If you’ve been searching for Spirit Dog Training reviews, chances are you’re frustrated, overwhelmed, and honestly just tired of dealing with your dog’s behavior—whether that’s constant pulling, nonstop barking, or embarrassing reactions on walks.
And if you’re like most dog owners, you’ve probably already tried a few things that didn’t work… which makes spending money on another training program feel like a risk.
That’s exactly why Spirit Dog Training has been getting so much attention. It promises a step-by-step, positive training system you can follow at home—but does it actually deliver real results, or is it just another program that sounds good but falls short?
In this honest review, I’m going to break down exactly what you get, who this training is really for, what kind of results you can expect, and whether it’s actually worth your money—so you can decide with confidence before buying.
Before we dive in, here’s a quick heads up:
Some links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend programs I believe offer real value for dog owners who want effective, practical training solutions.
👉 Curious what the full program includes? You can check out Spirit Dog details here.
My Honest Spirit Dog Training Review (Quick Verdict)
I’ve tried a range of online dog training platforms, and Spirit Dog Training has held up really well for me. The lessons are digestible, step by step, and welcoming for all skill levels. I noticed small improvements in my dog’s listening skills after about a week, and bigger changes in her confidence and manners after about a month.
Spirit Dog Training’s strength is the focus on understanding why your dog behaves in certain ways and using rewards to guide better habits instead of relying on correction or harsh methods.
The program covers everything from basic obedience to specific issues like leash reactivity, barking, and even dog sports. I’ve found the advice to be practical and easy to use day by day.
If you want to start making positive changes with your dog at your own pace, Spirit Dog Training is absolutely worth considering. Check current pricing and available courses at Spirit Dog Training here.
Who It’s Best For
Spirit Dog Training suits anyone who prefers to learn at their own pace and is motivated to put in regular, gentle practice with their dog.
It’s a good fit if you want positive reinforcement, help with specific behavioral issues, or an easy way to brush up on the basics from home. If your dog is fearful, excitable, or stubborn, you’ll find the step by step video instructions and troubleshooting tips extremely helpful.
Who Should Skip It
If you’re looking for immediate, in-person help for extremely aggressive behavior, you might need to look for direct local support.
Extremely busy pet parents who won’t be able to practice regularly may also benefit more from group classes or private sessions for accountability.
My Overall Rating
Out of 5 stars, I’d give Spirit Dog Training a 4.9.
The video quality, explanation of principles, and wide array of courses stand out. Lesson pacing and the supportive online community are also pluses. I do wish there were even more advanced sport dog options, but there’s plenty here for most owners.
What Is Spirit Dog Training?
Spirit Dog Training is an online dog training program created by an experienced professional dog trainer. All the content is designed to be accessible from home, whether that’s your living room, backyard, or local park.
The platform offers both individual courses and a larger membership called SpiritDog Academy. Topics go way beyond sit and stay, including reactivity, recall, potty training, marker training, and agility courses.
How the Program Works
After signing up, you get instant access to video lessons, printable guides, and step by step plans. You can go at your own pace, rewind as often as you need, and focus on the areas most relevant to you.
For extra support, SpiritDog Academy includes a community forum and periodic group Q&As with the trainers so you can ask questions and get tips tailored to your situation.
Training Philosophy (Positive Reinforcement Explained)
The whole training approach at Spirit Dog revolves around positive reinforcement—rewards, praise, and encouragement rather than physical correction.
That means teaching your dog what you want them to do with treats, toys, and lots of positive energy instead of punishing mistakes.
This style has been backed by animal behavior research for years, and in my experience, makes training more enjoyable for both the dog and the owner. My shy rescue responded super well to these methods without ever shutting down or getting stressed.
Types of Courses Available
You can pick single topic courses (like aggressive barking or loose leash walking) or go for the Academy membership with access to everything.
There are also:
- Puppy focused courses
- Recall mastery
- Therapy dog prep
- Agility tricks
- Reactivity
- Barking solutions
- Canine fitness
I’ve personally taken Leash Walking, The Reliable Recall, and the Core Skills course—each one was straightforward, well paced, and very practical.
What Do You Get With Spirit Dog Training?
The platform offers a mix of text, video, and printable checklists to suit different learning preferences. Everything is designed so you can put it into practice in short daily training sessions.
I found the platform clear, easy to use, and fun to revisit as my dog picked up new skills over time.
Inside the SpiritDog Academy
SpiritDog Academy is their main membership, giving you full, always updated access to every course (over 20 as of 2026), all bonus resources, early access to new content, and support from trainers via the community platform.
The community helps when you need a second opinion or a little motivation after hitting a training plateau. It really creates a sense of connection, even if you’re working solo with your pup at home.
Course Structure and Format
Each course is divided into clear modules, starting with key ideas, moving to demonstrations, and finishing up with troubleshooting and real life case studies.
Videos are usually between 3 to 10 minutes each, so it’s not overwhelming. Printable checklists and trackers help you stay on task and see progress over time.
Bonus Materials and Resources
Spirit Dog also provides resource libraries for common dog problems, fun training games, and even access to recorded webinars.
I’ve downloaded a bunch of cheat sheets for quick reference, which helped a lot when working on recall or leash manners at the park. These bonus resources really add value if you like to have something to quickly look at on your phone or print for later use.
Does Spirit Dog Training Actually Work?
