On-Demand Self-Study Dog Training Options

Virtual Dog Training Courses


Virtual, Affordable, Beginner-Suitable Positive Training

What Are Virtual Self-Study Dog Training Courses

Train with confidence, learn at your pace, and build a better life with your dog from the comfort of home.

These virtual, on-demand courses are built for everyday dog guardians who want clear, positive training they can actually stick with. You’ll get practical, step-by-step lessons you can follow at your own pace, from the comfort of home. No travel, no tight schedules, no stress. All courses are taught using positive reinforcement-based methods that are fun for you and your dog.

What’s Included in Each Course?

  • Short, practical video lessons with real-life examples

  • Captions on every video

  • Audio option for written content

  • Easy-to-follow instructions for each skill

  • Troubleshooting tips

  • For some courses: optional video assessments to earn related AKC or DMWYD titles

A dog lying on a bed in front of a silver laptop, wearing a gray t-shirt. Behind the dog, there are two pillows with text and paw print designs reading 'Dog Mom' and 'Dog Dad' in pink and blue.

Why Choose Our Self-Study Courses?

  • Start Anytime: No need to wait for a specific class date. As soon as you enroll, you’ll get instant access to Week 1, so you can get started when it works for you.

  • Learn On Your Schedule: These courses are fully self-paced. You can train at the times that suit your routine and revisit lessons as often as needed. No expiration dates.

  • Beginner-Friendly: These courses were made with first-time dog guardians in mind. The instructions are clear, easy to follow, and built around positive reinforcement.

  • Taught by a Certified Expert: You’ll be working with Lauren Tsao, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI), and AKC CGC Evaluator. Lauren holds a Master’s degree in Applied Animal Behavior & Welfare and has over a decade of professional experience helping dogs and their families.

  • Train with Confidence: Everything is designed to be force-free, evidence-based, and kind because good training should feel good for both ends of the leash.

Available Self-Study Courses:

A brindle French Bulldog sitting on a gray striped doormat at a door, looking up at the camera.

AKC Virtual Home Manners

  • Teaches real-life manners like sit, down, stay, loose leash walking, and calm behavior around the home.

  • Twice the length of normal manners classes with 12 weeks of lessons for half the cost.

  • Covers both Puppy and Adult level skills for dogs at any stage of life.

  • Fully self-paced and designed for beginners.

  • Earn an official AKC Virtual Home Manners title from the comfort of home.

  • All virtual; no crowded classes or overwhelming environments.

A dog emerging from a colorful agility tunnel during a training session, with a person guiding it outdoors.

AKC/DMWYD Novice Trick Dog

  • Teaches +15 beginner-friendly tricks like spin, shake, fetch, jump, and more.

  • Fulfills all requirements to earn your AKC Novice Trick Dog title or Do More With Your Dog! Novice title.

  • Build strong training foundational skills in a fun, creative way.

  • No prior training needed, which is perfect for first-time trick teams.

  • Fully self-paced.

  • Optional video assessments for AKC and DMWYD, so you can submit and earn your official title.

Person playing fetch with a black and white Border Collie on a grassy field during daytime.

AKC/DMWYD Intermediate Trick Dog

  • Builds on your Novice tricks with more advanced tricks like leg weaves, carrying an item, ring a bell, open door, and more.

  • Fulfills all requirements to earn your AKC Intermediate Trick Dog title or Do More With Your Dog! Intermediate title.

  • You don’t need to take the Novice course with us. As long as your dog has basic training, you’re welcome to jump in.

  • Fully self-paced.

  • Optional video assessments for AKC and DMWYD, so you can submit and earn your official title.

Commonly Asked Questions

  • These courses are fully online and self-paced. As soon as you enroll, you'll get access to a series of step-by-step video lessons, written guides (with audio), and support materials. You can work through the content on your own time, from home, at a pace that fits your life.

  • That’s totally okay! These courses are beginner-friendly and designed for real-life households. You don’t need any prior experience; just a willingness to learn and have fun with your dog.

  • Yes! As long as your dog has an official Novice Trick Dog title (from AKC or Do More With Your Dog!), you’re welcome to join the Intermediate course; no matter where you earned your first title.

  • Only if you’d like to earn the official AKC or DMWYD title. Submitting a video is optional and can be done on your own schedule. I'll give you guidance on exactly what to include and how to film it.

  • Yes! In fact, self-paced virtual training is often ideal for sensitive or reactive dogs because you can train in a quiet, familiar space. Everything is taught using positive reinforcement and pressure-free methods.

  • You’ll get lifetime access to any course you purchase. That means you can rewatch videos, refresh your skills, or revisit training anytime, even months or years later.

  • All courses are taught by Lauren Tsao, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI), and AKC Evaluator with over a decade of experience and a Master’s in Applied Animal Behavior & Welfare.

Refund Policy: Due to the digital and self-paced nature of these training programs, all course purchases are final and non-refundable.

Once enrolled, you receive immediate access to course materials, including videos, written guides, and downloadable resources. For this reason, we do not offer refunds, transfers, or exchanges after purchase.

If you have questions about whether a course is right for you and your dog, feel free to contact us before enrolling. We’re happy to help you choose the best fit.