🐾 Product Review
Best Puppy Training Apps and Kits UK 2026
A new puppy means new training decisions. We compared five of the best puppy training apps and companion training kits available in the UK, covering structured curricula, clicker training sets, and high-value treat pouches. Every pick is available on Amazon UK or as a UK-subscribable app.
Key Takeaways
- Zigzag is the best UK-built puppy training app, designed around APDT guidelines with personalised lesson plans from week 8
- Pet Room Treat Pouch with Clicker is the best-value starter kit, bundling a clicker, treat pouch, and training guide in one affordable set
- Pupford Freeze-Dried Beef Liver Treats are the highest-rated training treats on Amazon UK, with strong scent that keeps puppies focused
- PetSafe Easy Walk Harness is the go-to no-pull harness for leash training, recommended by vets and trainers across the UK
- Funfox Dog Harness Medium is the budget-friendly alternative for owners who want a padded front-clip harness without the premium price
Suggested reading: Best Dog Training Treats UK 2026 · Basic Dog Obedience Training
Quick Picks
📱 Best UK App
Zigzag Puppy Training
🎯 Best Starter Kit
🦴 Best Training Treats
🦺 Best No-Pull Harness
💰 Best Budget Harness
Quick Comparison
| Product | Type | Price | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zigzag Puppy Training | App (iOS/Android) | £5.99/mo | UK owners wanting structured curriculum | 4.8/5 (App Store) |
| Pet Room Treat Pouch with Clicker | Training kit | £8.99 | Clicker training beginners | 4.5/5 (2K+ ratings) |
| Pupford Freeze-Dried Beef Liver | Training treats | £9.99 | High-value reward treats | 4.6/5 (5K+ ratings) |
| PetSafe Easy Walk Harness | No-pull harness | £18.99 | Leash training, pulling prevention | 4.5/5 (15K+ ratings) |
| Funfox Dog Harness Medium | Front-clip harness | £9.99 | Budget leash training | 4.4/5 (3K+ ratings) |
In-Depth Reviews
1. Zigzag Puppy Training App
£5.99/month or £39.99/year | iOS and Android | UK-based | APDT-qualified trainers
Zigzag is built specifically for UK puppy owners, which sets it apart from the US-dominated competition. The app was co-founded by dog trainers certified by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers UK, and every lesson follows their evidence-based curriculum. Starting from week 8, the app walks you through age-appropriate socialisation, basic commands, and common problem behaviours like biting and house training.
What makes Zigzag genuinely useful is the personalisation. You enter your puppy age, breed, and living situation, and the app adjusts lesson difficulty and pacing accordingly. A 10-week-old Border Collie in a flat gets different exercises than a 14-week-old Cavalier King Charles in a house with a garden. The progress tracking shows which skills your puppy has mastered and which need more work.
The subscription model is the main barrier. At £5.99 per month, it costs less than a single in-person puppy class, but free alternatives like YouTube channels (Zak George, Kikopup) cover similar ground without the structured curriculum. The paid version adds breed-specific advice and a puppy socialisation checklist that free resources lack.
Pros
- Built for UK owners with APDT-qualified trainers
- Personalised lessons based on breed and age
- Structured curriculum from week 8 onwards
- Progress tracking across all skills
Cons
- Subscription required for full content
- Free alternatives cover similar ground
- No live trainer support included
2. Pet Room Treat Pouch with Clicker
£8.99 | Treat pouch + clicker + training guide | Adjustable belt clip | Water-resistant
If you are starting from scratch, this Pet Room set bundles everything you need for clicker training in one affordable package. The treat pouch attaches to your waistband or belt, keeping rewards within arm reach during sessions. The clicker is a standard box-style design with a loud, consistent click that puppies learn to associate with rewards quickly.
Amazon reviewers with new puppies highlight the convenience of having both pieces together. The pouch is large enough for a handful of treats and has a drawstring closure that prevents spills during active training. The included training guide covers basic clicker conditioning steps, though it is quite thin and works better as a quick reference than a full course.
The pouch material is water-resistant, which matters more than you might expect when training outdoors in British weather. The belt clip is sturdy enough for everyday use but may loosen over months of heavy use. For the price, it is hard to beat as a starter kit, especially if you are pairing it with a training app.
Pros
- Clicker and pouch bundled together
- Water-resistant pouch for outdoor training
- Under £9 for a complete starter kit
- Drawstring closure prevents treat spills
Cons
- Belt clip may loosen over time
- Training guide is thin and basic
- Clicker volume not adjustable
3. Pupford Freeze-Dried Beef Liver Training Treats
£9.99 | Freeze-dried beef liver | 170g resealable bag | Single ingredient | No additives
Training treats need three things: strong scent that grabs attention, small size for rapid-fire rewards, and fast dissolve so your puppy does not choke mid-session. Pupford beef liver hits all three. The freeze-dried pieces are roughly pea-sized, crumble instantly on the tongue, and carry a powerful beef aroma that cuts through outdoor distractions.
Amazon reviewers consistently rank these as the top training treat for puppies and adult dogs alike. The single-ingredient formula means no fillers, artificial flavours, or preservatives, which matters for puppies with sensitive stomachs. The resealable bag stays fresh for weeks after opening, and a little goes a long way since you only need one piece per repetition.
