Brandon McMillan MasterClass Review:
Techniques From the Famed Dog Trainer

Last updated on: June 29, 2023, Written by:

Bill Tremlon

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Dog training techniques seem daunting for a new dog owner. The lack of a reliable online training course makes matters even worse. Luckily, Brandon McMillan’s MasterClass is a resource that actually helps. Within days, we went from a constant tug-of-war to an understanding dialogue. Seeing my small dog responding to commands is great! It is a well-trained dog now, and we have built an incredible bond!

If you believe dog training is arduous, wait until Brandon McMillan changes your perspective with his MasterClass. He provides practical tips to teach your dog basic commands and behaviors. In this Brandon McMillan MasterClass review, I will walk you through the easy-to-follow lessons and evaluate the course so that you can decide whether to buy it.

Brandon McMillan MasterClass Outline

I found Brandon McMillan’s MasterClass the ultimate resource that teaches dog training effectively. Authentic and enjoyable, it’s ideal for people who own a dog or are contemplating having one. Brandon teaches top-tier dog training with his unique and compassionate approach to help you understand breed differences, build trust, and handle setbacks.

Brandon McMillan MasterClass Review

Brandon McMillan MasterClass Review In a Nutshell

⭐ Rating:8.8 ★★★★★
🥇 Category of class:Home and Lifestyle
📈 Suits best for:Current or prospective dog owners 
🕒 Lenght:2 hours 58 minutes
⏳ Avg. Lesson Duration10 – 15 minutes
🛍️ Course Essentials:Penny bottle, dog leash, training clicker, lure stick, martingale collar, gentle leader head collar, easy walk harness, toys crate, plastic cones, treat bag. 
💼 Complementary material:35-page post-course PDF guide.
📚 No. of Lessons:15 lessons
🛒 Payment options:Individual / Duo / Family
💵 Price:10 – 20 $ (billed annually)
🔄 Refund policy:30-day satisfaction guarantee
🎁 Free trial:

1.Meet Your Instructor: Brandon McMillan;
2.Variables That Make Your Dog Unique;
3.Trust and Groundwork For Training;
4.Training Foundations and the 7 Common Commands;
5.Signaling Commands and the Leash Techniques;
6.Sit;
7.Down;
8.Stay;
9.No;
10.Off;
11.Come;
12.Heel;
13.Behavior: Housebreaking;
14.Behavior: Door Dashing;
15.Behavior: Digging, Chewing, Barking.

Main Skills You’ll Learn

  • Understand the dog’s behavior and psychology;
  • Brandon’s techniques for building trust and bond with your dog;
  • Address and correct behavioral issues using Brandon’s methods;
  • House train different dogs of varying breeds, ages, and imprinted DNA;
  • The seven common commands;
  • Prepare for setbacks in training;
  • Create a suitable environment for your dog.

Is Brandon McMillan MasterClass For Me?

Brandon McMillan’s MasterClass is perfect for anyone passionate about understanding and training dogs. It works whether you are a dog owner seeking training methods, a professional aiming to broaden your knowledge about rescue dogs, or simply an animal lover intrigued by dog behavior. The approachable format and engaging content cater to learners of all levels.

Our Evaluation

Total score: 8.8

Brandon McMillan as an Instructor
90%
Uniqueness and Freshness
70%
Structure and Quality
90%
Student Engagement and Retention
90%
Value for the Money
100%

PROS

  • Structured and organized
  • Key takeaways for each lesson
  • Simplified training system
  • Practical explanation with untrained dogs

CONS

  • Not all behavioral issues addressed
  • No concluding lesson

Brandon McMillan MasterClass Teacher Review

Meet Brandon McMillan

Brandon McMillan is a renowned animal trainer and TV personality known for his skills and understanding of animals. He has over 20 years of experience in the field of animal training. His expertise comes to life in his Emmy Award-winning CBS show Lucky Dog, where he showcases his adeptness at transforming untrained dogs into well-behaved pets or service dogs. 

Apart from being a founder of the Argus Service Dog Foundation, which matches service dogs with disabled veterans and people, Brandon has trained animals for Hollywood productions, demonstrating his vast range of skills. He has written a book, “Lucky Dog Lessons: Train Your Dog in 7 Days,” strengthening his reputation as an authority in dog training. Brandon McMillan’s MasterClass is a testament to his commitment to sharing his expertise with those who want to learn how to train a dog.

Brandon McMillan as a Teacher

If you’re familiar with Brandon’s charisma and prowess in training animals from his TV show, Lucky Dog, in which he used to train shelter dogs, you’ll love his MasterClass on dog training. He has won the Daytime Emmy Award for being an outstanding host. 

