rufus rating: Confused.

Margot rating: Sent an invoice for her appearance fee.

Available on: iOS Price: Free for trainers; clients pay per session

So… Which One Actually Works?

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with solid fundamentals, Pupford is a great place to start.

For a structured experience with real feedback, Dogo takes the crown.

If your dog needs personalised support and you’ve got the budget, GoodPup is hard to beat.

And if you just want to feel like a better pet parent without thinking too hard, EveryDoggy will cheer you through it.

Final Verdict

Technology has made it easier than ever to train your pet but don’t fall into the trap of thinking an app can replace consistency, patience, and the occasional slice of cheddar cheese.

The best app is the one you’ll actually use, every day, even when your dog is more interested in chewing the corner of the rug than learning to “stay.”