For every pet parent, training a dog can be a challenge, but with the right materials and resources, it can be a very rewarding experience. With the best dog training books, a dog owner can get helpful tips on training a dog. From housebreaking to socialization to special tricks, these books can help a lot!
In any of these cases, training a dog takes a lot of work. However, there are many different techniques and tips for helping your pup become a happy and healthy member of your family.
Dog training is an important aspect of responsible dog ownership. Training a dog creates a bond between the dog owners and their new furry companion. In addition, dog training would address common dog behaviors as your pet grows into a well-behaved dog. With proper training, you will have the best dog around.
Our pet experts have compiled a list of the top 5 helpful books that provide valuable advice for every dog owner (newbie or expert) on effective dog training techniques. In this blog post, we reviewed these best books here!
AT A GLANCE (SEE ON AMAZON):
- Best Overall: Zak George's Dog Training Revolution
- Runner Up: The Art of Raising a Puppy by Monks of New Skete
- Also Great: Lucky Dog Lessons: Train Your Dog in 7 Days
- Also Great: 101 Dog Tricks by Kyra Sundance
- Also Great: Cesar's Way by Cesar Millan
Various Resources for Dog Training
There are several resources available for training a dog, depending on your dog’s needs, your availability as the dog owner, and how far you are willing to go with training your dog.
There are professional trainers for pet owners who do not have the time to train their dogs personally and inexperienced pet parents. These trainers are experts in animal behavior and can provide individualized training for your dog.
There are also dog socialization, puppy kindergarten, and dog training classes in some pet centers, pet stores, and local organizations. These classes teach the positive attitude for a dog to adopt when in the presence of other dogs. Some of these also hold classes for dogs to learn essential commands, potty training, basic obedience training, and other training skills.
Online training courses offer the convenience of home training, often including video demonstrations and interactive exercises. Some online trainers provide a personalized approach to their training style depending on the behavioral issues that their client’s dog exhibits.
Training videos, be it on a YouTube channel or featured on TV, are also available, providing practical advice on puppy care and explaining common dog behaviors, ways of correcting bad behavior, training techniques, and other training methods.
Dog training books offer a variety of training techniques that one can easily go back to when necessary. Many dog trainers have written helpful books that can provide you with dog training tools. In most cases, this is the most resorted resource for dog training.
Why Avail of Dog Training Books
There are several benefits to using a book as a training resource for dog training. For one, it is convenient to bring around as it is very portable. The same is true when you have a digital copy on your phone.
When you plan on training your pet in dog parks or other public places, you can easily carry along your classic training manual to guide you.
A dog training book is way less expensive than engaging the services of a professional trainer or enrolling your pet in socialization and training classes.
Training books also provide an ultimate guide to growing the perfect dog with their variety of training tips and techniques. Depending on the applicability of a training method, you can choose which best suits your dog’s needs.
Books often provide a step-by-step guide and detailed explanations. They are easier to follow as you can also set your own pace depending on your dog’s pace.
Five Best Dog Training Books
Training a dog doesn’t have to be a very challenging and taxing experience. With helpful books that provide tips on effective training techniques, things are made easier for every dog owner. Here are the best 5 dog training books.
Book #1: Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love
You may have seen Zak George on SuperFetch or BBC’s Who Let the Dogs Out on Animal Planet. This author also has his own YouTube video where he releases helpful dog training videos and content.
In his book, Zak George's Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love, you will get an informative look at Zak’s training techniques. You will be able to find tips and tricks for your dog’s temperament, age, and energy level.
This well-known dog trainer begins this book by guiding you through how to choose the right dog to fit in with your family. He then discusses basic puppy training, house training, and commands to teach your new dog. Behavior issues such as barking and leash pulling are addressed next. He also includes basic healthcare tips and fun games and activities to help you bond with your pet.
If you are looking for an overall good read on how to train your dog, Zak George’s book is a great choice. Each topic addressed in his book also corresponds with one of his YouTube videos. This tool will help you see what his training ideas look like in action.
