If you recently got a dog, you’re probably overwhelmed with information to read. But what are the best dog training books? You want ones written by professionals, but more importantly, you want to make sure they work!
When cracking open your books, remember that patience is key! Dogs pick up on your frustration. “Go in with the mindset that if our puppy has an accident or doesn’t pick up on a command right away, he’ll likely get it very soon, and we can reward better behavior next time,” says Denise Mange, a dog trainer. “If we exude a stressed, frustrated energy, your dog will pick up on that and associate what you are trying to train them to do with that energy.”
When you’re ready to dive into training, it’s time to pick up one (or all!) of the best dog training books:
- The Art of Raising a Puppy
By Monks of New Skete
This book stresses the time-consuming responsibilities of dog ownership and its rewards.
- Cesar’s Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems
By Cesar Millan
It’s a classic in the dog training book world, written by one of the most popular experts. This book will help you deal with behavioral issues.
- Dog Training: Complete Guide to Training Your Dog or Puppy to Be Obedient and Well Behaved
By Renee Harvey
It’s a detailed book that outlines numerous training points along with strategies and requirements.
- How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond
By Cesar Millan with Melissa Jo Peltier
With examples from puppies Millan raised and discussions from experienced breeders and dog trainers, this book is a great guide for both beginner and experienced owners.
- How to Be Your Dog’s Best Friend: The Classic Training Manual for Dog Owners
By Monks of New Skete
It’s an informal, friendly guide covering training and a philosophical discussion of the spiritual benefits of owning a dog.
- The Puppy Primer
By Patricia B. McConnell and Brenda Scidmore
This book guides puppy owners through every aspect of raising a puppy with games, helpful hints and trouble-shooting tips.
- Training the Best Dog Ever: A 5-Week Program Using the Power of Positive Reinforcement
By Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz and Larry Kay
Positive reinforcement is a popular training method. Sylvia-Stasiewicz, trainer of first dog Bo Obama, provides a guide to a happy and well-behaved dog.
- Decoding Your Dog: Explaining Common Dog Behaviors and How to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones
By American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
It explains common dog behaviors and how to interpret your dog’s communication signals.
- Before and After Getting Your Puppy: The Positive Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, and Well-Behaved Dog
By Ian Dunbar
This book goes into the pre-planning stages of owning a dog, like what to know before you select a puppy.
- 101 Dog Tricks: Step by Step Activities to Engage, Challenge, and Bond with Your Dog
By Kyra Sundance
The title says it all — these instructions are simple and have accompanying photos and difficulty ratings for each trick.
- Puppy Sleep Training: The Exhausted Puppy Owner’s Nighttime Survival Guide
By Rebecca Setler
End those sleepless first nights by teaching your puppy to sleep without barking and crying.
- Dogs: Exact Blueprint for a Happy, Healthy, and Trained Dog
By Terry Bell
This book will take you through all of your puppy needs: collars, leashes and treats along with crates, bedding and housebreaking.
- Dog Obedience Training
By Ross Allan
This old favorite will bring your dog from puppyhood into adulthood.
- Team Dog: How to Train Your Dog, the Navy SEAL Way
By Mike Ritland with Gary Brozek
New on the dog training book market, it’ll teach you the science behind the importance of gaining your dog’s trust. This book is backed by the author’s 15 years of experience working with dogs.
- Fired Up, Frantic, and Freaked Out: Training the Crazy Dog from Over the Top to Under Control
By Laura VanArendonk Baugh
If you’re struggling with a hyper dog, this book is for you! Practical behavioral principles are outlined with easy-to-use methods.
Stephanie Glover is the author and photographer behind A Grande Life. When she doesn’t have her camera in her hands, you’ll find her with a cup of coffee.