Whether you’re doing basic obedience training, advanced dog training, or specialized training on your own, some of the best dog training books are a must-have resource. these books have a good reputation in the dog training community and come only from the most experienced trainers.
The following list of the top 25 books on how to train dogs should get you started on your journey to successful dog obedience training, whether you’re a novice or an experienced dog owner or trainer. however, I always recommend that you consult a professional dog trainer if you feel uncomfortable or if you notice any signs of aggression in your dog.
You are reading: Advanced dog training books
the 25 best dog training books
10 basic canine obedience training books
1. the art of raising a puppy by the monks of new skete
Written by the Monks of New Skete, who have decades of experience in training dogs as well as breeding and raising German Shepherds, this is one of the best dog training books for any owner of a new puppy.
The latest edition of this book includes everything you need to know to train a well-behaved puppy, from basic commands to health and the impact of urban life on your dog’s development.
2. team dog: how to train your dog: navy seal style by mike ritland
Released in early 2015, this New York Times bestseller focuses on the use of military principles to gain your dog’s trust for success in training. With so many positive reviews from newbie dog owners and aspiring dog trainers, this book is one of the must-reads.
With 15 years of dog training experience, professional dog trainer Mike Ritland incorporates everything a dog owner needs to know to bond with their dog and be successful in training.
3. perfect puppy in 7 days: how to start your puppy off right by dr. sophia yin
Written by a Doctor of Veterinary Science, this book covers puppy training for the first seven days after you adopt him and bring him into your home. dr sophia yin believes that this short time creates a pattern for your puppy’s behavior and his expectations of you as an owner.
This book balances the need for dog training with the desire to create a strong bond with your new puppy for future training success and a healthy relationship with your dog.
4. how to be your dog’s best friend by monks of new skete
Another one of the best dog training books from the monks of new skete, this dog training manual focuses on working with your dog to achieve obedience regardless of age, using classic principles.
This is an easy to understand, informally written guide that covers the philosophy of dog ownership as well as the most essential basic dog training tips from the monks themselves. at least try it for something a little different and unique, if nothing else.
5. dog training for dummies by jack and wendy volhard
There is always a time and a place for advice from the most famous book series. And while it may seem like one more “for dummies” trick, this dog training book is a good guide for beginners in dog training. If you’re about to train your first dog and don’t know where to start, this is the perfect beginner’s guide.
This book covers the basics of sit, stay, and lie down, but also teaches you how to deter your dog from unwanted behavior and other basics.
6. training the best dog in the world by alba sylvia-stasiewicz
written by obama’s dog trainer, dawn sylvia-stasiewicz’s “training the best dog ever: a 5-week program using the power of positive reinforcement” focuses on a positive approach to dog training basics. obedience dogs.
This now-popular book helps dog owners through those basic obedience training lessons, but also considers how to create a happy, well-adjusted dog by eliminating punishment during training and fostering a good relationship between you and her puppy.
7. before and after having a puppy by ian dunbar
This is one of my favorite recommendations for future puppy owners. Instead of focusing on dog training techniques after a puppy comes home, this book prepares puppy owners before their puppy joins them in their home.
I like this dog training book because it creates a solid foundation for new puppy parents before they have a chance to influence their new puppies’ behavior. this extensive guide covers everything from selecting a puppy from a litter to teaching and succeeding with basic obedience lessons.
8. the power of positive dog training by pat miller
The second edition of Pat Miller’s “The Power of Positive Dog Training” incorporates a six-week training guide into a comprehensive training guide. miller mentions various training methods, including clicker training and treat training.
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My favorite thing about this obedience training book is that Pat Miller addresses how important it is to understand your dog’s body language. she even teaches you how to properly observe and understand your own dog’s body cues.
9. 12 Terrible Mistakes Owners Make When Training Dogs by dr. suzanne hetts
unlike other best dog training books on this list, dr. Suzanne Hetts’ guide focuses on the “don’ts” rather than the “dos.” Knowing how to properly train your dog is important, but this manual is an excellent companion guide to help you avoid lasting mistakes.
