Transform Your Furry Pals with the Best Dog Training Books

Every dog can be good, but you can turn your dog into a superstar with the help of the best dog training books.

While meeting a dog trainer in person can give you the best results, you can also find books on puppy training that collect the knowledge of trainers, vets, and other experts. We searched for books that these experts recommend, and they focus on using positive methods, which means giving your dog lots of praise and treats.

So, here are some of the best dog trick books that can assist you with everything from teaching your dog where to do their business and stopping them from jumping to teaching them fun tricks and dealing with behavior problems.

Top Books on Puppy Training

Looking for the right dog obedience training book? Below is our carefully curated list to start your journey:

The Power of Positive Dog Training

You might find “The Power of Positive Dog Training” to be a well-loved manual for teaching dogs using positive methods. The author, Pat Miller, has been training dogs for over 40 years. Initially, she used harsh words and choke chains, but she soon switched to kinder, reward-based training methods involving praise and treats.

In this book, you’ll discover Miller’s six-week beginner’s training plan, presented in a simple, step-by-step format that’s easy to follow. Additionally, you’ll learn about clicker training, a technique where you let your dog know precisely when they’ve done something right with a click, followed by a treat. Pat also explains how to gradually reduce the need for the clicker and treats while diving into the fundamentals of positive dog training.

Don’t Shoot the Dog!: The New Art of Teaching and Training

If you ask a bunch of dog trainers and behavior experts for a good book, many will suggest Karen Pryor’s book. She’s been training animals for a long time and is one of the first people to use positive rewards to teach them. Her popular book, written nearly 40 years ago, tells you how to use positive rewards and why they’re effective.

But there’s more to it than just training pets. Pryor explains how you can use these methods to teach and encourage good behaviors in kids, in groups, and even for yourself. The book is simple to read and has some humor in it too.

Perfect Puppy in 7 Days: How to Start Your Puppy Off Right

If you’ve ever had a puppy, you know they aren’t exactly “perfect” with their chewing and accidents. But this book has lots of useful advice that makes it seem like having a nearly perfect puppy is possible. Dr. Sophia Yin, a veterinarian, teacher, and animal expert, wrote this book. She doesn’t promise to turn your puppy into a well-trained one in just a week. Instead, she got a puppy for her dad and spent a week teaching it some basic skills.

Dr. Yin suggests a few things, like keeping your puppy close to you at the beginning and not using a regular bowl for meals (use kibble for training throughout the day). While many trainers use these ideas, they might not work for everyone.

Decoding Your Dog: Explaining Common Dog Behaviors and How to Prevent or Change Unwanted Ones

The best dog training books for behavioral issues is Decoding Your Dog. Barking, jumping, digging, and biting – these behaviors can be a big reason why people bring dogs to shelters and rescues. But in this book, you’ll find advice from certified experts who really know their stuff. They’re part of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. They believe in using positive methods, like not giving attention when your dog jumps, or keeping curtains closed if your dog gets easily triggered to bark.

Each chapter in the book is written by a different expert, but they all talk about the same things – praise and positivity. Treats are super important too. The authors say, “Here’s the lesson: if the reward is good enough, your dog will work to get it, and what one dog loves might not be the same as another dog.”

Getting Started: Clicker Training for Dogs

You should know about Karen Pryor, an animal trainer and writer. She’s one of the folks who came up with clicker training. Here’s how it works: when your dog does something you want, you use a small clicker to make a noise right at that moment and then give your dog a treat. This book tells you the basics of using a clicker to encourage good behaviors. It also talks about why it’s important to not pay attention to mistakes and only reward good actions.

The book isn’t very long, and it’s been around for almost 20 years. But it’s still a great resource and one of the most respected guides on clicker training. The updated e-book version even has pictures and step-by-step instructions to show you how to use this training method in different situations.

The Big Book of Tricks for the Best Dog Ever: A Step-by-Step Guide to 118 Amazing Tricks and Stunts

One of the best dog trick books is If you think your dog is clever, you’ll want to check out “The Big Book of Tricks for the Best Dog Ever” . It’s a great choice that gives you a step-by-step guide with pictures for 112 tricks and cool moves. Larry Kay, the author, and Chris Perondi, a stunt-dog trainer who does over 1,000 shows each year with his amazing dogs, wrote it.

The book breaks the tricks into three levels: easy (like sitting pretty, rolling over, and barking), middle (opening doors, jumping through hoops, and tidying up toys), and advanced (walking slowly, hugging things, and cleaning paws). Each trick comes with pictures and simple instructions for teaching your dog. There’s also help for when things don’t go smoothly, expert tips, and info about showing your dog what to do. Plus, you’ll find guides for having even more fun with your furry friend, like dancing together, jumping rope, doing cool water jumps, and trying out dog parkour.

Find the Best Dog Training Books by Expert Dog Training Authors

Unlock the potential in your furry companion with these top-notch dog training books! Whether you’re aiming to fine-tune obedience or conquer behavior issues, these guides offer practical, expert-backed solutions. Learn the art of positive reinforcement from seasoned trainers like Pat Miller and Karen Pryor. With these invaluable resources, you can transform your dog into a superstar. Grab your chosen book, unleash your dog’s potential, and embark on an exciting journey of bonding, learning, and unleashing their hidden talents today!