Brandon McMillan dog training Masterclass

Brandon’s expertise and engaging presentation skills shine through, making complex dog training concepts feel like child’s play. And the cherry on top? A comprehensive 35-page PDF guide to consolidating your learning. It’s a perfect combination that equips you with all you need to transition from novice to master in dog training, forging a bond with your own dog.

About MasterClass

Since 2015, MasterClass brings 180+ top listed online classes from top-tier instructors in almost any field. It includes pre-recorded video lessons from masters such as Richard Branson, Martin Scorsese, Aaron Sorkin, Gordon Ramsay, and many others.

The video quality equals Hollywood movies, and every MasterClass course is carefully structured. But that’s not all. There are interactive assignments, MasterClass community activities, and an ever-growing video library to enjoy. The sheer amount of content can make it hard to begin. Cursums will help you to choose wisely.

Originality and Novelty of the Content

Brandon McMillan’s expert advice on dog training can be found on Youtube. While the videos provide useful tips and glimpses of his expertise, they lack the systematic approach for effective dog training. These snippets of advice may miss out on crucial elements of the training process.

Enter MasterClass, a platform renowned for its structured courses led by industry experts. Brandon McMillan’s MasterClass provides an all-encompassing guide to dog training. It’s an organized course where you learn Brandon’s techniques and insights from years of experience in training service dogs. 

The lessons are integrated with real-life examples. A helpful PDF guide comes with the MasterClass, which gives a complete package at an affordable price.

Other online courses delve into dog training, such as Udemy courses by professional animal trainers or training videos by some less-known dog trainer.

However, none match the unique blend of expertise, charisma, and practical instruction in Brandon’s MasterClass. Brandon McMillan teaches dog training with an emphasis on dog psychology and a compassionate approach to training. 

Content and Structure of the Brandon McMillan MasterClass

As Brandon McMillan’s MasterClass is structured into 15 lessons, with each averaging around 12 minutes in length, I found it easily comprehensible.

The 2-hour 58-minute long course covers a vast array of topics from dog psychology to practical training techniques and behavior management. The longest video, approximately 21 minutes, dives deep into training the heel command.

Real-life examples of Brandon training dogs of different variables equip one with comprehensive dog training knowledge. Key takeaways are mentioned at the end of every lesson, and a PDF guide reinforces what Brandon has taught.

This MasterClass is an immersive learning experience that teaches you the principles of effective training quite well.

Foundations of Dog Psychology and the Inspiration Behind “Lucky Dog”

1-2 Lessons Summary

In the first lesson of his MasterClass, Brandon McMillan shares his personal journey. From training several types of wild animals to rescue dog training, his dedication was sparked by high euthanasia rates and a life-changing request to train a service dog.

He reveals how his Emmy-winning show, “Lucky Dog,” came to be and emphasizes the deep bond formed through training shelter dogs. One of the highlights of this lesson is where Brandon mentions his belief that there are no “untrainable dogs, just untrained humans,” and highlights the importance of control technique.

Fundamental Dog Training Principles Lesson at Brandon McMillan's MasterClass

Brandon promises a simplified training system that prioritizes leadership over domination. The second lesson of Brandon’s MasterClass delves into understanding canine behavior, communication, and the factors influencing it, including dog breeds, age, history, and imprinted DNA. He also guides you in choosing the perfect dog, considering your home, schedule, lifestyle, and finances.

Brandon McMillan explains various dog training systems

Building Trust and Training Foundations

3-5 Lessons Summary

In the third lesson of Brandon McMillan’s MasterClass, you’ll learn how to foster a strong bond with your dog through trust-building exercises and creating a safe environment.

He emphasizes the role of exercise, socialization, and leadership in establishing healthy relationships. Rather than advocating dominance, Brandon encourages a more balanced approach.

Brandon McMillan explains various dog training systems

Next, you will get introduced to the ‘Seven Common Commands, including sit, down, stay, no, off, come, and heel for a well-trained dog. Brandon explains the importance of mental preparation and the ‘control-train-treat’ method.

Brandon talks about Seven commands for dog training

Next, you will get introduced to the ‘Seven Common Commands, including sit, down, stay, no, off, come, and heel for a well-trained dog. Brandon explains the importance of mental preparation and the ‘control-train-treat’ method.

The 7 Common Dog Training Commands

6-12 Lessons Summary

In Brandon McMillan’s MasterClass, you’ll learn the foundational skills for effective dog training. You’ll start with Sit, the most important of the common commands that establish control and paves the way for a well-trained, obedient dog. The next one, Down command, takes this a step further, cementing your role as the leader.

