Dr. Ian Dunbar, a pioneering figure in dog training and animal behavior, has expressed concerns over the growing popularity of online dog training courses, warning that they may exacerbate rather than resolve behavioral issues in dogs. Dunbar, who developed the positive reinforcement training approach in the early 1980s, said that remote sessions cannot effectively address temperament problems, particularly those seen in the surge of “pandemic puppies” acquired by an estimated 3.2 million UK households in 2020.

Dunbar, who is based in California and has been influential in shaping dog training practices for decades, emphasized the limitations of virtual training. He noted that while many owners turn to online courses to avoid the high costs associated with in-person lessons—which can reach up to £150 per hour—such programmes often fail to produce lasting results. “You can do a ten-week course about your stressed dog, and at the end of ten weeks, it will still be stressed,” he said, underscoring his skepticism about the efficacy of remote training methods.

Despite Dunbar’s reservations, many trainers offering online classes argue that virtual platforms provide valuable tools for addressing behavioral issues while reducing stress for dogs. Siobhan Dunn, founder of the Puppy & Friends Academy in Shropshire, reported significant growth in her business since launching online courses in 2022. She contended that remote sessions are particularly beneficial for anxious or reactive dogs, which may find traditional group settings overwhelming. “A room full of other dogs is the worst place for them to learn,” Dunn said, asserting that online delivery can better accommodate these animals’ needs.

Similarly, Catherine West, who leads the Terrier School in Peebles, Scottish Borders, offers a 16-week online training program priced at £345, including continuous support through WhatsApp groups. West explained that her approach focuses primarily on educating owners to identify and manage their dogs’ behaviors rather than directly diagnosing the problems themselves. “What I’m actually doing is teaching people how to train their dogs,” she said, adding that much of the success depends on helping owners apply techniques tailored to their particular circumstances.

While traditional face-to-face dog training maintains its appeal, especially for hands-on correction and socialization, the debate over the effectiveness of online courses highlights broader shifts in pet care preferences accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The increased demand for virtual options has created new opportunities—and sparked new controversies—among dog trainers and animal behavior specialists seeking to support owners navigating common challenges with their pets.