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10 Best Dog Training Books 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Dog Training for Kids: Fun and Easy Ways to Care for Your Furry Friend

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,468
Target Audience

Most important from
2624 reviews

Target Audience
Perfect for kids, with well-organized, fun-to-read instructions and explanations.

Dog Training for Kids: Fun and Easy Ways to Care for Your Furry Friend is a paperback book, ideal for children aged 5 to 10, specifically from grade levels 3 to 7. The book, published by Z Kids, is designed to teach children how to train and care for their dogs in a fun and engaging way. It measures 8 x 0.46 x 9.9 inches and weighs about 2.31 pounds, making it a substantial yet manageable size for young readers.

The book is written in English and spans 176 pages, featuring simple and accessible language suitable for its target audience. The training methods outlined are kid-friendly, focusing on basic commands and care routines, which are easy for children to understand and implement. One possible drawback might be that it may not cover more advanced behavioral issues comprehensively.

The author's expertise appears to be tailored towards providing a fun and educational experience for children, likely engaging them through fun activities and practical tips. This book is a good choice for parents and guardians who want to introduce their children to the responsibilities of dog ownership, combining education with enjoyable activities that foster a positive relationship between kids and their pets.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,468
Target Audience

Most important from
2624 reviews

Target Audience
Perfect for kids, with well-organized, fun-to-read instructions and explanations.
#2

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

Rating
10.0
Training Method
Target Audience
Format and Accessibility

Most important from
4059 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
10.0
Training Method
Target Audience
Format and Accessibility

Most important from
4059 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

How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond

Rating
9.9
Training Method
Author's Expertise
Target Audience

Most important from
9276 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
9.9
Training Method
Author's Expertise
Target Audience

Most important from
9276 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.

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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