Sit command lesson in dog training MasterClass by Brandon McMillan

The next lesson is about the Stay command, which is potentially life-saving. While the ‘No’ command is essential for ensuring safety, it also reinforces manners and stops unwanted behavior. After ‘No’, Brandon teaches the Off command, which helps prevent your dog from jumping on people or furniture.

A lesson in which Stephen shows his dribbling skills

In the 11th lesson, you will learn to teach your dog the Come or recall command. It is a crucial skill that instructs your dog to return to you regardless of distance.

Finally, you can make walks enjoyable and in control by learning the proper technique for the last of the seven commands, Heel. It teaches your dog to match your pace without pulling, racing, or lagging.

Overcoming Behaviours and Lifestyle Management

13-15 Lessons Summary

In the final two lessons, Brandon shares practical strategies to handle common dog issues used by animal trainers. Discover his efficient housebreaking method, which can yield results and prevent indoor accidents in just one to two weeks. You’ll also tackle door dashing prevention, a crucial training to avoid potentially dangerous situations.

A lesson in which Stephen shows his dribbling skills

Lastly, Brandon equips you with solutions to overcome common challenges such as digging, furniture chewing, and excessive barking, turning these troublesome behaviors into opportunities for learning and connection.

I deeply admire Brandon’s compassionate approach, as it finally helped me understand my dog’s triggers and respond effectively. Seeing my older dog transform from being anxious and uncertain to confident and well-behaved was heartwarming.

Fast-Track Lesson Plan

You can pick the essential lessons and finish Brandon McMillan’s MasterClass in 2 hours, 28 minutes, and 12 seconds:

No.LessonDuration
2.Variables That Make Your Dog Unique8:06
4.Training Foundations and the 7 Common Commands8:39
5.Signaling Commands and the Leash Techniques7:17
6.Sit5:50
7.Down15:28
8.Stay16:25
9.No13:11
10.Off20:12
11.Come9:44
12.Heel20:42
13.Behavior: Housebreaking14:20
15.Behavior: Digging, Chewing, Barking8:18

Engagement and Retention of Brandon McMillan MasterClass

Brandon McMillan’s MasterClass has a captivating appeal, expertly crafted by professional filmmakers. The high-quality production videos and the immersive experience effectively hook learners, keeping them engaged throughout the lessons.

The instruction quality is exceptional as Brandon’s expertise shines through, making dog training easily understandable. He explains the “why” behind every technique and the consequences of a bad training session.

One key factor contributing to retention is using different dog breeds in Brandon McMillan’s dog training sessions. Watching seemingly untrainable dogs grasp commands is enjoyable. His interactions with the dogs are skillful and showcase his mastery of dog training, further motivating users to continue watching. It encourages learners and instills a sense of excitement and commitment to complete the entire course.

My Firsthand Experience With Brandon McMillan’s MasterClass

What I liked About Brandon McMillan MasterClass

Structured and Organized

A skill such as a dog training undoubtedly requires a meticulously structured and organized resource to help dog owners like me learn comprehensively. The MasterClass by Brandon McMillan is thoughtfully designed. With clear explanations, demonstrations, and actionable steps, Brandon ensures a logical progression that facilitates effective learning.

Key Takeaways for Each Lesson

One of the best Brandon McMillan MasterClass pros is the key takeaways mentioned at the end of each lesson. Apart from reinforcement, it also serves as a reminder to go back and learn what you have missed during Brandon McMillan’s dog training sessions to ensure you grasp the training technique effectively. 

Simplified Training System

In the introductory lesson, Brandon claims that his training system is the most simplified of all. He stays true to his words by breaking down complex concepts into manageable steps, empowering owners to train their dogs effectively. This simplified training process is not only one of the Brandon McMillan MasterClass pros, but it’s also the unique selling point of the whole course

Practical Explanation with Untrained Dogs

In my experience, watching Brandon practically explain the training techniques with untrained dogs is the highlight of the MasterClass. The variables of the rescue dog are displayed for a clear understanding. You get to see how an untrained dog would react initially to the commands, helping you tackle yours when you apply the techniques.

What I Didn’t Like about Brandon McMillan MasterClass

Not All Behavioural Issues Addressed

You may have to ask a professional dog trainer to help if your dog has behavioral issues apart from the ones mentioned in this MasterClass. This course does not discuss dog’s behavior issues such as aggression, fear, and separation anxiety.

No Conclusion

The course ends abruptly without any concluding words from Brandon. I believe a bite-sized lesson with parting thoughts on how to train dogs will make this MasterClass even more well-rounded. 

Is Brandon McMillan MasterClass a Good Purchase?

Price of Brandon McMillan MasterClass

Brandon McMillan’s MasterClass costs $180 for an annual subscription. It provides an all-access pass to the MasterClass Library, where you can access all the other courses as a bonus, ranging from courses by designer Kelly Wearstler to scientific learning with Neil deGrasse. The MasterClass instructors are top-tier professionals in their fields, so it is well worth the deal. 

