Calling all dog lovers! Are you tired of endless hours of searching for the best training resources for your K9 family member? Hold on to your leash and let out a sigh of relief, because we've put together a paw-some resource list for you! We've assembled an unbeatable list of the best dog training books that will have your pooch sitting, staying, and rolling over in no time.
Whether you're a seasoned pet parent or just starting your journey with a new furry friend, these books are overflowing with expert advice, effective techniques, and fun tricks to help you raise a well-behaved and content loyal companion. From the latest positive reinforcement methods, basic obedience training, trick training, service dog training, and beyond, these books have it all.
So, grab a treat and get ready to dive into the exciting world of dog training. With our hand-picked recommendations, you'll be a pro in no time and your pup will be wagging its tail with joy. Let's get started!
If you're in a rush (we did say "fast" right?), here's the list of book titles with their corresponding Amazon links:
1)Dog Training Revolution by Zak George
2)Puppies for dummies by Sarah Hodgson
3)Dog Training for Kids by Vanessa Estrada Marin
4)Training The Best Dog Ever by Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz & Larry Kay
5)Be Right Back! by Julie Naismith
6)101 Dog Tricks by Kyra Sundance & Chalcy
7)Canine Conditioning by Kyra Sundance
8)Service Dog Training Guide by Jennifer Hack
9) Lucky Dog Lessons by Brandon McMillan
Now that we've got our promise of speedy delivery out of the way, if you'd like to read more about the books, why we picked them, and related information you may find interesting, let's continue onward!
Dog Training Revolution by Zak George
With Zak's comprehensive dog training guide, you're about to unlock the secret to a happier, more well-behaved pup that you've always dreamed of. Imagine having a dog who is eager to please and obedient, one who will make you proud in any situation. Imagine the freedom of being able to leave your house without worrying about your dog's behavior. And imagine the bond you'll share with your perfect pet, a bond that will only grow stronger with each training session. That's what you can achieve with one of the most popular books on dog training for sale today.
What We Love
For the first time ever, Zak has gathered all of his expertise, experience, and love for dogs into one comprehensive guide. You'll find everything you need to know about choosing the right pup for you, basic training, and handling "crazy dog" behavioral issues like biting and leash pulling. And that's just the start! You'll also discover how to give your pet the best possible health care, with tips on finding a vet and selecting the right food. And let's not forget the fun stuff! You'll be amazed by the cool tricks, traveling tips, and activities you can enjoy with your dog.
What To Know
This is currently (at the time of publishing) the #1 dog books bestsellers for training! With each topic in the book, you'll have access to corresponding videos on Zak's YouTube channel, so you can watch his advice in action and see the incredible transformations for yourself.
So, what are you waiting for? Let's start this amazing journey together and make your dream of a happy and well-behaved dog a reality! Grab your copy of Zak's dog training guide now and let the magic begin!
Check out this excerpt from one of the many thousands of positive reviews:
"...They sit, they stay consistently (even from far distances and with distractions), His technique for getting them to speak was the only one that worked (I tried about 6 or 7 others out there before I found his). His leash training technique got my dogs walking without pulling in less than 2 weeks and they're 5 months old. Until I read his section on fetch and teaching a dog how to play Frisbee, I couldn't get my puppies to play fetch. They no longer puppy bite, steal, and almost have no jumping down..."
You can check out Zak's YouTube channel here and join almost 4 Million subscribers watching his free tips, tricks, and advise demonstrated with real dogs on camera:
Puppies for dummies by Sarah Hodgson
Are you a proud new pup parent? Congratulations! You've made a paw-some decision to bring more 4-legged love and joy into your life. Not sure where to start with the task of training your pup? No worries, we've got your back with this 4th edition of Puppies for Dummies, one of the best puppy training books available!
What We Love
This latest edition from "dummies" is a dog training manual specifically for puppies from the infamous brand that's been making learning easier for over 30 years! As self-proclaimed philomaths, we've read more than one book from the dummies series in our time and feel confident that you'll be getting a solid book that's easy to understand and act on if you choose to go with this puppy training instructional.
What To Know
Forget the old-fashioned "alpha dog" mentality. This updated guide is packed with the latest and greatest puppy training tips, tricks and positive reinforcement training, backed by newer respected studies.
Author Sarah Hodgson is the owner of Simply Sarah, Inc (a dog training school based out of Connecticut), professional dog trainer of over 30 years, and author of over a dozen books, including more puppy books. To learn more about her, the services she provides (including virtual lessons), and her best free advice on training your pets, visit her at:
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Or while you're scrolling through YouTube, stop over at Sarah's channel where she has tons of great videos with helpful tips like this one on teaching your puppy their first commands right away:
Dog Training for Kids by Vanessa Estrada Marin
Unleash your child's inner dog whisperer with Vanessa Estrada Marin! As a family-centric parenting site, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to include this fantastic book for children. So, get ready for a fun-filled and educational journey that will help your child embrace dog ownership and become the ultimate dog owner. With a proven dog-training program, your child will learn basic dog psychology, how to communicate, train and bond with their furry best friend in a way that's easy and enjoyable for everyone involved.
