If you are looking for some great resources to help you train your dog, you might be overwhelmed by the number of books available on the market. How do you choose the best one for your needs? What are the most reliable and effective methods to teach your dog the skills and behaviors you want?
To help you out, we have compiled a list of the best dog training books for every kind of dog and owner. Whether you have a puppy or an adult dog, a purebred or a rescue, a couch potato or an athlete, you will find a book that suits your situation and goals.
We have selected these books based on their popularity, reviews, recommendations, and quality of content. We have also made sure that they only use positive-reinforcement training methods, which are proven to be more humane, ethical, and effective than outdated and harsh techniques.
These books will teach you how to communicate with your dog, understand their behavior, and train them using fun and rewarding methods. You will also learn how to prevent and solve common problems, such as jumping, barking, pulling, chewing, and more.
Here are the 10 best dog training books that we recommend:
1. Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love
This book is by Zak George, a popular YouTube star and celebrity dog trainer. He has a modern and fresh approach to dog training, based on his philosophy of “love the dog in front of you”. He believes that every dog is unique and deserves a customized training plan that suits their personality, needs, and preferences.
In this book, he covers everything from choosing the right dog for you, to socializing, housebreaking, crate training, basic commands, leash walking, tricks, and more. He also addresses common behavioral issues, such as aggression, anxiety, digging, and jumping.
The book is full of practical tips, step-by-step instructions, and real-life examples. It also includes links to online videos where you can see Zak demonstrate his methods with different dogs.
This book is best for:
- People who want a comprehensive guide to raising and training a dog from puppyhood to adulthood
- People who enjoy watching videos as well as reading books
- People who want to learn from a charismatic and entertaining trainer
Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love
2. Dog Training for Kids: Fun and Easy Ways to Care for Your Furry Friend
This book is best for: kids who want to learn how to train and care for their dogs in a fun and responsible way.
Vanessa Estrada Marin is a certified professional dog trainer who specializes in working with kids and families. In this book, she teaches kids how to train their dogs using positive reinforcement, games, and tricks. She covers the basics of dog behavior, body language, safety, and etiquette. She also shows kids how to teach their dogs essential skills like sit, stay, come, leave it, drop it, heel, fetch, roll over, high five, and more. She also provides tips on how to groom, feed, exercise, and play with their dogs. This book is designed for kids ages 8 to 12, with colorful illustrations, simple instructions, quizzes, puzzles, and activities. It also comes with a clicker device that kids can use to train their dogs.
Dog Training for Kids: Fun and Easy Ways to Care for Your Furry Friend
3. The Power of Positive Dog Training by Pat Miller
This book is by Pat Miller, a renowned dog trainer with over 40 years of experience. She is also the founder of Peaceable Paws Academy, a training facility that offers classes, workshops, and seminars on positive-reinforcement training.
In this book, she explains the science and benefits of positive-reinforcement training, which involves rewarding your dog for doing what you want instead of punishing them for doing what you don’t want. She also provides a six-week training program that covers basic skills such as sit, down, stay, come, heel, leave it, and more.
The book also includes a day planner, treat resources, a glossary of training terms, and troubleshooting tips. It is easy to follow and full of practical advice.
This book is best for:
- People who want a clear and concise introduction to positive-reinforcement training
- People who want a structured and proven training program
- People who want to learn from an experienced and respected trainer
The Power of Positive Dog Training
4. Don’t Shoot the Dog by Karen Pryor
This book is by Karen Pryor, a pioneer and leader in the field of clicker training. She is also a marine mammal trainer, a behavioral biologist, and an author of several other books on animal training and behavior.
In this book, she introduces the concept and principles of clicker training, which is a method of positive-reinforcement training that uses a small device that makes a clicking sound to mark the exact moment your dog does what you want. She also shows how you can apply these principles to train any animal, from dolphins to horses to humans.
The book is entertaining and informative, with plenty of examples and anecdotes. It also includes tips on how to use clicker training to solve behavioral problems, teach new skills, and have fun with your dog.
This book is best for:
- People who want to learn more about clicker training and its benefits
- People who want to train their dog using a precise and effective method
- People who are interested in learning how to train other animals or even themselves
5. The Other End of the Leash by Patricia McConnell
This book is by Patricia McConnell, a certified applied animal behaviorist and an adjunct professor of zoology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is also the author of several other books on dog behavior and communication.
In this book, she explores the relationship between humans and dogs from both perspectives. She explains how our own behavior affects our dogs’ behavior, and how we can improve our communication and understanding with them.
The book is full of fascinating anecdotes and insights that will make you see your dog in a new light. It will also help you avoid common mistakes and misunderstandings that can cause frustration or conflict between you and your dog.
This book is best for:
- People who want to learn more about the science and psychology of dog behavior
- People who want to deepen their bond with their dog
- People who enjoy reading engaging and eloquent stories
6. Perfect Puppy in 7 Days by Dr. Sophia Yin
This book is by Dr. Sophia Yin, a veterinarian, animal behaviorist, and author of several other books on dog training and behavior. She was also a pioneer in the field of low-stress handling techniques for animals.
In this book, she shares her secrets on how to raise a well-behaved and happy puppy in just one week. She covers topics such as socialization, crate training, potty training, bite inhibition, leash walking, basic commands, and more.
The book is full of photos, illustrations, and charts that make it easy to follow and understand. It also includes links to online videos where you can see Dr. Yin demonstrate her methods with real puppies.
This book is best for:
- People who have a new puppy or are planning to get one
- People who want a quick and easy guide to puppy training
- People who want to learn from a veterinarian and behaviorist
7. The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson
This book is by Jean Donaldson, a world-renowned dog trainer and behaviorist. She is also the founder and director of the Academy for Dog Trainers, a prestigious school that trains and certifies professional dog trainers.
In this book, she challenges some of the myths and misconceptions that surround dogs and their behavior. She argues that dogs are not furry humans, but rather animals with their own instincts, motivations, and needs. She also explains how we can use positive-reinforcement training to teach them the skills and manners that we want them to have in our human society.
The book is full of humor, wit, and wisdom. It also includes several exercises and games that you can play with your dog to teach them basic cues and behaviors.
This book is best for:
- People who want to learn more about the true nature and culture of dogs
- People who want to debunk some of the common myths and fallacies about dogs
- People who appreciate a sharp and witty writing style
The Culture Clash Perfect Puppy in 7 Days
8. Decoding Your Dog: Explaining Common Dog Behaviors and How to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones
This book is best for: dog owners who want to learn how to deal with challenging or unwanted behaviors in their dogs, such as aggression, anxiety, fear, or separation issues.
This book is written by a team of experts from the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, who have the highest level of training and certification in animal behavior. They share their knowledge and experience on why dogs do what they do, and how to prevent or change behaviors that are problematic or dangerous. They also debunk some myths and misconceptions about dog behavior, such as that dominance or alpha theory is valid or that punishment is effective. They provide evidence-based solutions that are humane, ethical, and scientific. They also include case studies and stories that illustrate how they have helped real dogs and owners overcome their behavior challenges.
Decoding Your Dog: Explaining Common Dog Behaviors and How to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones
9. Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know
Alexandra Horowitz is a cognitive scientist who studies dog behavior and cognition. In this book, she invites us to see the world from a dog’s point of view, revealing how they use their senses, emotions, memory, and intelligence to navigate their environment and interact with us. She also debunks some common myths and misconceptions about dogs, such as that they are colorblind or guilty when they do something wrong. This book is not a training manual, but a fascinating exploration of what it means to be a dog. It will help you appreciate your dog’s unique abilities and personality, as well as understand their needs and motivations better.
Buy Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know on Amazon