10 Best Dog Training Books for Owners – Reviews & Top Picks

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REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Paola Cuevas

Veterinarian, MVZ

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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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 However, you won’t want to waste your effort by learning about outdated or ineffective techniques.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:

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 2025

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		The Power of Positive	Importance of observing, understanding, and reacting appropriately to your dog’s body language How to phase out the use of a clicker and treats to introduce more advanced training concepts A helpful diary to track progress, suggestions for delicious treats your dog will respond to	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		Family Friendly Dog Training	Provides humane, fun-filled easily implemented exercises for owners seeking a well-behaved family pet Practical knowledge, presented in a friendly, down to earth style Informative and enjoyable reads, and we recommend them during all new puppy and new dog visits	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook	Discover effective solutions for calm greetings, puppy “no bite”, “no jump”, lightening recall, and leash-walking A definitive “must have” for dog lovers and seasoned trainers alike Step-by-step treatment plan for desensitization and counter-conditioning	CHECK PRICE
		Zak George's Dog Training Revolution	Health care essentials like finding a vet and selecting the right food Cool tricks, traveling tips, and activities to enjoy with your dog Packed with everything you need to know to raise and care for your dog	CHECK PRICE
		Control Unleashed Creating a Focused and Confident Dog	Versatile Control Unleashed program is designed to help "dogs with issues" Designed a special program just for stressed out dogs Excellent for dog that are unable to control their impulses when excited	CHECK PRICE

The 10 Best Dog Training Books for Owners

1. The Power of Positive by Pat Miller

Pat Miller had over 30 years of dog-training experience behind her when she authored The Power of Positive in 2008. Drawing on her vast background in building bonds and establishing respect-driven relationships with companion animals, Miller explores the ease and efficacy of training based on reward rather than coercion and punishment. Readers learn all about positive training techniques and communication styles to understand and work with their dogs. A six-week training guide lets you shape your dog’s behavior in a realistic timeframe. Miller discusses operant conditioning techniques, dog body language, and various challenges you may experience, from poisoned cues to handling biting and resource guarding.

2. Family Friendly Dog Training by Patricia McConnell, Ph.D. and Aimee Moore

Establish a solid training foundation by learning the basics from one of the most trusted names in dog training. Patricia McConnell, Ph.D., writes with heart and humor as she guides you through 6 weeks of training essentials like sit, stay, and recall. Plus, you get troubleshooting tips for dealing with common training hiccups. Family Friendly Dog Training is short and easy to digest, making the lessons more practicable and beneficial. Each chapter explains crucial training and behavioral concepts. The book reinforces lessons as it progresses while ensuring the path to better habits is fun for owners and their dogs.

3. The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook by Linda Michaels

The Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook is among the most praised dog training books for owners and professionals. Author Linda Michaels applies her psychology background to unravel our dogs’ needs. With this perspective, she guides readers to formulate practical force-free training plans offering consistent results and optimal quality of life for our dogs. Michaels covers it all. After detailing the dog’s mental, social, and physical needs, the handbook dives into a complete ownership course. You’ll learn everything from picking your puppy to managing behaviors and basic training. The final section explores challenges and how to address them, including aggression, allergies, and separation anxiety, giving you a well-rounded reference for nearly every aspect of ownership.

4. Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love by Zake George and Dina Roth Port

Fans of Zak George’s dog training videos on YouTube will be overjoyed to find his essential teachings condensed into a single, easy-to-follow training guide. One of the most well-known voices in dog training today, George brings his user-friendly, down-to-earth style to a complete training manual for raising a well-behaved and healthy dog. Dog lovers discover tips for success at every stage of the ownership experience, from picking the perfect dog to add to their family to ironing out problem behaviors like leash-pulling or aggression. It’s an enjoyable page-turner that offers loads of practical advice and fun tricks to make bonding straightforward and stress-free.

5. Control Unleashed: Creating a Focused and Confident Dog by Leslie McDevitt

No dog is perfect. At some point, issues like reactivity, stress, and a lack of focus create conflict, making life frustrating for owners and potentially dangerous for your dog and others. For dog owners who struggle with “problematic dogs” or, better said, dogs with problem behaviors, the Control Unleashed series offers a positive approach and examples of action plans to address underlying fears, stressors, and distractions that cause them. Control Unleashed isn’t a beginner’s book or a general training guide. The information is fit for professionals but also understandable for the average owner who knows the basics but is hitting training hurdles. You’ll learn to reduce insecurities, enhance engagement, and develop calm behaviors to mold your dog into a confident, socially adept companion.

6. How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves by Sophia Yin

How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves is a science-backed explanation of dog behavior and how our own behavior molds our pets’ actions. Owners learn effective communication techniques that broadly apply to almost any circumstance. Whatever your struggles, all readers can glean valuable advice to develop better-behaved dogs. Following a look at the science of behavior modification, author Sophia Yin jumps into to-the-point guides on common dog owner struggles, like excessive barking, separation anxiety, and resource-guarding behavior. Comprehension is a primary focus. Alongside the easily readable training sections, you’ll find instructional drawings to demystify the material and pop quizzes to test your grasp of essential concepts.

7. Don’t Shoot the Dog by Karen Pryor

A classic in dog training literature, Karen Pryor’s look into the psychology of positive reinforcement has served as the philosophical foundation for dog trainers worldwide. Pryor explains behavioral principles in clear terms. Here, you’ll discover universal insights that can positively influence the habits of not only your dog but also other pets, kids, spouses, and even yourself. Don’t Shoot the Dog takes owners through practical lessons on shaping behaviors, ending unwanted habits, and using clicker training to facilitate the process. It’s entertaining, timeless, and a must-have for any dedicated dog trainer’s library.

8. The Happy Puppy Handbook by Pippa Mattinson

The formative puppy days represent the most challenging and important training period in a dog’s life. Subsequently, it’s the time when pet parents could use the most instructional help. Owners gain valuable insights for every step of the puppy journey with The Happy Puppy Handbook. Three easy-to-read sections cover household preparations, training and caring for your dog, and solving tricky habits puppies often take on. Dog-training expert Pippa Mattinson uses modern techniques to give first-time puppy owners the leg up they need in those critical first months.

9. Train Your Dog Like a Pro by Jean Donaldson

Are you looking for a hassle-free guide to begin your dog training journey? From the author of the acclaimed The Culture Clash come these easy-to-follow, easy-to-apply lessons for basic commands and advanced obedience. Full of practical, efficient tips, Train Your Dog Like a Pro emphasizes positive training to achieve the desired results while forging a better bond with your dog. The instructions are easy for even the most novice owner to master. Donaldson writes with wit, honesty, and experienced knowledge, keeping readers engaged and making the lessons all the more memorable. Plus, this book comes with a bonus of 2.5 hours of hands-on dog training lessons in video, which we find very helpful.

10. Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy by Steve Mann

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.

• See Also: MILK Books Photobook Review

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