Dog Training Books: Top Picks for 2024

Dog training books are an essential tool for pet owners who want to train their furry friends to be obedient, well-behaved, and happy. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or an experienced trainer, a good dog training book can provide you with valuable insights, tips, and techniques to help you achieve your training goals.

When it comes to dog training books, there are many different types to choose from. Some books focus on basic obedience training, while others cover more advanced topics like agility training, behavior modification, and even therapy dog training. Some books are geared towards specific breeds or age groups, while others are more general in nature.

One critical thing to consider when choosing a dog training book is the author’s credentials and experience. Look for books written by professional dog trainers or behaviorists who have years of experience working with dogs of all breeds and temperaments. Additionally, consider the training methods advocated in the book and make sure they align with your personal beliefs and values.

In this article, we spent hours researching and testing various dog training books to identify the ones that provide the most comprehensive and effective training methods for pet owners. Whether you’re looking for a book to help you train a new puppy or want to address specific behavior issues with your adult dog, we’ve got you covered.

Best Dog Training Books

If you’re a dog owner, you know that training your furry friend is essential to ensure they are well-behaved and obedient. However, with so many dog training books available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That’s where we come in. We’ve done the research and compiled a list of the best dog training books available on Amazon. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or an experienced trainer, our list has something for everyone. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top dog training books you can buy on Amazon.

Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love

Zak George's Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love

If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to training your furry friend, Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution is a great choice.

Pros
  • Zak George’s positive reinforcement approach is highly effective and easy to implement.
  • The book covers a wide range of topics, from puppy training to advanced obedience.
  • The writing style is engaging and easy to understand, making the book accessible to readers of all skill levels.
Cons
  • Some readers may find the focus on positive reinforcement too limiting.
  • The book is relatively short, so some topics may not be covered in as much depth as readers would like.
  • The training methods may not be suitable for all dogs, particularly those with behavioral issues.

We found Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution to be an excellent resource for anyone looking to train their dog using positive reinforcement techniques. The book covers everything from basic obedience to more advanced training, and the writing style is engaging and easy to follow.

One of the biggest pros of the book is Zak George’s approach to training, which emphasizes positive reinforcement and rewards rather than punishment. This approach is highly effective and has been shown to be more humane and less stressful for dogs than traditional training methods.

Another benefit of the book is its comprehensive coverage of different training topics. Whether you’re just starting out with a new puppy or are looking to teach your dog more advanced skills, there’s something in this book for you.

That being said, some readers may find the focus on positive reinforcement too limiting. Additionally, while the book covers a wide range of topics, some readers may feel that certain topics are not covered in as much depth as they would like.

Overall, we would highly recommend Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution to anyone looking for a comprehensive guide to dog training. Whether you’re a new dog owner or an experienced trainer, this book is sure to have something to offer.

Training the Best Dog Ever: A 5-Week Program Using the Power of Positive Reinforcement

Training the Best Dog Ever: A 5-Week Program Using the Power of Positive Reinforcement

If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to training your dog, Training the Best Dog Ever: A 5-Week Program Using the Power of Positive Reinforcement is a great option to consider.

Pros
  • The book is easy to follow and provides a step-by-step guide to training your dog using positive reinforcement.
  • The author provides a lot of helpful tips and tricks for dealing with common training issues, such as potty training and leash pulling.
  • The 5-week program is designed to be flexible, so you can adjust it to fit your dog’s individual needs.
Cons
  • Some readers may find the book to be too basic if they already have a lot of experience training dogs.
  • The training program requires a significant time commitment, so it may not be ideal for busy dog owners.
  • The book focuses primarily on training puppies, so it may not be as helpful for those with adult dogs.

Overall, we would recommend Training the Best Dog Ever: A 5-Week Program Using the Power of Positive Reinforcement to anyone looking for a comprehensive guide to training their dog using positive reinforcement. The book is easy to follow and provides a lot of helpful tips and tricks for dealing with common training issues. However, if you already have a lot of experience training dogs, you may find the book to be too basic. Additionally, the training program requires a significant time commitment, so it may not be ideal for busy dog owners.

The Big Book of Tricks for the Best Dog Ever

The Big Book of Tricks for the Best Dog Ever

If you want to teach your dog some amazing tricks, then you should consider buying The Big Book of Tricks for the Best Dog Ever.

Pros
  • The book offers a wide variety of easy-to-follow tricks, from basic to advanced.
  • The step-by-step instructions are clear and concise, making it easy to train your dog.
  • The book is well-organized and has a lot of helpful tips and tricks.
Cons
  • Some of the tricks may be too difficult for some dogs and their owners.
  • The book is quite long, so it may take some time to get through all of the tricks.
  • The book does not include any information on dog behavior or training theory.