The main drawback is the price per gram compared to bulk kibble-style treats. But training treats are not about volume, they are about the value exchange. A puppy that finds beef liver genuinely exciting learns faster than one being rewarded with boring biscuits. For the critical first weeks of training, the investment pays for itself in progress.
Pros
- Single-ingredient, no artificial additives
- Strong scent holds puppy attention outdoors
- Small pieces for rapid-fire training
- Fast dissolve prevents choking
Cons
- Higher cost per gram than kibble treats
- Strong smell on hands after handling
- Bag runs out quickly with daily training
4. PetSafe Easy Walk Harness
£18.99 | Nylon webbing | Front-clip design | 6 sizes | Multiple colours
The PetSafe Easy Walk has been the default no-pull harness recommendation from UK vets and trainers for over a decade, and the 15,000+ Amazon ratings back that up. The front-clip design redirects your puppy forward momentum back toward you when they pull, making walks more manageable without discomfort. Unlike back-clip harnesses that encourage pulling, the front attachment point gently discourages it.
The harness uses a patented martingale loop design that distributes pressure across the chest rather than the throat. This matters for puppies especially, since their tracheas are still developing and a collar that tightens under pressure can cause long-term damage. The nylon webbing is durable but lightweight, and the quick-snap buckles make it easy to put on and take off.
The main criticism from Amazon reviewers is the sizing. The medium fits most puppies from 4-8 months, but growing breeds may need to size up within weeks. Measure your puppy chest circumference rather than guessing by weight, and buy the next size up if they are between sizes. The harness is machine washable, which is a practical bonus for muddy UK walks.
Pros
- Front-clip design actively reduces pulling
- Vet and trainer recommended across the UK
- Pressure distributed across chest, not throat
- Machine washable for muddy walks
Cons
- Sizing runs small for growing puppies
- May need to buy two sizes in first year
- Nylon can chafe if fitted incorrectly
5. Funfox Dog Harness Medium
£9.99 | Padded nylon | Front and back clips | No-pull design | Adjustable straps
The Funfox harness does what the PetSafe Easy Walk does at half the price. It features both front and back attachment points, giving you the option to switch between no-pull mode (front) and relaxed walking mode (back) as your puppy progresses. The padded chest plate distributes pressure evenly, and the adjustable straps accommodate growing puppies.
Amazon purchasers with Labradors, Cocker Spaniels, and similar medium breeds report decent durability for the price point. The padded construction is more comfortable than basic nylon strap harnesses, and the reflective stitching adds visibility for early morning or evening walks. The quick-release buckles make one-handed operation straightforward.
The Funfox does not have the proven track record of the PetSafe Easy Walk, and the front-clip mechanism is slightly less refined. Power-pullers may still drag through it more easily than the PetSafe. For puppies that are gentle on leads or owners who want a budget option to start with, it works well enough to bridge the gap.
Pros
- Dual front and back clip options
- Padded chest plate for comfort
- Half the price of the PetSafe
- Reflective stitching for low-light walks
Cons
- Less refined front-clip than PetSafe
- May not hold up to strong pullers
- Limited size range for very small or large breeds
How to Build Your Puppy Training Kit
A training app gives you the lesson plan. A training kit gives you the tools to execute it. Here is what matters when building your setup.
The App Decision
Free apps like Dogo and Pupford cover the basics, but UK owners get the most value from Zigzag because it was built around APDT guidelines and UK veterinary socialisation windows. If you want structured lessons with progress tracking, the subscription pays for itself within the first month compared to single puppy class sessions.
Clicker Training Essentials
A clicker marks the exact moment of correct behaviour, which speeds up learning significantly compared to verbal markers alone. Pair it with a treat pouch that keeps rewards accessible and a pocket full of high-value treats like freeze-dried liver. The timing sequence is: click, then treat within 1-2 seconds. The click is the bridge between the behaviour and the reward.
Leash Training Gear
A front-clip harness is essential for leash training because it physically redirects pulling momentum without causing discomfort. Back-clip harnesses are more comfortable for relaxed walks but actually encourage pulling. Start with the front clip for training walks and switch to back-clip once your puppy walks calmly on lead.
Treat Strategy
Use three tiers of treats: high-value (freeze-dried liver, cheese) for new skills and outdoor distractions, medium-value (soft training biscuits) for practising known commands, and low-value (regular kibble) for maintenance. The Pupford beef liver covers the high-value tier. Keep treats pea-sized to prevent your puppy filling up before the session ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Verdict
The best puppy training setup combines a structured app with the right physical tools. Zigzag gives UK owners the most complete curriculum, while the Pet Room Treat Pouch with Clicker and Pupford Freeze-Dried Beef Liver give you the clicker-training essentials at a low entry price. For leash training, the PetSafe Easy Walk Harness remains the gold standard, though the Funfox Harness works well as a budget alternative.
Start the app from week 8, practise with the clicker kit in your living room, then graduate to outdoor walks with the harness once your puppy responds to basic commands indoors. The total investment for all four physical products is under £40, less than the cost of two private puppy classes in most UK cities.