Book #2: The Art of Raising a Puppy
The Monks of New Skete wrote The Art of Raising a Puppy to help new puppy parents train up their little furry friends so they can be happy and healthy adult dogs. If you have a new puppy or are considering bringing one into your home, this is a great read.
The authors begin this book by guiding you through how to choose the best puppy for your home. This book includes information that is designed to help you create a strong bond with your pup from the early days.
Detailed in this book, you will find ways to assert authority over your dog while still loving, nurturing, and bonding. By outlining puppy development with real photographs, the authors will show you why training pups at the early stages is so crucial to correct behaviors and for you to have a happy relationship throughout the dog’s life.
After detailing how to first engage with your pup, this book will also provide tips for handling troubled puppy behavior. If you are looking to create a strong bond and manageable life with your new young pup, this book will empower you to start on the right foot.
Book #3: Lucky Dog Lessons
Lucky Dog is an Emmy-winning television show that features dog trainer Brandon McMillan. If you haven’t seen the show, McMillan takes a shelter or rescue dog who is often labeled as “unadoptable” and trains them in just seven days, then finds them a loving home. He strongly believes that all dogs can be trained regardless of their temperament or past experiences.
In this Lucky Dog Lessons: Train Your Dog in 7 Days book, you will find his passion for training pups through step-by-step instructions and personal stories of dogs. This dog trainer will lay out for you the seven basic commands of sit, stay, come, heel, off, no, and down. For each technique he suggests, you will find photographs to help you master the steps.
You will also find some solutions to typical behavior issues you may be having with your pup. With his tips and tricks, you will be able to strengthen a healthy, trusting bond with your dog while teaching them positive behavior.
Book #4: 101 Dog Tricks
If you are looking for a way to strengthen your bond with your pup, consider picking up this 101 Dog Tricks book by Kyra Sundance. Teaching your dog new tricks not only strengthens your relationship but also gives them mental stimulation, leading to a happy and healthy book.
In this book, Sundance gives step-by-step directions to teaching your dog tricks. The range of tricks is vast, starting with simple commands such as sit and stay. However, you will also find more advanced tricks, such as training your pup to get a soda from the refrigerator.
Organized by themes such as “chores” and “dancing,” you will quickly be able to search for a trick to work on with your furry friend. You will find a difficulty level next to each trick, as well as any prerequisite skills to master first. Not only will this book help teach your dog tricks, but it will be a fun way to bond with your pup.
Book #5: Cesar’s Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding & Correcting Common Dog Problems
You have likely heard of the Dog Whisperer or Cesar Millan. He has appeared on popular television shows as a guest. Also, he stars in his own reality TV show called the Dog Whisperer. Known for his expertise in dog behavior and psychology, this book outlines some of his basic training ideas.
In this book, Cesar's Way, you will find explanations for the causes of typical problematic doggie behaviors. And, of course, this celebrity dog trainer likewise presents suggestions for correcting these problems. His shared “formula” includes a balance of exercise, discipline, and affection. One of the big ideas dog owners and dog trainers will see in his training techniques is that there is no such thing as a “problem breed,” just problem owners.
With that in mind, Cesar will give you tips for helping train your dog in a way that provides what they need. You will find ways to distinguish between punishment and discipline and how to relate to your dog on their level. As you read this training book, you will also hear stories about some of his real clients. These stories will surely inspire you to foster a strong connection with your pup.
Additional Training Resources
Along with these reading materials, you can find a wide variety of training resources online. Cesar Milan and Zak George have countless video tutorials on specific puppy training and dog training techniques. Watching the videos can provide a better picture of each tip.
Local pet stores and trainers offer puppy socialization and dog training classes. You may need additional support in your training process upon reading some of these books. Working alongside a trainer and fellow pet owners may help provide the support you need.
In Summary
Training your dog can be a fun part of the bonding process. With endless information to guide you, this short list of books is a good place to start.
Looking for something more specific for puppies? Check out our post here on The Best Puppy Training Books!