Dog training is meant not only for behavioral reasons, but it’s also for the human-dog bond.
Yep, that’s right…
Everyone dreams of a well-behaved dog, which is not an overnight process. Training is the most important part of owning a dog; it stimulates the mental state and builds confidence. Patience is the most important thing to have when training dogs. To help you with this process, we created a list of the Top 10 Best Dog Training Books.
An important part of the overall well-being of a dog is mental stimulation.
Dog owners should also include rewards for their dogs as part of the training. They can also ask for help from professional dog trainers.
With that being said…
…dogs are perfectly trainable at their puppyhood; puppy training is recommended between the age of 6 to 16 weeks.
This also helps with dog psychology, and many dog owners or dog parents struggle with dog ownership, and this helps with basic commands.
This is why we offer different options when considering a dog training book.
This review of the Best Dog Training Books will look at different things to consider when buying a dog training book. We will be bringing you the following things:
- The best dog training books to assist with training your dog or puppy;
- Training books that are good for your budget;
- The pros and cons;
- Our experience with the training books;
- Our recommendations;
- And lots more…
We own different types of dogs, and they behave differently, so we read and reviewed a great number of training books to bring you the best ones for different dogs. Regardless of the dog type you have or their age, there is something for you here.
Ready to explore?
Let’s dive in…
Top 10 Best Dog Training Books
Best Technical Dog Training Book
Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution
Editor’s Comments:
Who doesn’t want a modern training book? Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution brought me science-based solutions to all my training problems. The author is dedicated to effective training and humaneness, so his work is on our screens and in print. This book is very helpful to dog owners who prefer house training. It worked wonders for me.
- Language: English
- Print Length: 240 pages
- Publication Date: 7 June 2016
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.55 x 8.2 inches
- Author: Zak George and Dina Roth Port
Overall Score:
97
The Bottom Line:
The book’s price is quite reasonable for a 4.5 stars rating book. It’s a 240-page book that weighs around 11.2 pounds; it is not heavy. Being the best seller in the market, I can assure you that this book contains all the necessary training information for dog trainers. The book also covers potty training and house training, and it’s for every breed.What’s Good
- Good value for money
- It has YouTube links to access videos related to your training
- Offers obedience training
- Good for both reactive and aggressive dogs
- Has various training methods
- Suitable for adult dogs
- The book focuses on good behavior training
- Has solutions for dogs with behavioral problems
- The book has fun games to play with your dog
- It promotes love as part of the training
- Has pet food and nutrition guidance
What’s Bad
- Some people may find it a bit long
- Doesn’t have color pictures
- No prerequisite training skills
Summary
The author of Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution is also a presenter on Animal Planet and a YouTuber who creates content out of this. In this book, he wrote everything based on the knowledge he acquired over the years in this book.
It has got to be the Editor’s Choice because…
This book can assist any dog trainer or dog owner needing training advice. It also ensures advanced dog training classes.
And while at it…
…I also recommended the book to owners struggling with potty training because it helped me train mine. With all the information stated, it’s evident that the right people wrote the book for the right reasons.
To add to this…
The book also plays a role in human-dog bonding, and this is a basic need for all dog owners. This book plays a huge role in the training that develops instincts and love, especially in new puppies.
Not every dog training book goes to the extent of offering guidance in terms of pet food and nutrition.
But…
…it has a lot of pages, and I struggled with finding pages that have the information I was looking for lucky dog lessons.
Related article: Best Dog Treat Pouch
Best Budget Dog Training Books
101 Dog Tricks: Step-by-Step Activities to Engage Your Dog
Editor’s Comments:
Of all the trick books, 101 Dog Tricks: Step-by-Step Activities to Engage Your Dog is the largest and the only one with color pictures of the tricks and training. The book is fairly priced for a book with such quality features. Everything is written in the simplest way possible, so I found it very easy to understand.
- Language: English
- Print Length: 203 pages
- Publication Date: 1 April 2007
- Dimensions: 7.15 x 0.63 x 9 inches
- Author: Kyra Sundance, Chalcy
Overall Score:
96
The Bottom Line:
Here, we have a book that takes you through training your dog step by step. This book contains tricks to help every dog owner get through the training phase easily. The tricks range from the simplest ones to the extraordinary ones.What’s Good
- Affordable
- Has color pictures of the training
- Doesn’t require special tools
- It allows the training to start immediately
- Also builds skills needed for dog sports
- Includes training for dog therapy
- All skills are prerequisite
- One of the best-selling books
What’s Bad
- Has old-fashioned techniques
- Some of the techniques aren’t scientifically-based
Summary
101 Dog Tricks: Step-by-Step Activities to Engage Your Dog has made training a simple and cheap thing to do for us. With the advantage of not having to buy training tools, this book has made it possible for people to train their dogs easily.
