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10 Best Dog Training Books 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,412
Training Method
Author's Expertise
Target Audience

Most important from
9392 reviews

Training Method
Cesar Millan's methods are gentle and focused on the well-being of the dog, blending discipline with positive reinforcement.
Author's Expertise
Real-life examples from puppies Millan raised enrich the content and provide practical insights.
Target Audience
The book is highly informative, practical, and suitable for both beginners and experienced dog handlers.
Specific Behavioral Issues
It emphasizes understanding dog psychology and training owners to communicate effectively with their dogs.
Format and Accessibility
The step-by-step instructions and extensive appendix of further reading suggestions are particularly useful.

The book 'How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond' is authored by Cesar Millan, a well-known dog trainer with extensive experience, which adds credibility to the content. He is recognized for his effective and humane training methods, focusing on nurturing a balanced and well-behaved dog from puppyhood.

The book is tailored for dog owners who are looking to prevent or address common behavioral issues such as house training, obedience, and socialization. It delivers practical advice in an easy-to-understand format, which is helpful for novices and seasoned dog owners alike. The paperback version makes it accessible and convenient to carry around, though it might not be as durable as a hardback.

With 320 pages, it offers a comprehensive guide, though some readers may find it a bit lengthy. The book's dimensions and weight make it relatively portable for everyday use. The book was published in 2009, so it may not include the latest developments in dog training techniques. Regardless, its foundational principles remain valuable for creating a harmonious relationship with your dog.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,412
Training Method
Author's Expertise
Target Audience

Most important from
9392 reviews

Training Method
Cesar Millan's methods are gentle and focused on the well-being of the dog, blending discipline with positive reinforcement.
Author's Expertise
Real-life examples from puppies Millan raised enrich the content and provide practical insights.
Target Audience
The book is highly informative, practical, and suitable for both beginners and experienced dog handlers.
Specific Behavioral Issues
It emphasizes understanding dog psychology and training owners to communicate effectively with their dogs.
Format and Accessibility
The step-by-step instructions and extensive appendix of further reading suggestions are particularly useful.
#2

Puppy Training in 7 Easy Steps: Everything You Need to Know to Raise the Perfect Dog

Rating
9.7
Training Method
Target Audience
Format and Accessibility

Most important from
4188 reviews

Training Method
If you're looking for a book on simply training a puppy basic commands, there are better choices out there.
Target Audience
A must-have for first-time puppy owners or those who haven't had a puppy in a long time.
Format and Accessibility
This book is great! It covers all the topics needed when first bringing a puppy home in a very easy-to-read manner.

The book 'Puppy Training in 7 Easy Steps: Everything You Need to Know to Raise the Perfect Dog' promises a straightforward approach to training your puppy. It's designed for new dog owners looking for a step-by-step guide to raise a well-behaved dog. The training method focuses on positive reinforcement, which is a widely recommended and effective approach for teaching puppies good behavior.

The author’s expertise is noticeable throughout the book, providing practical tips and detailed explanations, making it accessible for beginners. At 180 pages, it’s a manageable read that won’t overwhelm you with too much information at once. The book is well-organized and tackles common behavioral issues such as house training, biting, and basic commands, making it a versatile resource for various training needs.

However, for those seeking in-depth training techniques or advanced behavioral modification, this book might seem a bit basic. Additionally, while the paperback format and illustrations are helpful for visual learners, the book’s weight (2.31 pounds) might be a downside for those who prefer more portable options. In summary, 'Puppy Training in 7 Easy Steps' is a handy and user-friendly guide for novice dog owners, especially those with young puppies, looking to establish a solid training foundation through positive reinforcement.

Rating
9.7
Training Method
Target Audience
Format and Accessibility

Most important from
4188 reviews

Training Method
If you're looking for a book on simply training a puppy basic commands, there are better choices out there.
Target Audience
A must-have for first-time puppy owners or those who haven't had a puppy in a long time.
Format and Accessibility
This book is great! It covers all the topics needed when first bringing a puppy home in a very easy-to-read manner.
#3

Gun Dog: Revolutionary Rapid Training Method

Rating
9.7
Training Method
Author's Expertise
Target Audience

Most important from
829 reviews

Training Method
Gun Dog teaches you to train your pup to love learning, without dominance or force.
Author's Expertise
Invaluable resource for training, with great information that stands the test of time.
Target Audience
An easy reading book that truly works if you dedicate fifteen to twenty minutes a day to training your pup.
Specific Behavioral Issues
By sixteen weeks, she understood all commands and hand signals, making her a remarkable hunting dog and well-behaved family pet.

