Photo credit: Don Hankins / Flickr

All dog owners want a pup that’s well behaved and properly trained. However, according to ABC News, American adults these days work more each year than residents of any other country; they take less vacation time, work longer hours, and typically retire later as well.

As such, not everybody has the time in their days (or even the patience) to train their own dogs or physically bring them to a professional dog trainer. As a result, some dog owners have begun to explore the option of online dog training, which enables them to complete training sessions with their dogs from the comfort and convenience of their own homes.

Before you decide whether or not online dog training is right for you, however, it’s important to weigh both the pros and cons.

Pros of Online Dog Training

The biggest advantage to partaking in online dog training is that of not having to leave one’s home in order to do it. Instead, dog owners simply need an Internet connection and a device on which to connect with the trainer.

This also saves dog owners the hassle of having to pack up the dog, which can often be a pain, and transport him or her to the trainer. Furthermore, the training can be done on one’s own schedule rather than having to adhere to a professional trainer’s regular business hours. This is ideal for those who work non-traditional schedules.

Essentially, there are two options when it comes to online dog training: owners can meet one-on-one in real time with a trainer, or they can view pre-recorded training videos. In either situation, the dog owner gets to do all of the hands-on training, which helps to increase the bond between the owner and the dog.

Finally, many dog owners are surprised to find that online dog training is less expensive than in-person training sessions. A one-on-one session with a trainer in person can cost as much as $100 an hour, according to Paw Nation. An online session, on the other hand, can cost as little as $40 per course, as explained in E-Training for Dogs.

Cons of Online Dog Training

One potential drawback of performing online dog training is the fact that it involves just the dog, his or her owner, and the trainer on the screen. In a real dog training environment, there are usually other dogs present, and this helps to encourage obedience.

For example, if a dog sees that another dog was rewarded for listening to command, that dog may be more likely to obey the same command; it is similar to a domino effect. With an online training course, on the other hand, this sort of effect does not exist.

Finally, online dog training requires a great amount of patience. There is a lot of information for dog owners to absorb, and it can be overwhelming for them right off the bat. Fortunately, with a little bit of patience and determination, dog owners can eventually understand the ins and outs of the training program and begin using it to their advantage.

Finally, unless the session is in real time, asking a question and getting an answer from a trainer isn’t always easy. It may involve having to call or e-mail a trainer and wait for a response, which can be a hassle for those trying to train their dogs using online programs.

Overall, there are many pros and cons to using an online dog training program. However, for those with busy schedules and lots of determination, it may be worth it to give it a try.