We found this book to be a great resource for anyone who wants to teach their dog some fun and impressive tricks. The book is organized into sections based on the level of difficulty, making it easy to find the right trick for your dog’s skill level. The step-by-step instructions are easy to follow and include helpful tips and tricks to make the training process smoother.

One thing to keep in mind is that some of the tricks may be too difficult for some dogs and their owners, so it’s important to start with the basics and work your way up. Additionally, the book is quite long, so it may take some time to get through all of the tricks. However, we found that the book was well worth the investment in time and effort.

Overall, we highly recommend The Big Book of Tricks for the Best Dog Ever for anyone who wants to have some fun with their furry friend. With its clear instructions and wide variety of tricks, this book is sure to provide hours of entertainment for both you and your dog.

No Nonsense Dog Training: A Complete Guide to Fully Train Any Dog

No Nonsense Dog Training: A Complete Guide to Fully Train Any Dog

If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to train your furry friend, then No Nonsense Dog Training is the perfect choice for you.

Pros
  • The book is written in a simple and easy-to-understand language, making it accessible to all.
  • The author provides practical and effective training techniques that can be implemented in real-life situations.
  • The book covers a wide range of topics, including obedience training, behavior modification, and socialization.
Cons
  • The book is relatively short, with only 148 pages, which may not be enough for some readers.
  • The editing of the book needs improvement, with some chapter headings being blacked out.
  • The book is only available in paperback, which may not be convenient for some readers.

We highly recommend No Nonsense Dog Training to anyone looking to train their dog. The book is well-written and provides practical techniques that can be implemented in real-life situations.

The author provides a step-by-step guide to train your dog, covering topics such as leash training, crate training, and potty training. The book also covers behavior modification techniques to address common issues such as aggression, anxiety, and fear.

Overall, No Nonsense Dog Training is an excellent resource for anyone looking to train their furry friend. The book is well-written, practical, and provides effective training techniques that can be implemented in real-life situations.

How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond

How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond

We highly recommend purchasing How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond for anyone looking to train their dog.

Pros
  • Cesar Millan’s dog training techniques are easy to understand and follow.
  • The book covers all aspects of dog training, including puppyhood and beyond.
  • It’s a great resource for new dog owners.
Cons
  • Some readers may find the book repetitive if they have already watched Cesar Millan’s TV show.
  • The book may not provide enough detail for experienced dog trainers.
  • The training techniques may not work for all dogs.

How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond is an informative and interesting book that covers all aspects of dog training. It’s easy to understand and follow Cesar Millan’s techniques, making it a great resource for new dog owners. However, some readers may find the book repetitive if they have already watched Cesar Millan’s TV show, and the training techniques may not work for all dogs. Overall, we believe that How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond is a valuable addition to any dog owner’s library.

Positive Training for Aggressive and Reactive Dogs

Positive Training for Aggressive and Reactive Dogs

We highly recommend Positive Training for Aggressive and Reactive Dogs by Annie Phenix to dog owners who are dealing with reactive or aggressive behaviors in their pets.

Pros
  • Offers proven techniques to help your dog overcome fear and anxiety
  • Provides techniques to rehabilitate your anxious dog to be calm and stop bad behavior
  • Easy to follow and beautifully written
Cons
  • May not be as effective for severe cases of aggression
  • Some readers may find the training techniques too time-consuming
  • May require additional support from a professional dog trainer

In this book, Annie Phenix provides a comprehensive guide to help pet owners understand and address reactive and aggressive behaviors in their dogs. She offers proven techniques to help your dog overcome fear and anxiety and provides techniques to rehabilitate your anxious dog to be calm and stop bad behavior.

The book is easy to follow and beautifully written, making it an enjoyable read for both beginners and experienced dog owners. However, some readers may find the training techniques too time-consuming, and the book may not be as effective for severe cases of aggression.

Overall, Positive Training for Aggressive and Reactive Dogs is an excellent resource for pet owners who want to help their dogs overcome reactive and aggressive behaviors. It’s an informative and well-written book that provides practical techniques that can help your dog become a well-behaved and happy companion.

Dog Training Bible

Dog Training Bible

If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to dog training, the Dog Training Bible is definitely worth considering.

Pros
  • The book covers everything from choosing the right breed for your family to training your dog for various purposes.
  • The author provides helpful tips on positive reinforcement, mental exercises, and DIY healthy dog food.
  • The book is well-structured and easy to follow, making it a great resource for both new and experienced dog owners.
Cons
  • Some readers found the instructions to be too vague.
  • The book may not be suitable for those looking for a quick fix to their dog’s behavior problems.
  • The book is relatively short at only 122 pages.

In the Dog Training Bible, you’ll learn everything you need to know to raise a well-behaved and healthy dog. The author, Charlotte Marley, draws on her 20 years of experience as a dog trainer to provide practical advice and guidance.

