When you’re trying to create the optimal dog training routine, who better to turn to than the best in the business? We may not be able to get celebrity pros to work with our dogs in one-on-one sessions, but with a well-curated collection of training books, you can take full advantage of their knowledge and advice to become the expert trainer your dog deserves. Reading up on training techniques can help you to better understand and guide your dog, saving you time and frustration. However, you won’t want to waste your effort by learning about outdated or ineffective techniques. We’ll break down the best dog training books for the modern owner to efficiently develop your dog’s basic obedience and overall behavior.
How Are Dog Training Books Classified?
The content in dog training books can range from general teaching principles to ultra-specific techniques for managing certain situations and challenges. Many books also examine dog behavior and body language to help owners understand and empathize with their dogs. Some of the common areas of focus in dog training books include:
- The basic principles of positive reinforcement
- Hunting skills
- Service dog training
- Puppy training
- Aggression and reactivity
- Breed-specific training
Whatever your goals, you can likely find a dog training book tailored to them. Your vet can be an excellent resource for specific information in many cases, but you can also seek advice from experienced owners in online breed-specific forums.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites for 2024
Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall | The Power of Positive |
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Best Value | Family Friendly Dog Training |
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Premium Choice | The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook |
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Zak George's Dog Training Revolution |
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Control Unleashed Creating a Focused and Confident Dog |
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The 10 Best Dog Training Books for Owners
1. The Power of Positive by Pat Miller
Publication: | 2008 |
Training Focus: | Positive training techniques |
2. Family Friendly Dog Training by Patricia McConnell, Ph.D. and Aimee Moore
Publication: | 2006 |
Training Focus: | 6-week obedience training program |
3. The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook by Linda Michaels
Publication: | 2022 |
Training Focus: | Dog needs and behavior management |
4. Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love by Zake George and Dina Roth Port
Publication: | 2016 |
Training Focus: | General dog-raising and training |
5. Control Unleashed: Creating a Focused and Confident Dog by Leslie McDevitt
Publication: | 2007 |
Training Focus: | Problem behaviors |
6. How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves by Sophia Yin
Publication: | 2005 |
Training Focus: | Good dog behavior |
7. Don’t Shoot the Dog by Karen Pryor
Publication: | 1999 |
Training Focus: | Positive reinforcement training |
8. The Happy Puppy Handbook by Pippa Mattinson
Publication: | 2014 |
Training Focus: | Puppy care and training |
9. Train Your Dog Like a Pro by Jean Donaldson
Publication: | 2010 |
Training Focus: | General dog training |
10. Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy by Steve Mann
Publication: | 2019 |
Training Focus: | Puppy raising and training |
Are you looking for a fun and practical read to learn modern puppy training strategies? Celebrity dog trainer Steve Mann brings more than 30 years of experience to the table in Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy. It’s a simple and science-backed guide to developing top-notch manners and perfect behaviors in your newest family member. Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy deftly explains core concepts for the amateur dog trainer. It’s a humorous and honest look at ownership, promoting a fun, upbeat style that eases engagement and speeds up results. The book is the first of a four-part series. If you like the puppy guide, Mann has even more tips and advice to help you raise a well-behaved adult.
Conclusion
Your commitment is more critical than anything when training your dog, but you can’t discount the value of knowing and understanding the tools that can help you on the way. Nothing is more influential than learning from the pros to guide your approach. For DIY trainers, this rundown of the best dog training books for owners offers the surest path to a well-behaved dog and the healthy relationship every devoted pet parent deserves.
Featured Image Credit: Lopolo, Shutterstock
Contents
- How Are Dog Training Books Classified?
- A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites for 2024
- The 10 Best Dog Training Books for Owners
- 1. The Power of Positive by Pat Miller
- 2. Family Friendly Dog Training by Patricia McConnell, Ph.D. and Aimee Moore
- 3. The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook by Linda Michaels
- 4. Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love by Zake George and Dina Roth Port
- 5. Control Unleashed: Creating a Focused and Confident Dog by Leslie McDevitt
- 6. How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves by Sophia Yin
- 7. Don’t Shoot the Dog by Karen Pryor
- 8. The Happy Puppy Handbook by Pippa Mattinson
- 9. Train Your Dog Like a Pro by Jean Donaldson
- 10. Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy by Steve Mann
- Conclusion