This is why it’s this review’s Best Value book.
A step-by-step book that has colorful pictures makes it easier for you to know if what you’re doing is the right thing. As a dog trainer, you might like a book that shows you exactly what the training should look like.
Besides that…
This book contains positive methods to use while training your dog. For me, these training methods were simple to follow and also suitable for every kind of dog.
The step-by-step tricks are made fun of, and this might be very beneficial for the bonding purposes of the owner and the dog.
On the other hand, it has old-fashioned techniques that many might not be happy with.
Related article: How Long Should You Train Your Dog Each Day?
Best Home Dog Training Book
How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond
Editor’s Comments:
How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond guided me with dog behavior and how I should act around my dog. The hard copy of this book is a bit costly, but it’s understandable for a book that has 320 pages. This book is ranked one of the best-selling books.
- Language: English
- Print Length: 320 pages
- Publication Date: 1 January 2009
- Dimensions: 5.13 x 0.72 x 8 inches
- Author: Cesar Millan and Melissa Jo Peltier
Overall Score:
92
The Bottom Line:
The first thing you should know before training your dog is what you should not do. Most dog owners or trainers are the reason dog training gets hard, so this book guides you on how your behavior towards your dog can result in successful training or not.What’s Good
- Reasonably priced
- One of the best-selling books
- It also guides the owner’s behavior during training.
- Very suitable for first-time owners
- Has a lot of dos and don’ts for trainers
What’s Bad
- Focuses on a certain breed
- Not suitable for every dog owner
- Has a lot of pages
Summary
This is a product from a best-selling author, a celebrity dog trainer who is also a presenter of Dog whisperer on the National Geographic Channel. The moment I saw How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond, I knew I had to buy it and I did.
This is our Top Pick because…
…it didn’t only advise me on the training of my dog, but it also gave me a clear idea of what to expect and also what to do and what to avoid when training my dog. This is expert advice from someone with professional dog knowledge.
Even though it focuses on a certain type of breed, it still contains advice that can be used on different types of dogs. And also, I realized the trainer restrictions can be applied elsewhere regardless of the dog you are training.
While at it…
The book is extremely suitable for people who own dogs for the first time. It has a lot of beginner’s advice that I needed. it’s advisable to get the book before bringing your puppy home, It sets you up with puppyhood advice.
Related article: What Are The 7 Basic Dog Commands?
Best Dog Training Book for All Breeds
The Art of Raising a Puppy
Editor’s Comments:
Another important thing to consider when buying a dog training book is the author. The Art of Raising a Puppy is written by the most trusted dog training authorities in the US. The content of the book includes key training strategies that dog owners or trainers consider.
- Language: English
- Print Length: 352 pages
- Publication Date: 29 June 2011
- Dimensions: 6.35 x 1.25 x 9.75 inches
- Author: The Monks of New Skete
Overall Score:
92
The Bottom Line:
The book is very reasonably priced, especially for a printed book with so many pages and reputable authors. It weighs around 1.25 pounds, and it is a reasonable weight for a 325-page book.What’s Good
- It is very affordable
- It contains crate training guides
- Useful humane techniques
- Advice based on empirical evidence
- Very informative and educational
- Great book for beginners
- Veterinarian recommended
- It’s made for every breed
What’s Bad
- A bit too many pages
- Non-science-based techniques
Summary
A book written by highly recommended dog trainers is worth considering if you’re looking for the best dog training book. Skilled dog trainers are likely to produce books that are very informative and educational.
Apart from that…
…The Art of Raising a Puppy is a great book for beginners and also those who are knowledgeable about dog training. Not every book guides you about crate training, so if you are also considering crate training, this is the right book.
And it doesn’t only focus on that. From this book, I got information on how to handle my first day and also my first night with the pup. It provides nutritional details and also how and when to take walks with your dog.
also…
…it is very affordable even though it is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars. The problem is; it has so many pages, but it is so easy to read and very understandable.
Best Dog Training Book for Kids
Dog Training for Kids: Fun and Easy Ways to Care for Your Furry Friend
Editor’s Comments:
For parents who are considering buying dogs for their children, this is exactly where they should look. Kids love dogs, so the best gift a parent can get for their kids is to get them a book that will help them bond with their dogs. My niece was obsessed with Dog Training for Kids: Fun and Easy Ways to Care for Your Furry Friend.
