If you’re a dog owner or aspiring dog trainer, you know that training a dog takes patience, commitment, and knowledge. While there are plenty of resources, one of the best ways to learn about dog training is through books.
Whether you’re looking to teach your dog basic obedience or advanced tricks, there are countless dog training books available that can help.
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In this blog post, we’ll share the top dog training books to buy so that you can find the perfect one for your needs. So grab your furry friend, get comfortable, and dive in!
15 Best Dog Training Books
Dog training books can help any dog owner or trainer learn the skills necessary to train their pup. From beginner’s guides to advanced tricks, each book provides essential tips and tools for becoming a successful dog trainer.
1. Don’t Shoot the Dog by Karen Pryor
Don’t Shoot the Dog: The New Art of Teaching and Training, by Karen Pryor. This book is a comprehensive guide that covers everything from dog behavior to basic obedience and advanced behavioral modifications. It is an excellent resource for learning how to communicate effectively with your pup and positively shape their behavior.
2. Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution, by Zak George
The celebrity dog trainer shares his secrets in this book to help you teach your pup basic obedience commands, tricks, and more. It is a great resource for both beginner and experienced dog trainers alike.
3. Puppy Training for Kids, by Colleen Pelar
This book is specifically designed to help children learn how to properly train their puppies in a fun and engaging way. It includes easy-to-follow instructions, helpful illustrations, and age-appropriate activities, making it the perfect choice for young dog owners.
4. How To Housebreak Your Dog in 7 Days, by Shirlee Kalstone
This book is a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to housebreak their pup in a week or less. It includes helpful tips, tools, and step-by-step guide on how to successfully potty train your puppy.
5. 101 Dog Tricks: Step-by-Step Activities to Engage, Challenge, and Bond with Your Dog, by Kyra Sundance.
This book is perfect for anyone who wants to teach their pup some fun new tricks! It provides detailed instructions on teaching your pup over 100 exciting and engaging tricks to help build the bond between you two.
6. Cesar’s Way: The Natural Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems, by Cesar Millan.
This book contains valuable advice from the world-renowned dog trainer, Cesar Millan, that will help you better understand your pup’s behavior and correct any common issues they may encounter.
7. Control Unleashed: Creating a Focused and Confident Dog, by Leslie McDevitt.
This book teaches owners how to create a calm and focused pup through positive reinforcement training. It is a great resource for anyone who wants to help their pup better manage stress and react more appropriately in challenging situations.
8. How to Behave So Your Dog Behaves, by Dr. Sophia Yin.
This book provides step-by-step instructions on creating a mutually beneficial relationship between you and your dog through understanding canine communication and behavior cues. It also offers techniques for teaching basic manners and obedience commands and solving common problem behaviors like jumping up or barking excessively.
9. Clicker Training For Dogs, by Karen Pryor
Clicker Training for Dogs, written by renowned animal behaviorist Karen Pryor, is the ultimate guide for dog parents looking to teach their furry friends new behaviors and tricks.
This comprehensive book covers everything from basic obedience training to advanced agility exercises, all using the powerful and effective method of clicker training. The book provides step-by-step instructions and real-life examples, making it easy for anyone to start training their dog right away.
Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or an experienced trainer, Clicker Training for Dogs is a valuable resource that will help you to build a deeper bond with your dog and create a happy, healthy, and well-trained companion.
10. The Art of Raising a Puppy by Mon Monks of New Skete
The Art of Raising a Puppy by Mon Monks of New Skete is a classic dog training book that covers all aspects of puppy acquisition and care, from feeding and grooming to house training and socialization.
It also provides invaluable advice on preventing problem behaviors before they start by teaching puppies self-control early on.
11. On Talking Terms With Dogs by Turid Rugaas
If you’re starting with basic obedience commands or need a refresher on communicating with dogs, this book by Turid Rugaas is the perfect choice for you. It covers everything from dog body language and basic cues to understanding the psychology of dogs.
