Best dog training apps for walks and leash training (2026)
Updated: February 2026
Walking your dog shouldn’t feel like an extreme sport. If your dog pulls, lunges, or ignores you the moment you step outside, a good training app can help. We evaluated the top dog training apps specifically for their walk and leash training features: focus exercises, loose-leash walking programs, and outdoor proofing tools.
Disclosure: We built Bubbas, so we have a stake in this. We’ve tried to review every app fairly. Prices and features verified February 2026.
Quick picks (TL;DR)
- Best for structured walk training: Bubbas — Daily focus and leash exercises that build week over week
- Best variety of walk-related lessons: Dogo — Large library with loose-leash walking, heel, and recall lessons
- Best for personalized coaching on walks: GoodPup — Live trainer sessions where you can discuss walk-specific issues
Our scoring rubric (1–5)
| App | Leash training | Focus exercises | Outdoor proofing | Progress tracking | Household sync | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bubbas | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 7 |
| Dogo | 8 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 2 | 9 |
| Woofz | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 6 |
| Puppr | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 7 |
| GoodPup | 8 | 7 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 4 |
1. Bubbas
Best for: Structured daily walk training, focus building, household consistency
Pros
- Structured walk and focus training plan that builds week over week
- Engagement games and check-in training exercises
- Loose-leash walking drills with progressive difficulty
- Household sync so everyone walks the dog the same way
- Progress tracking for walk behavior improvements
- AI coach for walk-specific questions
Cons
- iOS only
- Smaller content library than Dogo
- Higher price than Dogo
Pricing: $19.99/mo or $69/yr. 7-day free trial.
Our take: Best if you want a structured, progressive plan for walk training with household consistency. Especially strong for dogs who need to build focus before tackling outdoor distractions.
Try Bubbas free2. Dogo
Best for: Large library of walk-related lessons and exercises
Pros
- Extensive library with heel, recall, and leash training lessons
- AI trainer for general training questions
- Gamified approach keeps things engaging
- Lower price point
- iOS and Android
Cons
- Lessons are individual, not a progressive plan
- No household sync for consistent walking
- Walk-specific content mixed in with a very large library
Pricing: $9.99/mo or $29.99/yr. Limited free tier.
Our take: Great if you want variety and a large lesson library. The walk content is solid but scattered across the broader library rather than packaged as a progressive plan.
3. Woofz
Best for: Course-based daily training structure
Pros
- Personalized courses based on your dog’s profile
- Daily training structure
- iOS and Android
Cons
- Walk training isn’t a dedicated focus area
- No AI coach
- No household support
Pricing: $22.99/mo or $69.99/yr. 3-day trial.
Our take: Offers structured learning that includes some walk-related content. Not specialized for walks but provides a good general training foundation.
4. Puppr
Best for: Basic walk commands with clear photo guides
Pros
- Clear step-by-step photo instructions
- Good clicker training for basic commands
- Simple, clean interface
Cons
- Limited walk-specific training programs
- No progressive outdoor proofing plan
- No AI coaching or household support
Pricing: Freemium with premium unlock.
Our take: Helpful for teaching individual commands (heel, stay) but doesn’t provide a structured walk training program. Best as a supplement.
5. GoodPup
Best for: Live coaching for walk-specific problems
Pros
- Live trainer can coach you through walk issues in real-time
- Personalized advice for your specific walk problems
- Can address reactivity and complex walk behaviors
Cons
- Much higher cost (~$30+/week)
- Requires scheduling
- No daily self-guided walk plan between sessions
Pricing: Starts around $30/week for live sessions.
Our take: Best if your walk problems involve reactivity or complex behaviors that benefit from professional eyes. Can be paired with a self-guided app for daily practice.
Frequently asked questions
Can a phone app really teach my dog to walk nicely?+
An app can’t train your dog — you train your dog. But a good app gives you the right exercises, in the right order, with guidance for when things go wrong. It’s like having a personal trainer: the workout is what gets results, but the structure and accountability make it happen.
My dog is reactive on walks. Which app helps?+
Reactivity (lunging, barking at other dogs or people) is a more complex issue. Bubbas’ focus training is a good foundation, and GoodPup’s live trainers can address reactivity directly. For severe reactivity, consider working with a certified behaviorist alongside an app.
How long until walks improve?+
Most owners notice improvement within 1–2 weeks of consistent daily practice. Building reliable loose-leash walking in distracting environments typically takes 4–6 weeks. The key is practicing on every walk, not just designated training sessions.
Make every walk a good walk
Try Bubbas free for 7 daysRelated guides
Training plan for distracted dogs
Focus and recall plan for dogs who ignore you outside.
Leash pulling training app
Stop leash pulling with structured daily drills.
Dog won’t listen outside
Why your dog tunes you out and how to build outdoor focus.
How to get your dog to focus on walks
Engagement games and check-in training for better walks.
Bubbas vs Woofz
Course-based vs plan-based training comparison.
Reactive dog training for busy owners
10–15 minute walks that actually make progress with reactive dogs.
Dog pulling in apartment lobby & elevator
Confined-space training for elevators, lobbies, and hallways.
Reactive dog basics: what to do this week
First-week reactive dog plan with BAT basics and emergency U-turns.
Recall training: 2-minute daily plan
Build a reliable recall with short daily games and a distraction ladder.
Loose leash walking checklist for apartment dogs
Phase-by-phase checklist from hallway practice to outdoor walks.