What We Love
With Dog Training for Kids, your child will develop the skills and confidence to train, take care of and establish a lifelong bond with their canine side-kick. Whether they're raising puppies, adopting rescues or just starting out working with your family dog (who could probably use some help with their bad habits, right?🤭), this book is the perfect guide for young dog lovers.
What To Know
Dog Training for Kids is a comprehensive guide with step-by-step instructions and tutorials that cater to young dog lovers of all levels. From potty training to advanced obedience, your child will learn everything they need to know about taking care of their loyal pup.
Persistent Parent
Training The Best Dog Ever by Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz & Larry Kay
This best-seller is considered by many to be one of the best dog training books out there. Want to know the secret to training the best dog ever? Well, it's all about building trust and reward-based training. Forget about choke collars and harsh punishments, because those methods just don't work. Instead, it's all about bonding with your furry friend and providing positive reinforcement through treats and love.
FAST:
This five-week training program takes just 10 to 20 minutes a day. If you have a puppy or dog who needs to break some bad habits, like barking, jumping, and leash-pulling, this program is for you. With step-by-step photographs, the book covers everything from hand-feeding to crate training and other basic cues like "sit," "stay," and "come here." It even goes beyond that, teaching more advanced skills like bite inhibition.
By the end of the training, you'll have a well-behaved dog who's comfortable in all sorts of situations, whether it's at the vet's office, around strangers, or just out and about. So, get ready to have the best dog ever!
What We Love
Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz actually trained past President Barrack Obama's dog, Bo, as well as late Senator Edward Kennedy’s dogs amongst the many dogs she's worked with. I don't know about you, but if her advice is good enough for Presidents and Senators, it's good enough for us to try!
What To Know
Essentially the book details a 5 week program, using positive reinforcement, that works on correcting any bad habits or behaviors your dog might have.
Be Right Back! by Julie Naismith
Are you tired of the stress and guilt every time you have to leave your 4-legged family member at home? Do you want to give them the gift of a calm and happy home alone experience? Then "Be Right Back!: How to Overcome Your Dog's Separation Anxiety and Regain Your Freedom" is just what you need.
What We Love
This evidence-based approach will guide you through the process of transforming your dog's fear into calm, quiet, confidence. With step-by-step instructions, you'll learn how to create a mentally and emotionally safe environment for your dog when you're not around.
So, if you're ready to take back your freedom and give your dog the gift of a calm home alone experience, then "Be Right Back!" is a must-read.
What To Know
Inside the book, you'll find a comprehensive system that covers everything from common training myths to success stories from other dog owners who have overcome separation anxiety. You'll also get tips on how to deal with judgmental friends and family, as well as free downloadable training plans and video links to help you along the way.
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety and you're interested in trying some soothing music while you're away from each other to help them relax, here's a 15 hour track with over 4 Million views from the "Relax My Dog" channel that has many other videos for you to peruse as well:
101 Dog Tricks by Kyra Sundance & Chalcy
Uncage the full potential of your furry friend with Kyra Sundance's 101 Dog Tricks! Say goodbye to boredom and hello to a world of bark-tastic fun and training opportunities for you and your dog.
More than just a trick training blueprint, this book is a fun guide on how to engage, challenge, and nurture an unbreakable partnership with your fur-ever friend!
What We Love
With each trick rated for difficulty and the prerequisites clearly listed, you'll be able to pick a trick and get started right away. Don't worry if you run into any trouble, the helpful tips and "troubleshooting" options are there to guide you every step of the way.
Trick training isn't just a fun activity, it's also a powerful tool for bonding with your dog, integrating them into your family, and keeping them mentally and physically healthy. Plus, many of the skills learned through trick training can be used in Canine Good Citizen activities like dog therapy work, dog sports like agility training, and even dog dancing.
What To Know
From simple tricks like Sit, Shake Hands, and Roll Over, to more advanced and entertaining ones like Act Ashamed, Tidy Up Your Toys, Get Your Leash, and Play the Piano, there's a trick for every interest and skill level. There's even some fun tricks that could be really useful around the house, like "Turn Off The Light", "Get Me A Tissue", and "Open or Close A Door". Organized by themes such as Chores, Funny Tricks, Dancing, and Love, you'll have endless paw-sible options to choose from.
Join the millions of people who have already found success with dog trainer extraordinaire Kyra Sundance (author of 42 books!) and her incredible (not your ordinary dog) friend Chalcy!
Kyra's Canine Conditioning
Service Dog Training Guide by Jennifer Hack
Written by professional dog behavior specialist and dog trainer, Jennifer Hack, you'll find an informative guide on the different types of service and support dogs, breeds, and must-have equipment for training, along with step-by-step instructions on how to train your dog to be a service dog at home!
What We Love
You know your dog REALLY well, right? 🤔Do you understand their body language? Know what motivates them best? Understand their strengths and weaknesses? Where they lack confidence or even their fears? While this isn't marketed as one of the common dog behavior books, it qualifies! These questions we often miss are all important to answer when training your dog to be a service dog or even to decide whether or not your dog is actually suited to being a service dog at all.
