Bubbas vs YouTube Dog Training: Is an App Worth It?
Updated: February 2026
Disclosure: This comparison is published by the team behind Bubbas Dog Trainer. We’ve done our best to be fair and accurate. YouTube is a massive platform with many excellent trainers — this page compares the format, not individual creators.
TL;DR
- YouTube is free and has endless content, but you have to build your own plan and quality varies wildly.
- Bubbas costs $19.99/mo but gives you a structured daily plan, progress tracking, and AI coaching for specific behavior problems.
- Best combo: use YouTube to learn concepts, use Bubbas to follow a plan and stay consistent.
Quick verdict
YouTube is unbeatable on price (free) and breadth — you can find a video on almost anything. Bubbas is the better choice when you need a structured plan for a specific behavior problem, daily accountability, and guidance the whole household can follow.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Bubbas | YouTube Dog Training |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $19.99/mo or $69/yr | Free |
| Training approach | Structured daily plan for specific behavior problems | Individual videos — you build your own plan |
| Personalization | AI coach adapts to your dog and progress | Generic advice — not tailored to your dog |
| Progress tracking | Built-in streaks, milestones, and behavior metrics | None — you track manually |
| Household support | Yes — multi-user, same plan | No — each person finds their own videos |
| Content quality | Curated by certified trainers | Varies wildly — some excellent, some harmful |
| Content volume | 46 behavior skills with structured steps | Thousands of videos on every topic |
| AI coaching | Yes — ask questions anytime | No — comment sections only |
| Separation anxiety plan | Yes — dedicated graduated absence plan | Scattered videos, no cohesive program |
| Platforms | iOS | Any device with a browser |
| Free trial | 7-day free trial | Always free |
Who Bubbas is best for
- Your dog has a specific behavior problem (anxiety, pulling, destruction)
- You want a structured daily plan instead of piecing together videos
- Multiple people in your household need to follow the same approach
- You want progress tracking and accountability
- You’ve tried YouTube but your dog’s behavior hasn’t improved
Who YouTube Dog Training is best for
- You’re on a tight budget and need free resources
- You want to research a wide variety of training topics
- Your dog doesn’t have specific behavior problems — you just want general tips
- You learn best by watching video demonstrations
- You already have a favorite trainer whose methods you trust
Bottom line
YouTube is a great starting point and an incredible free resource. But free videos can’t replace a structured plan, and quality varies so much that following the wrong advice can make problems worse. Bubbas is worth the investment if your dog has a real behavior problem and you need a plan that tracks progress, adapts to your dog, and keeps your whole household consistent.
Many Bubbas users started on YouTube first. The app picks up where videos leave off.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use YouTube and Bubbas together?+
Absolutely. YouTube is great for understanding concepts and watching technique demos. Bubbas provides the structured daily plan and accountability that videos alone can’t offer. They complement each other well.
Which YouTube dog trainers are reliable?+
Trainers like Zak George, Kikopup, and McCann Dog Training are widely respected. However, even great trainers can’t personalize their advice to your specific dog through a video. That’s where an app with AI coaching helps.
Is Bubbas worth the cost when YouTube is free?+
If your dog has a specific behavior problem, yes. Free videos are general-purpose. Bubbas creates a personalized plan, tracks progress, and provides AI coaching. For dogs with anxiety, pulling, or destruction, the structure saves time and produces faster results.
What if I’ve already tried YouTube and my dog isn’t improving?+
That’s common. Behavior problems need consistent, structured practice — not just information. Bubbas gives you a step-by-step daily plan, tracks what’s working, and adjusts. The structure is what makes the difference.
Go from watching videos to following a plan
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