The book is divided into five main sections: Before You Bring Your Dog Home, Choosing the Right Dog for You, Training Your Dog, Keeping Your Dog Safe, and DIY Healthy Dog Food. Each section covers a range of topics, from crate training and potty training to obedience and nutrition.

One of the things we appreciated about the Dog Training Bible is that it takes into account the different breeds and their natural inclinations. This allows you to train your dog for the various purposes for which they were bred, whether that’s hunting, herding, or simply being a loyal companion.

The book is written in a clear and concise style, with plenty of helpful tips and examples. We found the instructions to be easy to follow, although some readers may find them a bit vague. It’s worth noting that this book is not a quick fix for behavior problems – it requires time and patience to train your dog properly.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the Dog Training Bible to anyone looking for a comprehensive guide to dog training. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or an experienced trainer, this book has something to offer.

Service Dog Training Guide

Service Dog Training Guide

If you are looking for a comprehensive guide to train your dog as a service dog, then the Service Dog Training Guide might be just what you need.

Pros
  • The book provides a step-by-step training program that is easy to follow and implement.
  • The author offers useful tips and techniques to train your dog to perform specific tasks that are essential for service dogs.
  • The book covers a wide range of topics, including obedience training, public access training, and task training.
Cons
  • While the book is comprehensive, it may not be suitable for experienced dog trainers who are looking for more advanced techniques.
  • The book is only available in paperback format, which may not be convenient for some readers who prefer digital copies.
  • The book is relatively short, at only 166 pages, which may not be sufficient for readers who are looking for more in-depth training guides.

In the Service Dog Training Guide, the author provides a detailed training program that covers all aspects of service dog training. The book is well-organized and easy to follow, making it an excellent resource for novice dog trainers.

The author emphasizes positive reinforcement training techniques, which are effective and humane. Additionally, the book includes helpful tips and advice on how to train your dog to perform specific tasks, such as retrieving objects, opening doors, and providing emotional support.

Overall, the Service Dog Training Guide is a valuable resource for anyone looking to train their dog as a service dog. It provides a comprehensive training program that is easy to follow and implement, making it an excellent choice for novice dog trainers.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best dog training book, there are a few important features to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Content

First and foremost, consider the content of the book. Look for a book that covers a wide range of topics, including basic obedience training, behavior modification, and problem-solving. Make sure the book is written in a clear and concise manner, with step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow.

Author

The author of the book is another important factor to consider. Look for an author who has experience working with dogs and a background in animal behavior. This will ensure that the information provided in the book is accurate and reliable.

Format

Consider the format of the book as well. Some books are designed to be read cover to cover, while others are more of a reference guide. Think about your own learning style and choose a book that is formatted in a way that works best for you.

Reviews

Finally, take a look at reviews from other dog owners who have used the book. Look for reviews that are detailed and provide specific examples of how the book helped them train their dog. Keep in mind that not every book will work for every dog, so look for a book that has a high overall rating and positive reviews from a variety of sources.

By considering these factors, you can choose a dog training book that will help you train your dog effectively and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-rated dog training books for 2023?

We have researched and found that the top-rated dog training books for 2023 are “The Art of Raising a Puppy” by the Monks of New Skete, “Training the Best Dog Ever” by Larry Kay and Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz, and “The Power of Positive Dog Training” by Pat Miller. These books have been highly recommended by experts and dog owners alike.

Which books are recommended for advanced dog training techniques?

For advanced dog training techniques, we recommend “Advanced Dog Training and Behavior Issues” by Dr. Sophia Yin and “Control Unleashed: The Puppy Program” by Leslie McDevitt. These books provide comprehensive guidance on advanced training techniques and behavior modification.

How do science-based dog training books differ from other methodologies?

Science-based dog training books are based on the principles of animal behavior and learning theory. These books focus on positive reinforcement training and utilize evidence-based techniques to modify behavior. Other methodologies may rely on punishment or dominance-based techniques, which can be harmful to dogs and lead to negative outcomes.

What are the best books for training hunting dogs?

For training hunting dogs, we recommend “Training Your Pointing Dog for Hunting and Home” by Richard A. Wolters and “The 10-Minute Retriever” by John and Amy Dahl. These books provide step-by-step guidance on training hunting dogs for specific tasks and behaviors.

Can you recommend effective dog training books for older dogs?

Yes, we recommend “The Senior Dog: A Guide to Successful Aging” by D. Caroline Coile and “The Complete Guide to Caring for Your Aging Dog” by Amy Shojai. These books provide guidance on training and caring for older dogs, including behavior modification and health issues.

What are the leading books on positive reinforcement for dog training?

The leading books on positive reinforcement for dog training are “Don’t Shoot the Dog!” by Karen Pryor and “The Culture Clash” by Jean Donaldson. These books provide a comprehensive understanding of positive reinforcement training and how to apply it effectively in dog training.