- Language: English
- Print Length: 176 pages
- Publication Date: 26 November 2019
- Dimensions: 8.02 x 0.48 x 9.97 inches
- Author: Vanessa Estrada Marin
Overall Score:
88
The Bottom Line:
This kiddie’s book has everything that screams kids. From the pages and language. The book is for 5-10-year-old kids who are doing grade 3 to grade 7. The number of pages is 176, and it was published in 2019.What’s Good
- Suitable for kids
- Doesn’t have a lot of pages
- Has colorful pictures that are also beneficial for the kids’ understanding
- Suitable for every breed training
- Has fun games for both the kids and the dog
What’s Bad
- The cover could tear off easily
- It has more pictures than text
Summary
When you want to get your child a dog, how they bond with the dog should never be a problem. Dog Training for Kids: Fun and Easy Ways to Care for Your Furry Friend can assist your child with a fun and easy training techniques that will excite both the kids and the dog.
Moving from there…
The book is designed to make children understand the techniques with ease. This child-friendly training book may be a great gift for a child who just had their first dog so start training it.
The interesting part is…
…even though the book is for children, it doesn’t cater to children only. Thus the book can also be used by adults who are first-time owners. It has a lot of information for beginners, and it’s suitable for every breed.
So the book is recommended for both kids and adults who are looking for fun and easy techniques to train their dogs or puppies.
The problem with the book is the cover. It tore off easily after being flipped just twice by one of our children. We had to cover it with a plastic cover to give it more protection and longevity.
Best Cognitive Dog Training Book
The Year of the Puppy: How Dogs Become Themselves
Editor’s Comments:
I didn’t know that the early stages of puppyhood are also important in the training and development of a dog until I read The Year of the Puppy: How Dogs Become Themselves. This book brings to light the stages that are mostly missed by dog families. This stage is the first week after the puppy is born; during that time, the dog is usually with the breeder, and this is where this good book could come in.
- Language: English
- Print Length: 320 pages
- Publication Date: 20 September 2022
- Dimensions: 6.21 x 1.07 x 9.28 inches
- Author: Alexandra Horowitz
Overall Score:
88
The Bottom Line:
This is the book to go for when you are in need of some knowledge about the development of dogs. It gives you details on what goes down during the first weeks of puppyhood and also how to handle it.What’s Good
- Not too expensive
- Informative
- Well-composed book
- It is a recent book with modern training techniques
- Suitable for every dog, including canines
- Techniques are sensible
What’s Bad
- Not too scientific
- Flowery writing style
- Too many pages
Summary
If you’re a dog owner who has missed the first stages of your dog’s development, then The Year of the Puppy: How Dogs Become Themselves is great for training. This book contains information I needed about the development of dogs from the first week of birth.
I recommended this book for development because most people who have dogs got them from breeders, and they don’t have much information concerning their early stages.
To fill the void of what I have missed in my dog’s life, the book brought all the information I needed.
And not only that…
… the book is extremely informative and has training techniques that are very sensitive. The book is well composed in a manner that trainers and owners find it easy to understand everything.
On the other hand, some in our team found it a bit too long and flowery, but then, that’s a matter of preference.
Best Dog Training Book for Love and Kindness
Training the Best Dog Ever
Editor’s Comments:
Training the Best Dog Ever is suitable for owners who want to train their dogs with love and kindness. The book has different training techniques that are only based on bonding and love; it has nothing to do with reprimanding your dog.
I had to stop reprimanding my dog when I started reading this book and focused on positive training.
- Language: English
- Print Length: 304 pages
- Publication Date: 25 September 2012
- Dimensions: 6 x 0.69 x 10 inches
- Author: Dawn Sylvia- Stasiewicz and Larry Kay
Overall Score:
84
The Bottom Line:
This is a very informative book if you want to raise a loving and kind dog. It focuses on the caring nature of dogs and how you can enhance it. It also contains some crate training guides.What’s Good
- Reasonably priced
- Informative
- Suitable for beginners
- Easy to understand
- Crate training guides available
- Teaches love and kindness towards dogs
What’s Bad
- You may find some information not very unique
- Non-science-based
- Promotes spoiling of dogs
Summary
Dogs are known for their love and devotion toward their owners. Training the Best Dog Ever is highly recommended for training dogs with love and kindness. Dogs have a way of giving back the love they receive.
