2024 SpiritDog Training Review: My Candid Perspective
Are SpiritDog Training Courses Worth It? Will Online Dog Training Work for Your Dog?
I’ve been a part of the SpiritDog Masterclass since 2021, and this review reflects my personal journey using their online training platform with my dogs.
So, is it worth it?
In one word: YES! The value packed into SpiritDog Training programs justifies every penny—and then some.
How to Find the Best Dog Trainer in 2024
The search for a dog trainer no longer depends on finding a local class that fits your schedule. With the rise of online platforms, you can now access expert trainers who cater to your dog’s unique needs, all from the comfort of your home.
SpiritDog Training stands out by offering flexible, self-paced learning and expert support 24/7. Whether you’ve had disappointing experiences with traditional classes or are skeptical about online training, SpiritDog might be the solution you and your dog have been looking for.
With tailored training plans, comprehensive video lessons, and a welcoming community, SpiritDog Training has transformed countless dogs’ behavior. Plus, their 60-day satisfaction guarantee means there’s no risk in trying it out.
My SpiritDog Training Experience
As a proud owner of four dogs, I’m constantly seeking ways to improve their behavior and deepen our bond. I enrolled in the SpiritDog Masterclass in 2021 to gain access to their extensive library of training courses. (Please note that the Masterclass may not currently be available.)
No dog is perfect, including mine. Ginger had issues with resource guarding, Bear struggled with leash pulling, Thunder was impatient during training sessions, and Wizard displayed mild reactivity.
Thanks to the SpiritDog courses, I’ve seen remarkable improvements in all of them. The lessons are engaging, insightful, and effective, making them a fantastic resource for dog owners looking to bring out the best in their pups.
Many of the Courses Are Led by SpiritDog’s Founder, Steffi
As of now, over 78,754 students are enrolled in at least one SpiritDog Training course—a testament to the program’s quality and effectiveness.
It’s essential to remember that lasting behavior changes require time and consistent effort. While your dog won’t transform overnight, consistent effort and practice can lead to lasting results. For instance, I’m optimistic that Thunder will soon feel more at ease training alongside other dogs.
The resources available through SpiritDog are remarkable. Regardless of your dog’s specific challenges, there’s likely a course addressing it. And with Steffi consistently adding new classes, the library continues to grow.
Choosing the best course is difficult because it depends entirely on your needs. That’s why I recommend starting with one of SpiritDog’s Bundles—they offer excellent value and cover a wide range of topics.
Top SpiritDog Courses and Bundles
Here are some of the most popular SpiritDog offerings:
- The Perfect Focus Bundle: Tackles common concerns like focus and attention.
- Tackling Reactivity Bundle: Helps you address reactivity so you can feel confident and proud of your dog’s behavior.
- Confidence Booster: Ideal for rescue dogs dealing with anxiety, stress, or past trauma.
- Perfect Obedience Bundle: Includes essentials like basic obedience and leash training.
- Coming When Called and Outdoor Focus: Teaches your dog to prioritize listening to you, even in distracting environments.
Inside SpiritDog Training Courses
SpiritDog uses an intuitive online platform with clear, user-friendly menus. The courses combine videos, text, and quizzes, accessible across devices like desktops, laptops, iPads, and smartphones.
The step-by-step approach makes training easy to follow, with trainers demonstrating exactly how to guide your dog through each exercise. Features like pause, rewind, and note-taking give you complete control over your learning pace.
After each section, you’ll find short reviews and quizzes to reinforce the material. And if you ever have questions, trainers are available to respond directly within the course platform.
Compared to the cost of hiring a personal trainer—which can run into hundreds or thousands of dollars—SpiritDog offers tremendous value.
What You Get with SpiritDog Training Courses
Here’s what’s included in any SpiritDog course:
- Instant access to high-quality training materials.
- Video tutorials viewable anytime, anywhere.
- Printable instructional PDFs for on-the-go reference.
- Quizzes to test your knowledge.
- Audio segments to enhance your learning.
- Direct access to trainers for personalized advice.
Course Options
- Individual Courses
Focus on specific training needs, from confidence building to potty training. Some popular courses include:- Basic Obedience
- Coming When Called
- Focus in Public
- Canine Fitness
- Dog Tricks
- Bundles
These offer more value and a well-rounded experience. Examples include:- Ultimate Puppy Program Bundle
- Tackling Reactivity Bundle
- Perfect Obedience Bundle
- Ultimate Masterclass Bundle
My Recommendation
I began with the Tackling Reactivity Bundle but quickly upgraded to the Ultimate Masterclass Bundle for its unparalleled value. The lifetime access and extensive training options make it an incredible deal.
Why Choose Online Dog Training?
For busy dog owners, online training is a game-changer. It eliminates the hassle of commuting to classes, provides unlimited access to resources, and lets you train multiple dogs without extra costs.
With SpiritDog, you benefit from:
- Lifetime access to purchased courses.
- A satisfaction guarantee.
- Science-backed, fear-free training methods.
- Detailed video instructions.
- Supportive trainers.
- Certificates upon course completion.
Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or an experienced trainer, SpiritDog offers exceptional value and results.
Who SpiritDog Isn’t For
Dog training is never a “one-and-done” process. If you’re expecting your dog to become flawlessly trained after completing a single course, you’ll likely be disappointed—no matter where you take the class.
Whether it’s an in-person or online training program, success requires consistent practice. In local classes, you’re expected to work with your dog during sessions and at home. The same rule applies to online courses: practice, practice, and more practice.
It’s also vital to recognize that dog trainers—whether in person or online—are there to teach you how to train your dog. You’re the one responsible for applying the techniques and practicing them consistently. Watching videos or attending one session won’t magically transform your dog’s behavior.
To get the most out of any training program, commit to at least 10 minutes a day for practice. And even after completing a course, ongoing reinforcement is key to maintaining your dog’s skills.
Learning is a lifelong process, both for you and your dog. Just as humans don’t master a skill after seeing it demonstrated once, dogs require repeated practice and reinforcement. The formula is simple: learn, practice, refine, and repeat.
SpiritDog Review – My Final Thoughts
Over the years, I’ve participated in numerous in-person dog training classes. Honestly, aside from one course I took over 25 years ago with my first dog, I’ve rarely felt they were worth the price. With rates ranging from $120 to $300 per class per dog, traditional training isn’t cheap. For dogs with behavior issues, specialized trainers can cost thousands.
I’ve also tried several online courses from well-known providers, but SpiritDog Training truly stands out. Steffi has nailed the formula with her clear, concise videos, lifetime access, and the personalized Q&A feature. It’s an unbeatable value.
A few years ago, I enrolled in an online dog agility course that cost $500 for one year of access. The videos were long, unengaging, and lacked opportunities for follow-up questions. I was left disappointed and felt I didn’t get my money’s worth.
If you’re unsure about investing in an online dog training course, I’d say go for it.
Thanks to SpiritDog’s satisfaction guarantee, you can try the courses with complete peace of mind—there’s no risk involved.
A Quick Note on Coupons
At the time of writing, I’m not aware of any current coupon codes for SpiritDog Training. If I come across any, I’ll be sure to update this post. That said, given the already low prices of these courses, I wouldn’t let the absence of a discount code hold you back.