Top Recommended Dog Training Books

Whether young or old, all dogs can benefit from some improvement in certain areas (and, yes, old dogs can learn new tricks!). But their behavior and abilities won’t simply improve on their own – they need caring instruction and a consistent training regimen to be successful.

This is where worthwhile dog training books come in to help owners fill in the gaps in their knowledge and get the tools they need to connect with their dogs, communicate more easily, and achieve the desired results. Let’s take a look at some of the best books on dog training out there so you can help your pup!

General Dog Training Books

To get you started on your journey, here are some of the top recommended general dog training books.

Don’t Shoot the Dog! – Karen Pryor

Often recommended by dog trainers and canine specialists, this popular text has become something of a standard in the industry, having maintained its stalwart reputation for over forty years. Entertaining, playful, and informative, Don’t Shoot the Dog! offers great insights while keeping its readers engaged.

The Power of Positive Dog Training – Pat Miller

Authored by a professional dog trainer with more than forty years of experience, The Power of Positive Dog Training focuses on using praise and treats to elicit the behavior desired. The impetus for the book came from Miller moving away from more negative reinforcement in her training methodologies – such as choke chains and harsh words – and embracing a more positive approach that benefits both dog and owner alike.

Clicker Training for Dogs: Positive Reinforcement That Works! – Karen Pryor

Another work by Karen Pryor, this book focuses on clicker training, an approach she helped to pioneer. Using this book as a guide, you can learn the key aspects of the clicker training system, why it works, and how you can get the best results. At only 100 pages, it’s also a quick read, which is great for all the busy pet parents out there!

Dog Training for Kids: Fun and Easy Ways to Care for Your Furry Friend – Vanessa Estrada Marin

Have some little ones who need to get used to a new family pet? Dog Training for Kids is your best bet, as it offers up simple instructions, great visuals, and explanations that kids can understand. This dog training book is recommended for ages 5-10.

Visiting the Dog Park: Having Fun, Staying Safe – Cheryl S. Smith

Dog parks are terrific places for both you and your dog to blow off a little steam while bonding at the same time, but the presence of other dogs and their owners can occasionally lead to challenges. This dog training book focuses on how to mitigate these challenges and how to properly train your dog for a successful dog park outing.

101 Dog Tricks: Step by Step Activities to Engage, Challenge, and Bond with Your Dog – Kyra Sundance

This book on dog training is an international bestseller and has been printed in 18 languages, which is no surprise given the clear instructions, diverse tricks, and helpful difficulty ratings it provides. Sections in 101 Dog Tricks focus on chores, humorous tricks, dancing, displays of affection, and so much more!

Dog Training Books for Puppies and First Dogs

Welcoming a puppy into your home can be a challenge, but so can adding a dog of any age to the family for the first time. Thankfully, there are a number of recommended dog training books that cover these scenarios, so let’s take a look at a few.

Perfect Puppy in 7 Days: How to Start Your Puppy off Right – Sophia Yin

Authored by vet, lecturer, and animal behavior expert Dr. Sophia Yin, Perfect Puppy gives a comprehensive approach to helping young pups develop the key skills they need for their everyday lives as part of the family. Utilizing key insights from the doctor’s years of professional experience, this book is definitely one to add to your shelf.

Raising Puppies & Kids Together: A Guide for Parents – Pia Silvani

Puppies can be challenging enough, but adding kids into the mix makes for an entirely different, and more exhausting, endeavor. Thankfully, there’s ways to navigate everything with books like Raising Puppies & Kids Together. Written by a career dog trainer, this book looks at the complicated relationships between pets and children, offering insights and helpful tips for parents who want the best for both.

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

Written by a celebrity dog trainer who has become known for sharing fun and informative YouTube videos, this dog training book for new dog owners covers basic commands, issues families are likely to face, tricks, and wonderful activities.

Puppy Start Right: Foundation Training for the Companion Dog – Kenneth M. Martin and Debbie Martin

With great insights, helpful photo illustrations, and step-by-step instructions, Puppy Start Right is another solid option for new dog owners who have recently brought a furry bundle of joy home.

Books About Dog Training Focused on Psychology and Behavior

We’re all curious about what our dogs think, and unlocking those secrets can help us to decode their behavior, communicate more easily, and be better pet parents and trainers. Here are some recommended dog training books that address dog psychology.

The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs – Patricia B. McConnell

Combining effective insights with humor and charm, The Other End of the Leash is perfect for owners who want to know what makes their pets tick. Written by an animal behaviorist who has authored nearly a dozen works on the subject, this book will help guide you on your training journey.

Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know – Alexandra Horowitz

Less of a training guide and more of an exploration of the minds of dogs, this book by Professor Alexandra Horowitz is no less engaging, fascinating, and helpful. Giving it a read can help pet parents to better comprehend how our dogs understand us, what their limits are, and how we can best train them.

How Dogs Learn – Mary R. Burch and Jon S. Bailey

Focused on operant conditioning, this book on dog training teaches readers how to use basic principles that can improve dogs’ behavior and identify problem areas. Best yet, plenty of examples are given to help you along the way.

Cautious Canine: How to Help Dogs Conquer Their Fears – Patricia B. McConnell

Everyone can get a little scared and anxious at times, and dogs are no exception. Cautious Canine aims to assist owners in helping pets who experience problems with new spaces, new people, loud noises, and more. It’s a great resource to have if your fur baby is on the more sensitive side.

Need Help with Dog Training? Choose Pet Palace!

At Pet Palace, we offer puppy and adult dog training services at our Pittsburgh and Columbus locations, with lessons that cover aspects such as:

• Learn more about our Pittsburgh dog training services here
• Learn more about our Columbus dog training services here

Pet parents who need a little help with their training beyond our recommended dog training books can choose one of three options for their pups and our expert trainers can give them the instruction they need:

• Polite Puppy Program – This 10-day course is available to puppies eight months and younger, and instructs dogs on basic obedience skills and how to effectively socialize.
• 10-Day Basic Adult Program – This 10-day course is designed for dogs eight months and older. Within the course, your dog will spend each day engaging in one-on-one training with their trainer so they can get the best results.
• 20-Day Advanced Adult Program – This 4-week program is offered for dogs over eight months and features a results-driven approach to give participants customizable and consistent training.

Want to learn more? Feel free to browse our dog training page for more insights on everything we can provide, and reach out to our team to book a course!

Categories: All Posts, Dogs, Tips for Your Pets