Bubbas vs Hiring a Dog Trainer: App vs Professional
Updated: February 2026
Disclosure: This comparison is published by the team behind Bubbas Dog Trainer. We have deep respect for professional trainers — many of our training plans are informed by certified professionals. This page helps you decide which option fits your situation.
TL;DR
- Professional trainers are essential for severe aggression or safety concerns but cost $400-1,600+ for a full program.
- Bubbas provides daily structure and consistency at $19.99/mo — ideal for mild to moderate behavior problems.
- Best approach for tough cases: hire a trainer for assessment, use Bubbas daily for follow-through.
Quick verdict
A professional trainer provides hands-on assessment and expert guidance that no app can fully replace. Bubbas costs a fraction of the price and provides daily guidance between sessions. For most behavior problems, Bubbas is enough. For severe cases, the best approach is both — a trainer for assessment and Bubbas for daily follow-through.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Bubbas | Hiring a Dog Trainer |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $19.99/mo or $69/yr | $100–200 per session (avg 4–8 sessions) |
| Total investment | $69–240/yr | $400–1,600+ for a typical program |
| Availability | 24/7 — train on your schedule | Weekly sessions — limited by trainer schedule |
| Hands-on assessment | No — AI coaching based on your input | Yes — trainer observes your dog directly |
| Daily guidance | Yes — structured daily plan with progress tracking | Homework between sessions, but you’re on your own |
| Household support | Yes — everyone follows the same plan in the app | Usually only the person who attends learns the method |
| AI coaching | Yes — ask questions anytime | Ask during sessions only (or email between) |
| Progress tracking | Built-in streaks, milestones, and behavior metrics | Trainer tracks progress during sessions |
| Personalization | AI adapts plan to your dog’s breed, age, and behavior | Fully customized to your dog after in-person assessment |
| Severe behavior cases | Good for mild to moderate behavior problems | Essential for aggression, severe anxiety, or safety concerns |
| Consistency between sessions | Daily plan keeps training consistent | Relies on owner follow-through between weekly visits |
Who Bubbas is best for
- Your dog has mild to moderate behavior problems (anxiety, pulling, chewing)
- You can’t afford $100–200 per session with a professional
- You want daily guidance, not just weekly check-ins
- Multiple people in your household need to train consistently
- You want to supplement professional training with daily practice
Who Hiring a Dog Trainer is best for
- Your dog has severe aggression or safety-related behavior
- You need a professional assessment of your specific situation
- Your dog’s behavior hasn’t improved with self-guided training
- You prefer hands-on, in-person coaching
- You have the budget for a full training program ($400–1,600+)
Bottom line
Professional trainers are irreplaceable for severe cases and hands-on assessment. But for most behavior problems, Bubbas provides the daily structure and consistency that weekly sessions can’t. At $19.99/month vs $100–200/session, the app is a fraction of the cost.
The best-case scenario for tough cases: hire a trainer for the initial assessment, then use Bubbas daily to follow through on their plan. Your trainer sees your dog once a week — Bubbas helps you train every day.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Bubbas and a professional trainer together?+
Yes — this is often the most effective approach. A professional trainer provides expert assessment and technique correction. Bubbas keeps your household practicing daily between sessions and ensures everyone follows the same method.
When should I hire a trainer instead of using an app?+
If your dog shows aggression toward people or other dogs, has severe anxiety that hasn’t responded to structured training, or if there are safety concerns, a professional trainer should be your first step. Apps are best for mild to moderate behavior problems.
How much does a dog trainer typically cost?+
Private sessions typically run $100–200 per hour. Group classes are $150–300 for a multi-week series. A full behavior modification program can cost $400–1,600+. Bubbas is $19.99/month or $69/year.
Why do dogs often regress between trainer sessions?+
Training works through daily repetition and consistency. Weekly sessions teach technique, but the real work happens at home. Without a structured daily plan, it’s easy to skip practice or send mixed signals. That’s the gap Bubbas fills.
Train every day, not just once a week
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