12. The Perfect Puppy by Gwen Bailey
The Perfect Puppy by well-known dog trainer Gwen Bailey is a great resource for training puppies in all aspects of life, from socialization and housebreaking to problem-solving methods.
It provides readers with step-by-step instructions on creating an environment that encourages good behavior while providing plenty of opportunities for fun activities indoors and out!
13. The Other End Of The Leash by Patricia McConnell
This book by Patricia McConnell focuses on the importance of building a relationship based on mutual understanding and respect between you and your dog.
She discusses how our body language, emotions, and attitude can influence our dogs’ behavior and how to communicate with them effectively. It also offers advice on dealing with unwanted behaviors such as aggression or fearfulness and creating an environment that encourages good doggy etiquette.
14. How Dogs Think by Stanley Coren
This book by Stanley Coren is a delightful and insightful book for dog lovers everywhere. This book delves deep into the mind of our beloved canine companions, exploring the inner workings of their thoughts and behaviors.
He presents scientific research in an approachable way and provides practical tips on how to better understand and communicate with your dog.
With his unique perspective and extensive knowledge of canine psychology, Coren helps us gain a greater appreciation for the deep bond we share with our dogs.
This book will give you a new understanding and appreciation of your four-legged friend and deepen the connection you share with them.
15. Training Your Own Full Potential Service Dog by Lelah Sullivan
Training Your Own Full Potential Service Dog by Lelah Sullivan is a must-read for any dog lover who is considering training their furry companion to become a service dog.
This comprehensive guide walks readers through every step of the process, from selecting the right breed and preparing for training to teaching basic commands and advanced tasks.
The author, Lelah Sullivan, is a highly experienced service dog trainer and shares her wealth of knowledge and expertise in a clear and easy-to-follow manner.
The book is filled with helpful tips, real-life examples, and beautiful photographs that will inspire readers to embark on the rewarding journey of training their own service dog.
What To Look Out For In A Puppy Training Book
When choosing a dog training book, there are certain key aspects to consider to ensure that you choose the right one for your pup. Here is a list of things one should look out for when selecting a book on dog training:
1. Clear Learning Objectives
The book should provide clear and achievable goals tailored to meet your and your dog’s individual needs. This will help ensure successful learning outcomes for both you and your pup.
2. Comprehensive Coverage
The book should cover all essential topics, from basic cues and body language to problem-solving methods.
It should also offer advice on dealing with unwanted behaviors such as aggression or fearfulness and create an environment that encourages good doggy etiquette.
3. Positive Reinforcement
The book should emphasize the importance of positive reinforcement and how it can be used effectively to train your pup without resorting to punishment or fear tactics.
4. Step-by-Step Instructions
The book should provide clear and concise step-by-step instructions on teaching commands and handling different training scenarios. This will help ensure that you follow the correct procedures for each situation.
5. Expert Tips and Advice
The book should offer expert tips and advice from a professional dog trainer to guide you through any tricky situations that may arise during training sessions. This will help inform you of best practices for handling your pup’s behavior.
6. Real-Life Examples
The book should provide real-life examples of how to handle different training scenarios to illustrate its points. This will help ensure that you follow the correct procedures for each situation.
7. User-Friendly Format
The book should be organized to make it easy to find what you are looking for and follow instructions without having to flip through the pages. A good dog training book should also have plenty of visuals and diagrams to help readers understand the presented concepts better.
Do I Need Dog Training Classes After Using Dog Training Books?
Yes, even if you use a dog training book or other resources to teach your basic pup commands, it’s still important to attend classes with an experienced trainer. This will ensure that you implement the correct techniques and that your pup is learning in a safe environment.
Classes can also guide you through more advanced commands, problem-solving strategies, and good doggy etiquette. It is important to remember that every pup is different and requires individualized approaches when training, so attending classes can be very beneficial for you and your canine companion!
At Ruff House, we offer a variety of training programs to help owners and their pups learn how to communicate properly and build strong relationships. Our experienced trainers will provide step-by-step guidance on how to get the most out of your pup’s training sessions.
Contact us today! We look forward to helping you and your pup reach your goals!