In one of the best service dog training books available today, Jennifer walks you through understanding your specific dog better than you probably realized you even could, before she jumps into the task training necessary for service dogs and the steps you'll need to take.
What To Know
Trained service dogs are hard to come by and usually have a hefty price tag attached. Now, with the Service Dog Training Guide, adults who want to train their own service dog can do so from the comfort of your own home! The guide helps you determine which type(s) of service dog your pooch is best suited for and then breaks down the training exercises into clear and complete step-by-step instructions with "troubleshooting" tips, making it easy for anyone to understand.
With this practical approach to training your own service dog, you can make a serious impact on someone’s life!
Lucky Dog Lessons by Brandon McMillan
Brandon McMillan is the Emmy-winning star of the CBS show Lucky Dog (until 2021) and as such, one of the most famous dog trainers today. (You can watch these episodes on Apple TV here.)
Get ready to be amazed as Brandon McMillan shares his life-changing training system that can turn even the most troubled canine into a loyal, well-behaved companion in just seven days. From a temperamental purebred to a scarred rescue dog, Lucky Dog is a testament to the transformative power of love, trust, and training.
What We Love
With his signature style, he takes on the challenge of transforming dogs that have been deemed untrainable, leading them on a journey of discovery and growth. Using his 7 Common Commands as a foundation, he shows you how to build trust, establish control, and overcome even the most stubborn behaviors.
With inspiring stories of his most memorable students, a behind-the-scenes look at the show, and never-before-seen outtakes, Lucky Dog Lessons is more than just a training manual - it's a celebration of the unbreakable bond between dogs and their owners.
Embrace the power of positive dog training and transform your dog into a Lucky Dog today!
What To Know
In Lucky Dog Lessons, McMillan opens the doors to his world of dog training, sharing the secrets and techniques that have worked wonders with thousands of dogs. From house training to mealtime manners, this book is a complete guide to understanding and training your furry friend. With easy-to-follow steps, real-life examples, and photographs to demonstrate each technique, this book is your go-to guide for creating a happy and harmonious pet-inclusive family.
In Conclusion
Training your puppy or adult dog can be an incredibly fulfilling, silly, and even exciting adventure! The books we've recommended and videos available to you today can make it easier than ever to raise a content and well-behaved canine companion. Regardless of which book you choose, just remember that with the right resources and a lot of patience and love, you can create a lifelong bond with your dog that is truly unbreakable.
Have fun and let us know in the comments if you've read another book that deserves to be on our list!
For more great dog book recommendations see our other lists:
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Persistent Parent
Questions and Answers
What Is The Most Effective Dog Training Method?
When it comes to effective training, nothing beats the power of positive reinforcement! The idea is simple: reward your pup for their good behavior (while ignoring unwanted behaviors) and watch as they light up with joy, eager to repeat it again and again.
Another common training method is clicker training. By using a clicker to communicate, you'll help your pup understand exactly what behavior you want them to repeat. And when they get it right, the reward of treats and praise will have them wagging their tail in excitement.
It's important to steer clear of methods that rely on physical or psychological punishment, as these can harm your dog's mental health and well-being and actually make the behavior worse . Instead, choose a training method that is based on positive reinforcement and kindness, and if you're unsure, don't hesitate to work with a professional trainer. Your dog deserves the best, and with the right training method, you'll create a bond that will last a lifetime!
At What Age Are Dogs Most Trainable?
Dogs can start learning and being trained at any age, but the optimal window to start training is typically during their puppyhood. Puppies are often the most trainable between the ages of 8 to 16 weeks, when they are most receptive to new experiences and information. During this time, puppies are developing their socialization skills and learning to trust their environment and the people around them, making it a perfect time to start positive reinforcement training. (We emphasize "start" here, because the truth is that dogs will continue being trained intentionally or unintentionally for years as you spend time with them.)
In general, the earlier you start training your dog, the better. Not only will this make training easier, but it will also establish a foundation of good behavior and obedience that will benefit your dog throughout their life.
We want to note that dogs of all ages can learn new behaviors and be trained, it just might take a bit longer for older dogs to pick up on new commands and habits. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, dogs of all ages can learn new behaviors and become well-behaved companions.
What Is The Hardest Thing To Train A Dog To Do?
The hardest thing to train a dog to do will depend on the individual dog and their unique personality and challenges. However, some behaviors are generally considered more difficult to train than others.
One of the hardest things to train a dog to do is to overcome fear or fear-based-aggression. These behaviors usually stem from negative past experiences, but genetics can also play a part, and they require patience, consistency, and a lot of positive reinforcement training to change. This is an area where you and your dog would most likely benefit from assistance with an experience professional trainer.
Another difficult behavior to train is to stop chasing and/or herding other animals or people (often kids). This instinctual behavior can be especially hard to break in certain breeds, simply because it's not a conscious choice but a genetically inherited trait. It is possible to retrain a dog to stop chasing or herding, but for some dogs it would easier to place them in a home where their herding instincts can safely be exercised.
In general, training a dog to do anything new requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. The most difficult behaviors to train are those that are deeply ingrained in a dog's instincts or behaviors learned through negative past experiences. It's important to work with a professional trainer if you're having trouble training your dog to overcome these challenges.
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