With that being said…
…this book encourages owners to stop the harsh treatment of dogs when they are in training. The book promotes the type of training that involves no reprimanding. Dogs need to experience love and kindness for them to give back.
The book is very informative, and at a very low price, you can get to thoroughly train your dog to be what you want. And in the process, you will be getting yourself a best friend, as this also promotes bonding.
On the flip side…
…some of the information I found in this book can also be read on the internet, and I was left wanting more on some parts.
Best 7 Day Dog Training Book
How to Housebreak Your Dog in 7 Days
Editor’s Comments:
This is a revised step-by-step guide on how to housebreak your dog. It has an easy-to-follow plan, whether you are paper training, housebreaking, or litter training. This turns your dog into a dependable pet. I am personally happy with my dog’s behavior after reading and implementing the guide in How to Housebreak Your Dog in 7 Days.
- Language: English
- Print Length: 96 pages
- Publication Date: 3 August 2004
- Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.22 x 7.62 inches
- Author: Shirlee Kalstone
Overall Score:
83
The Bottom Line:
This revised updated step-by-step guide for housebreaking is a book to get when you want to house-train your dog. It guides you with potty training for both puppies and dogs that are older.What’s Good
- Great value for money
- Great for potty training adult dogs
- Suitable for first-time dog owners
- Very Informative
- Excellent for housebreaking
- Suitable for every breed
- Not too many pages
What’s Bad
- It might take longer than 7 days to house-train your dog
- None science-based solutions
- Doesn’t have games
Summary
Nothing beats the feeling of having a dog that’s well-house-trained. They know where to pee and poop, it doesn’t happen overnight, but it doesn’t take a month, either.
How to Housebreak Your Dog in 7 Days is a great recommendation for house training
It doesn’t have to take long.
This book actually helped us in getting our 2-month-old Golden Retriever dog house trained in as early as 7 days.
Not just that…
The book can get you to potty train your dog the best way possible. You will be able to get your dogs to know how to keep the house not messed up. These books can help you own a dog and still have a clean house.
As pet lovers, we sometimes want to play games with our dogs, but unfortunately, the book had none. It also took me more than 7 days to get my other stubborn dog house-trained, so that was a con for me.
Best Dog Training Book for Socialization
Puppy Training for Kids
Editor’s Comments:
Getting your family to adjust to the idea of having a new family member is sometimes hard, especially if it’s a dog. With all the changes that have to take place when bringing home a puppy, I might need a book to help us find our way around the changes.
Puppy Training for Kids guides you about socializing with your puppy and it also provides fun games you can play with your puppy as part of trying to get them used to the new environment.
- Language: English
- Print Length: 96 pages
- Publication Date: 1 August 2012
- Dimensions: 9 x 0.24 x 7 inches
- Author: Colleen Pelar and Amber Johnson
Overall Score:
82
The Bottom Line:
This is a 96-page book about teaching children about the responsibilities of having puppies and how to train them. It covers some basic training techniques while guiding first-time owners on how to make the environment comfortable for the dog.What’s Good
- Affordable
- Assist with buying puppy supplies
- It has fun games for puppies
- Guides you on how to keep your puppy out of danger
- Has instructive color pictures
- Guides on how to socialize with your puppy
- Fewer pages
- Very informative
What’s Bad
- Covers only the basics of the training
- It focuses on puppies
Summary
When you bring a new puppy home, especially in a home that has never owned one, you should prepare them for the journey.
This is the recommended introduction book for that.
Introducing a puppy could mean that there are changes that are about to take place. And when those changes happen, you might need guidance on how to cope with it, and this book is your best bet on it. I also suffered when I got my poodle puppy
This is what to expect…
Puppy Training for Kids comes with basic training techniques that are essential for first-time owners. It guided me with all the necessary supplies to get for my poodle puppy and also how to socialize with it.
On top of it…
…it also comes with fun games for both the kids and the puppy in order to help them bond with the new member of the family. These games helped our own puppy adjust to its new environment.
The book focuses solely on puppies, so if you have an adult dog, you might not find it very helpful.
Best Dog Training Book for Beginner
The Beginner’s Guide to Dog Agility
Editor’s Comments:
As a pet lover, I always wanted my dog to do something sporty, and I was more interested in agility. I needed help on how to train my dog for agility since I did want to get a professional trainer. The Beginner’s Guide to Dog Agility came through for us, our dog is fit, and he loves participating in agility.
