Does your dog seem confused about simple commands like "sit" and "stay"? Or does he show signs of separation anxiety when you try to leave for the grocery store? Dog training books can teach you tips and tricks for modifying your pet's behaviors. Or, they can supplement the work you and your dog do with a professional trainer.
Books also let you learn at your own pace and are always there if you need to relearn something you thought you mastered. But with so many dog training books, you may be wondering how to select the best one. Our top 10 list and buying guide will help you see what kind of topics are available and what you need to look for in your next training book. You can start with Zak George's Guide to a Well-Behaved Dog, an excellent guide for all-around training. Keep reading to find out more!
When choosing a training book for you and your dog, check out the author's background, determine what your dog needs to learn, and look at how the author presents the information. You want a book that's easy to follow and understand.
Paperback
$12.39
Available formats | Paperback, eBook, audiobook, spiral-bound |
---|---|
Page count | 224 |
eBook price | $9.99 |
Publication year | 2019 |
Paperback
$9.99
Available formats | Paperback, hardcover, eBook, audio CD |
---|---|
Page count | 320 |
eBook price | $8.80 |
Publication year | 2009 |
$9.96
Available formats | Paperback, eBook |
---|---|
Page count | 304 |
eBook price | $6.95 |
Publication year | 2012 |
Paperback
$14.92
Available formats | Paperback, eBook |
---|---|
Page count | 208 |
eBook price | $9.99 |
Publication year | 2007 |
Paperback
$17.09
Available formats | Paperback, eBook |
---|---|
Page count | 270 |
eBook price | $7.99 |
Publication year | 2019 |
Paperback
$14.36
Available formats | Paperback, eBook |
---|---|
Page count | 176 |
eBook price | $9.99 |
Publication year | 2019 |
Paperback
$17.59
Available formats | Paperback, eBook |
---|---|
Page count | 304 |
eBook price | $9.99 |
Publication year | 2016 |
Paperback
$12.99
Available formats | Paperback, hardcover, audiobook, MP3 CD |
---|---|
Page count | 336 |
eBook price | - |
Publication year | 2018 |
Hardcover
$20.34
Available formats | Paperback, hardcover, eBook, audiobook, audio CD |
---|---|
Page count | 352 |
eBook price | $11.15 |
Publication year | 2011 |
Paperback
$12.33
Available formats | Paperback |
---|---|
Page count | 384 |
eBook price | - |
Publication year | 2015 |
Image | 1 ![]() Zak George | 2 ![]() Cesar Millan | 3 ![]() Larry Kay, Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz | 4 ![]() Kyra Sundance, Chalcy | 5 ![]() Julie Naismith | 6 ![]() Vanessa Estrada Marin | 7 ![]() Grisha Stewart | 8 ![]() Brandon McMillan | 9 ![]() Monks of New Skete | 10 ![]() American College of Veterinary Behaviorists |
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Name | Guide to a Well-Behaved Dog | How to Raise the Perfect Dog | Training the Best Dog Ever | 101 Dog Tricks | Be Right Back! | Dog Training for Kids | Behavior Adjustment Training 2.0 | Lucky Dog Lessons | The Art of Raising a Puppy | Decoding Your Dog |
Features | All-Around Training for Dog Behavior | A Great Guide for Young Dogs and Up | Training Advice That Relies on Positive Reinforcement | Teach Your Dog New Skills | Move Past Separation Anxiety | An Excellent Guide for Young Owners | Addresses Aggression and Fear | Tips for Training and Bonding With Rescue Dogs | Get Training Advice from a Bestseller | Training Methods From Veterinarians |
Price | $12.39 | $9.99 | $9.96 | $14.92 | $17.09 | $14.36 | $17.59 | $12.99 | $20.34 | $12.33 |
Available formats | Paperback, eBook, audiobook, spiral-bound | Paperback, hardcover, eBook, audio CD | Paperback, eBook | Paperback, eBook | Paperback, eBook | Paperback, eBook | Paperback, eBook | Paperback, hardcover, audiobook, MP3 CD | Paperback, hardcover, eBook, audiobook, audio CD | Paperback |
Page count | 224 | 320 | 304 | 208 | 270 | 176 | 304 | 336 | 352 | 384 |
eBook price | $9.99 | $8.80 | $6.95 | $9.99 | $7.99 | $9.99 | $9.99 | - | $11.15 | - |
Publication year | 2019 | 2009 | 2012 | 2007 | 2019 | 2019 | 2016 | 2018 | 2011 | 2015 |
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Learning how to train your dog can be a fun and rewarding experience. But before you buy a dog training book, there are certain factors to consider.
Start by researching certified dog trainers, animal behavioral specialists, or veterinarians who have penned tips based on their expertise. Then look for topics that cover what your dog needs help with. Finally, evaluate the way the book presents the information and whether it's easy to understand the advice.
When deciding what book to buy, see if the author is a well-known and revered dog trainer. The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) provides credentials for dog trainers that go through training and pass knowledge-based exams. Training schools like the Karen Pryor Academy and local trade schools also provide certifications.
You can usually perform an online search about authors to check their educational backgrounds, years of experience, and reviews. Do some research on the author's training style, as some use only positive reinforcement techniques, others use corrective methods, and some use a combination.
Examples of positive reinforcement techniques include praise and treats for performing desired behaviors. Corrective methods are based on negative reinforcement when a dog exhibits undesired behaviors. Examples include saying "no" and giving a slight tug on a leash connected to the dog's collar.
Some books cover all the basics, including commands like "sit" and "stay." These types of books are best for dog owners with a new pet, including rescues that may not have had previous training. Other books are geared toward puppy training. Books that focus on puppy training can help owners avoid problems in the future, by shaping their dog's behavior.
There are also dog training books for specific problem behaviors, such as aggression toward people and other dogs, house training, and separation anxiety. If your dog has the basics down and is having difficulty with an isolated behavior or two, you'll benefit more from books that only discuss how to correct those issues.
If you want to learn certain types of training, like using clickers, some books break down these specific techniques. For example, some dog trainers that use food as a reward system, while others use both clickers and food. Meanwhile, others rely on commands with positive body language.
If you have kids and want them to be involved in the training process, you can look at books that teach kids how to train and form a relationship with your dog. Additionally, there are books that focus on advanced tricks, training service dogs for those with special needs, and training for specific breeds' energy levels and characteristics.
If you're new to dog training, it can help to use a book that has illustrations and images and is written in a simple style. It's best to avoid books with a lot of medical or veterinarian jargon, as this could be distracting and you'll probably have to stop reading to look up the terms to understand what the discussion is about.
If possible, a book with access to online resources, such as videos and virtual demonstrations, can help with understanding and putting the tips into practice. You can also determine if you'd rather have a book written in a "how-to" style with step-by-step guides or one that is written in a more descriptive narrative.
Besides training books that address problematic behaviors, there are books that provide more general advice. Some teach you how to keep your pet healthy and happy. From determining proper feeding schedules to grooming and exercise, you'll learn to give your dog a high quality of life.
You can also find information on concerns and care specific to older dogs. Different dogs age at different rates, usually according to size and breed. However, during your pet's golden years you may need to change their food, treat conditions like arthritis, and learn how to spot the signs that it's time to let go.
Bringing a new dog home can be both exciting and frustrating. You both need time to get used to each other! Here are some additional ideas to get you started on getting your dog settled in.
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