I highly recommend this book for new and inexperienced dog owners along with any of the solid training guides listed. this is a good book to start with, but you’ll need a few others on this list to get the full picture of training.
10. puppy training: quick and proven working techniques by robert matthews and marilyn willows
Speaking specifically about puppy training, this is one of the most straightforward and easy to understand guides. “puppy training” is another one of my favorite dog training book recommendations for new and completely inexperienced dog owners – it covers everything about puppy training.
While the other best dog training books on this list mostly cover just basic dog obedience training, this one covers the more complicated topics that are highly applicable to young dogs, crate training and dog training. go to the bathroom, in great detail. If you can only afford one book to train your dog, this is a good place to start.
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10 Advanced Canine Obedience Training Books
1. the other end of the leash: why we do what we do with dogs by patricia mcconnell, phd
Although this obedience training book covers some basic dog training techniques as well as advanced dog training techniques, it does so in a unique way. it focuses on the dog trainer and the human interaction with the dogs and not the other way around. McConnell takes this novel approach to training by first covering a foundation of human and canine psychology.
The author is well versed in the science of dog training and human psychology and uses an evidence-based approach to explain proper dog training techniques. This is not one of the best dog training books for beginners, which is why it falls into the advanced dog training category.
2. excited, frantic and scared by laura van arendonk baugh
Sometimes the well-known dog training approach and basic tips provided in the best basic dog training books listed above just don’t work. And if you’re working with a dog that has been particularly difficult to train due to excess energy or behavioral issues, this is a good book to turn to.
baugh focuses on coaching using a proven behavioral approach and makes his steps easy to follow with simple “how to” instructions including diagrams and other graphics that help understand his process and teachings much better and easier .
3. Decoding Your Dog: Explaining Common Canine Behaviors by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
This compendium is something of a novelty compared to the other best dog training books on this list. The guide written by contributors to the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists focuses specifically on canine behavior and how to address or prevent unwanted behavior rather than focusing on the usual canine obedience training lessons.
This is a good read for any dog owner just to become familiar with their dog’s body language, psychology, and behavior. however, in terms of using it to train a dog, I think this book is useful for dog owners who have pets that have been through a lot of basic obedience training but still have some problem behaviors.
4. the dog listener: learn how to communicate with your dog by jan fennell
Another book that takes a unique approach to dog training, this is not the ideal book for a complete novice to obedience training, which is why it goes into the advanced dog training section. Most of this manual discusses how to establish successful lines of communication with your dog so that he will want to cooperate with his training regimen.
To take advantage of the information in this guide, you’d better already be familiar with the basics of dog obedience training and possibly even some dog behavior. The book is thorough and also includes a thirty-day dog training plan facilitated by Fennell’s approach to building communication.
5. the koehler method of dog training by w.r. koehler
Here’s something a little different and original, which I highly recommend reading even if you’re a complete beginner to dog training. This is a dog training method that focuses on how a dog understands his experiences based on previous experiences he has had.
Unlike the other top dog training books on this list, this manual provides a greater understanding of the why and how of dog training rather than the “how to.” While I don’t recommend this book for newcomers learning dog training per se, it’s helpful for any dog owner to keep these things in mind and it’s definitely a must-read for anyone looking to understand more about their dog’s motivation. /p>
6. Midnight Dog Walkers: Positive Training and How-To Tips by annie phenix
Training a dog with reactive tendencies or aggression is a task not to be taken lightly and usually requires an experienced and professional dog trainer. In her book, dog trainer and author Annie Phenix focuses on using positive training methods to reinforce desired behavior and reduce unwanted reactions or aggression.
This is a good book for dog owners and trainers who are already familiar with the basics of obedience training and who are currently working with an aggressive dog. I particularly like phenix’s expert approach in this book, as he approaches dog training in a way that works with a reactive dog without causing an escalation.
7. train your dog positively by victoria stilwell
victoria stilwell is a somewhat famous dog trainer, and is well known for her extremely positive approach to training dogs. Her book on how to train a dog using positivity alone is the perfect companion for a dog owner experiencing difficulties with their “basically” trained dog.
victoria stilwell focuses on common behavior problems that are difficult to address and gives you an understanding of why they are happening. then it gives you practical guidance to reinstate or eliminate these behaviors in a positive way.