- Language: English
- Print Length: 256 pages
- Publication Date: 1 September 2006
- Dimensions: 7 x 0.5 x 8 inches
- Author: Laura Leach
Overall Score:
81
The Bottom Line:
Being a new dog owner who wants to train their dog for agility might be stressful. If you don’t know where to begin, then we have exactly the right book for you. This book is helpful for owners who want their dogs to participate in agility.What’s Good
- Extremely informative
- Helpful for referencing your pet’s knowledge
- Enables you to train your dog for dog agility
- Has step-by-step agility training techniques
What’s Bad
- Has a lot of pages
- A bit pricey
- Only covers agility
Summary
Owning a dog is like having a baby, you sometimes wish they would participate in different sports.
Here we recommend The Beginner’s Guide to Dog Agility.
If you want your dog to participate in agility and you also want to train it yourself, but you don’t know where to start, this book is for you. It guides you with all the necessary step-by-step agility training techniques,
and the most exciting thing is…
….I didn’t have to pay any professional dog trainer to train my dog for agility because, with this book, I did it myself. It also guides you on the kind of material to buy for your dog before you begin training.
It’s a great thing to introduce your dog to different fun activities, and agility is one of the best you can choose for your dog. With this book, you are equipped and ready to take your dog to a whole new level of fun and fitness.
But…
The book is quite pricey and also has a lot of pages; it could get exhausting for some readers.
Buying Guide To Selecting The Best Dog Training Books
All the books listed above are recommended to every dog trainer for different purposes. You don’t have to buy a book because it’s top rated but buy a book that is recommended for your needs.
And also…
…every dog training book has an area of specialization. Some are for potty training, and some are for house training. Buying a book that suits your needs saves you from being confused and thinking a book is not informative.
When buying a dog training book, these are the aspects to consider:
Value for Money
Make sure you put your money where it is worth going.
No one wants to spend their money on something that will not be beneficial for them. Do background checks, and read reviews before spending money on a book to avoid getting a book that won’t solve your problems.
How These Dog Training Books Compare In The Value for Money Category:
Length
How long is the book?
Keep in mind that while training a puppy, you may not want to read a book that is hundreds of pages long. A book that long may take you a while to read, and time is of the essence when training a puppy. However, the longer the book, the more likely it is to have more detail.
How These Dog Training Books Compare In The Length Category:
Topics
Make sure there are enough topics.
You want a book that has a variety of topics. This will ensure that you are able to train your puppy in multiple categories like going potty, sitting, waiting, walking, etc.
How These Dog Training Books Compare In The Topics Category:
Author
Who wrote the book?
The most important question you should ask yourself before buying a book is whether a well-credible book from a credible author is worth buying.
In terms of pet care, an author that has a great background in the professional environment would be worth spending your money on. Always check the credibility of an author first before buying their book.
How These Dog Training Books Compare In The Author Category:
Ease of Reading
Imagine reading a book you don’t understand.
That might be the worst thing ever. A great book is a readable book; there’s nothing you can do if you don’t understand what is written in the book. So go through readability reviews of a book before you can bet on it.
And while considering readability, also make sure you are buying the right language, especially when buying online.
How These Dog Training Books Compare In The Ease of Reading Category:
Best Dog Training Books FAQs
What is the best training book?
Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution covers a lot of training bases. Getting the best training book is also determined by your training needs.
What is the importance of training books?
They guide you in the journey of training your dog and also help you stimulate your dog’s mental state.
How do you benefit from training a dog?
The benefits include getting your dog on its best behavior and also helping with bonding with your dog. Training your dog is also beneficial for your household. You get to own a dog that knows how to behave well, and it doesn’t cause trouble when you have visitors.
Conclusion: The Best Dog Training Books
Dogs are like babies; they can learn more than you could imagine, so if you feel like you’re failing to train your dog on your own, you can consider buying a training book.
After testing all these books, Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution turned out to be the Editor’s Choice because it covers all the training bases while still being readable and easy to understand.
This book it’s good value for money and covers the most important topics for your training journey. It helped me bond with my dog in a great way.
Zak went all out and explained everything, and to make things more interesting, he included links to his YouTube videos. This is very helpful to those who prefer listening to reading.
We also recommend 101 Dog Tricks: Step-by-Step Activities to Engage; this is the Best Value book. If you want a book suitable for your budget and also has the best value for its price, you can also bet on this book. It’s very informative and can save you money by not requiring any special tools for your training.
In addition to all this…
…it’s very important to start training your puppy as soon as it gets home. The books don’t only help you train your dogs, but they also help you to understand your dog’s behavior and development. We hope that you like our list of the Best Dog Training Books.
Enjoy!
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