PlanPrice
Individual (one device)$10 per month
Duo (two devices)$15 per month
Family (six devices)$20 per month

Does the Class Live up to the Hype?

At an affordable price of $180 per year and time just under 3 hours, Brandon McMillan helps you train your dog to turn him into an obedient, well-mannered companion who will be there for you all your life.

As mentioned throughout this Brandon McMillan Masterclass review, the course gives you hands-on experience to prepare for potential setbacks in the training process.

Brandon’s lessons cater to dogs of all ages and breeds, and he equips you with adequate knowledge about choosing a dog, basic commands, and tackling common behavior issues.

Brandon McMillan MasterClass: Ratings from Around the Web

Brandon McMillan is a highly adept animal trainer, and his MasterClass is an all-encompassing resource for anyone who wants to learn dog training. You can find numerous course takers who praise the helpful techniques he teaches in MasterClass. Here is what a Redditor has to say:

Students comments on Steph Curry's MasterClass on YouTube

A user on Instagram testifies to the value Brandon’s MasterClass has provided:

-“I would highly recommend Brandon McMillan’s masterclass. It’s not all – encompassing but it gets pretty close”

Brandon Mcmillan masterclass worth posted by an Instagram user

Here is another Instagrammer thanking Brandon McMillan’s MasterClass for successfully training her pup. 

Brandon McMillan masterclass worth posted by an Instagram user


Essentials Used in the Brandon McMillan MasterClass

Brandon recommends some essential tools to train your dog successfully. Here is a list to help you get started:

  • A penny bottle
  • Training clicker
  • Lure stick
  • Martingale collar, gentle leader headcollar
  • Easy walk harness
  • Toys crate, plastic cones
  • Treat bag with treats that your dog loves
  • A training tracker notebook

Courses Similar to Brandon McMillan MasterClass

Other Courses of Home and Lifestyle on MasterClass

  • Apollonia Poilâne teaches Bread Baking
  • Ron Finley teaches gardening
  • Gordon Ramsay teaches cooking
  • Alice Waters teaches the art of home cooking
  • James Suckling teaches Wine Appreciation
  • Alex Honnold & Tommy Caldwell Teach Rock Climbing
  • Aaron Franklin teaches Texas-style BBQ
  • Lynnette Marrero & Ryan Chetiyawardana teaches mixology

MasterClass Competitors

Udemy

Udemy is one of the most popular online learning providers, with a massive choice of various classes. The learning platform covers a range of basketball courses for beginner and advanced learners.

Coursera

Coursera is another big name in the online courses market, with a lot to offer in sports-related fields. It’s a great way to expand your knowledge of the field without spending much money on online learning.

Skillshare

Skillshare focuses on practical courses, with educational videos substituting expensive college courses. The aim is to provide users with marketable skills for finding a job. There are some courses related to dogs as well.

Brandon McMillan MasterClass: FAQ

As a renowned celebrity dog trainer with over 20 years of experience, he has worked with more than 10,000 dogs throughout his career. He has done animal training. and dog training, in particular for movies, commercials, tv shows, and people. Brandon’s expertise and experience make him a trusted authority in dog training.

The duration required to finish the Brandon McMillan MasterClass on dog training depends on the individual’s pace and schedule. The entire course is 2 hours and 58  minutes, but you can play the videos at 1.5x or 2x speeds to lessen the watch time.

Personally, I gained a lot from Brandon’s dog training, and I have mentioned that in this Brandon McMillan MasterClass review. He makes you understand dog behavior and practically teaches training techniques. Above all, there is no fluff throughout the course, and it teaches valuable things which will equip you to handle challenges and train dogs effectively. The Brandon McMillan MasterClass cost surpasses its value by helping you train your dog efficiently.

MasterClass offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you purchase an annual membership for Brandon McMillan’s MasterClass. If you aren’t satisfied with the course, claim a refund within 30 days of purchase. 

Brandon McMillan’s MasterClass is available for a three-tier annual subscription model. An  Individual subscription of $120/year ($10/month), Duo at $180/year ($15/month), and Family at $240/year ($20/month).

Author: Bill Tremlon

Blogger | Life-long learner

Bill Tremlon

I’ve spent the last ten years passionately studying various online learning platforms. Udemy, MasterClass, Coursera, and Skillshare are the main ones, but I review lesser-known study tools as well. I test and analyze each course and lesson thoroughly before sharing my research.

8.8

Conclusion:

Perfect for building lifelong companionship with your dog

 

Author: Bill Tremlon

Blogger | Life-long learner

Bill Tremlon