8. the official ahimsa dog training manual by grisha stewart
Another one of the best dog training books that addresses working with canines that have behavior problems, is a guide designed to teach manners with Buddhist philosophy in mind. Whenever possible, I prefer to recommend positive, non-forceful training manuals, and this is one of my favorite recommendations in this area.
These books fall into one of those “one time read” categories, which I recommend reading even if you are already familiar with and have a good understanding of dog obedience training. stewart not only addresses more common issues like house training and barking in a unique way, but also addresses separation anxiety and socialization.
9. dog university: a training program to develop advanced skills by viviane theby
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A fun book to go over with your dog once you’ve got your dog’s basic training done, this is a decent reference resource for highly intelligent and energetic dog owners who want to learn a little more besides the basics of dog training. obedience training.
viviane theby has written an interactive guide here, and this compendium teaches you how dogs learn best, how to develop advanced skills, and includes sample lesson plans for “how to” lessons. this is a valuable addition to any dog owner or dog trainer’s library.
10. the secret language of dogs: unlocking the canine mind by victoria stilwell
Another one of Victoria Stilwell’s best dog training books, this manual focuses on the more complex foundation of advanced training and is significantly different in what it covers from her book mentioned above.
In “The Secret Language of Dogs,” Victoria Stilwell now covers life and behavior from your dog’s point of view, so you can work with your canine companion for training success. She explains the importance of communicating effectively with her dog and how to strengthen her bond.
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5 specialized books on dog training
1. 101 dog hacks: step-by-step activities by kyra sundance
One of the most popular dog training books and an annual bestseller on Amazon, “101 Dog Tricks” is probably part of every dog owner’s and aspiring dog trainer’s library. is best for those who want a straightforward list of dog tricks rather than an explanation of how to train a dog, without dog training philosophy or science.
So if you’re looking for a great library of tricks or tasks to teach your dog that already knows basic obedience, this is a good book to start with. With 101 tricks to choose from, none of which take that long to learn, this is a good book for a rainy day or to stimulate the easily bored dog. A must have in any dog lover’s library!
2. the beginners guide to dog agility by laurie leach
If you’re looking for agility training with your obedience-trained dog, this book is a great starting point. leach covers a step-by-step procedure for all the basic agility obstacles, but also mentions how agility can be used to strengthen your bond with your dog.
This is one of the best dog training books specifically on agility training, and it deserves your attention mainly because it also teaches readers about pre-agility training and provides detailed tips on training without corrections and step-by-step discussions. step. agility training techniques and methods.
3. puppy sleep training by rebecca setler
One of the hardest parts of working with a new puppy is getting through the first few weeks of sleep training. This book by Rebecca Setler includes everything a “tired” puppy owner needs to know to make sleep training a breeze and eliminate puppy crying and nocturnal accidents.
While this won’t help you with everything you need to know about puppy care and training, it is a great addition for anyone who is about to adopt or has just adopted a puppy. this information will save you time and stress.
4. hunting dog: revolutionary rapid training method by richard a. Wolters and John W. randolph
no list of the best dog training books can go without talking about hunting dogs and hunters who love a canine companion on their hunts.
Hunting dog training can be particularly difficult, but this quick method of training Wolters and Randolphs, avid hunters and hunting dog owners, has proven itself for over forty years and has been a part of libraries of most hunting dog owners. Published over 50 years ago in 1961, this hunting dog training book is still relevant today, offering some proven techniques and step-by-step instructions on how to train a hunting dog using complementary tools.
5. U.S. military working dog training manual by the department of defense
Another unique read, this time focused on working dog training and specifically military dog training. is one of the best dog training books on this specific topic. written by contributors from the usa department of defense, focuses on the formation of the us military working dogs it has also proven effective for many civilian dogs.
If you’re interested in training a working dog, this manual offers a great starting point and covers basic commands and advanced tips for navigating the obstacle course.
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