The book 'Gun Dog: Revolutionary Rapid Training Method' by Richard A. Wolters is a highly regarded resource for training sporting dogs, particularly those used for hunting. One of its main strengths is its clear and concise training method that promises rapid results, which is ideal for dog owners looking for effective and efficient training techniques. The author's expertise is evident, as Wolters is well-known in the field of gun dog training, lending credibility to his methods.

The book is targeted primarily at dog owners and trainers who are interested in teaching their dogs how to perform in hunting scenarios, addressing specific behavioral issues such as obedience, retrieving, and field performance. It is presented in a hardcover format, making it durable and easy to handle, with 150 pages that are packed with useful information.

The book is written in English, ensuring accessibility for a wide audience, and its dimensions and weight make it convenient to carry around. For those who are specifically interested in training gun dogs, this book remains a valuable and respected resource.

Rating
9.7
Training Method
Author's Expertise
Target Audience

Most important from
829 reviews

Training Method
Gun Dog teaches you to train your pup to love learning, without dominance or force.
Author's Expertise
Invaluable resource for training, with great information that stands the test of time.
Target Audience
An easy reading book that truly works if you dedicate fifteen to twenty minutes a day to training your pup.
Specific Behavioral Issues
By sixteen weeks, she understood all commands and hand signals, making her a remarkable hunting dog and well-behaved family pet.

Buying Guide for the Best Dog Training Books

Choosing the right dog training book can make a significant difference in how effectively you can train your dog. The right book will provide you with the knowledge and techniques you need to understand your dog's behavior and teach them new skills. When selecting a dog training book, consider your dog's age, breed, and any specific behavioral issues you want to address. Additionally, think about your own experience level with dog training and what type of training methods you are comfortable with. Here are some key specifications to consider when choosing a dog training book.
Training MethodThe training method is the approach the book uses to teach your dog. Common methods include positive reinforcement, clicker training, and dominance-based training. Positive reinforcement focuses on rewarding good behavior, while clicker training uses a clicker device to mark desired behaviors. Dominance-based training emphasizes establishing the owner as the pack leader. It's important to choose a method that aligns with your values and is suitable for your dog's temperament. For example, positive reinforcement is generally recommended for most dogs as it builds trust and encourages learning through rewards.
Author's ExpertiseThe author's expertise refers to their background and experience in dog training. Look for books written by certified dog trainers, veterinarians, or animal behaviorists. These professionals have the knowledge and experience to provide reliable and effective training advice. An author's credentials and years of experience can give you confidence in the techniques and information presented in the book. If you are new to dog training, choosing a book by a well-known and respected expert can be particularly beneficial.
Target AudienceThe target audience is the group of people the book is written for. Some books are geared towards beginners, while others are intended for more experienced trainers. Additionally, some books focus on training puppies, while others address adult dogs or specific breeds. Consider your own experience level and your dog's age and breed when selecting a book. If you are a first-time dog owner, a book for beginners with step-by-step instructions and clear explanations will be most helpful.
Specific Behavioral IssuesSpecific behavioral issues refer to particular problems the book addresses, such as aggression, separation anxiety, or house training. If your dog has a specific issue you want to work on, look for a book that provides detailed strategies and solutions for that problem. Books that focus on common behavioral issues can offer targeted advice and techniques to help you address and correct these behaviors effectively.
Format and AccessibilityThe format and accessibility of the book refer to how the information is presented and how easy it is to understand. Some books include step-by-step guides, illustrations, and photographs to help explain the training techniques. Others may offer online resources, videos, or companion websites. Choose a book that is well-organized and easy to follow, with clear instructions and visual aids if needed. If you prefer a more interactive learning experience, look for books that offer additional online content or multimedia resources.

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