Based on my personal experience and from what I see in the online community, Spirit Dog Training works as long as you follow the plans and stay patient.
Dogs seem to enjoy the reward-based approach and quickly start looking to their owners for guidance, especially when treats or toys are involved. Being consistent is key, but the positive style keeps both you and your dog excited to train.
Realistic Results You Can Expect
After a week or two, I noticed my dogs were paying more attention and had a calmer reaction to things that would have set her off, like the doorbell. In the past, both my Jack Russells would go absolutely bonkers when the bell rang.
Building a rock solid recall or unlearning leash pulling took about 4 to 8 weeks of regular practice. Your results depend a lot on consistency, your dog’s age, background, and personality.
No course is a magic fix, but I do feel Spirit Dog gives realistic expectations and helps you track small wins so you stay motivated.
Timeline for Behavior Changes
Some improvements show up quickly—simple tricks or focus exercises might only take a few days. More complex stuff like impulse control, reactivity, or confidence building takes a few months of steady work. The course is set up to help celebrate small accomplishments so training never feels overwhelming or all-or-nothing.
Common Mistakes That Affect Results
The most common error is trying to train everything at once or expecting big changes overnight. Skipping practice days, using punishment out of frustration, or jumping ahead too fast will usually make progress grind to a halt. Stick with the steps in sequence and you’ll spot consistent changes over time.
👉 I break these down step-by-step in my guide on how to stop leash pulling in strong dogs.
Pros and Cons of Spirit Dog Training
What I Like
- Super clear video tutorials that are short and easy to replay
- Focus on building a positive, trusting relationship between dog and owner
- Wide range of topics from puppy basics to advanced games
- Support from experienced trainers and the member community
- Lifetime access and updates for most courses
What Could Be Better
- Not all behaviors (like severe aggression) can be addressed with online help alone . If your dog is dealing with severe aggression, I break down a more intensive option in my full Method K9 review here.
- Some topics would benefit from even more troubleshooting examples
- Requires regular participation and follow through for best results
👉 If you’re on the fence about whether Spirit Dog is a good fit you can take a look at my Train Pet Dog Review. This program is especially great for re-homed dogs and addresses specific dog breeds.
How Much Does Spirit Dog Training Cost?
Pricing Breakdown
Spirit Dog Training lets you buy single courses (usually around $39 to $99 each) or subscribe to SpiritDog Academy for about $35 per month. There’s also a one time, lifetime membership option for full access if you want to invest long term.
Is It Worth the Price?
If you want a focused, repeatable approach without paying for lots of group classes or private sessions, Spirit Dog Training is a great value. Compared to regular in person trainers (often $100 or more per hour), Spirit Dog lets you train at your pace for a fraction of the price. See current offers and bundles at Spirit Dog Training here.
Refund Policy
The company offers a 60-day money back guarantee. I appreciate this because it lets you try the courses without extra stress or big financial risk.
Spirit Dog Training vs Other Online Dog Training Programs
I’ve sampled a few big online programs. Here’s how Spirit Dog compares:
Spirit Dog vs TrainPetDog
TrainPetDog uses both positive reinforcement and mild corrections, but its content feels less personal and more text based. Spirit Dog’s videos and trackers made it easier for me to stick to a routine, and the training style had a more modern, gentle feel overall.
👉 If you’re on the fence about whether Spirit Dog is a good fit you can take a look at my in-depth Train Pet Dog Review.
Spirit Dog vs K9 Training Institute
K9 Training Institute tends to focus on polished, service dog style behaviors and often costs quite a bit more. Spirit Dog is better for everyday owners seeking practical, flexible lessons for regular dog life—not just high level obedience routines.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you want to use rewards based training and avoid harsh methods, Spirit Dog is a great choice for most. If you need high level service dog skills, K9 Institute might be better, but Spirit Dog’s practical, approachable format is ideal for the average household.
Is Spirit Dog Training Legit or a Scam?
Who Created the Program
The program was launched by Steffi Trott, a certified professional dog trainer with experience in both obedience and sports. You can read more about the team and their credentials directly on their official website.
Customer Feedback and Reputation
Spirit Dog Training has thousands of positive reviews on their own site, Trustpilot, and dog forums. Many users mention significant improvements in recall, leash manners, and anxiety issues.
As always, it’s a good idea to look up independent reviews or check dog training Reddit threads for real world stories from people who’ve tested the platform with all kinds of dogs.
My Final Take
After completing several Spirit Dog classes, digging into the support forums, and trying the strategies with my own dog, I can confidently say Spirit Dog Training is not a scam.
The trainers keep the content fresh, answer support questions, and offer real refunds if a course isn’t working out. That’s been a huge reassurance for me as a customer and as a dog owner wanting the best for my pup.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy Spirit Dog Training?
Best Use Cases
I recommend Spirit Dog Training for owners of puppies, newly adopted rescue dogs, or anyone tackling common behavior problems like jumping, leash pulling, or recall struggles. If you want a flexible, reward based program you can use on your schedule, it’s an excellent option to explore.
Who Should Avoid It
If your dog has a serious aggression history or bite risk, local in person help is much safer. People who need someone to check in on them and keep them accountable might do better with group classes or private lessons too.
Where to Get Access
If you want to see if Spirit Dog Training could help you and your dog, the best approach is to sign up on their official website—that way you can access current discounts and the latest courses.
👉 You can check current pricing, available courses, and get started with Spirit Dog Training here.