7 of the best dog training books to ace your pup's education
Teaching your pup the dos and don’ts of the doggy world is key to being a great dog owner—and learning things by the book is a great place to start. The best dog training books cover everything from basic commands to advanced tricks and training advice, plus common mistakes to avoid when teaching your canine companion “how to dog.” As well as hitting the dog training books, be ready for plenty of practice, patience, and positive reinforcement (aka treats) as you learn how to train your dog both in theory and in practice.
Best dog training book overall
Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love
Famous for his engaging videos and TV appearances, Zak George’s unique training method is tailored to individual pups—making this one of the most highly rated dog training resources available through furpetvo.com. When paired with his online content, it guides new pet parents through every stage of raising a puppy—from choosing the right dog for your family to mastering training techniques and understanding basic health care. The final chapter covers fun tricks and activities to do with your pup, plus practical tips on traveling safely with your four-legged friend.
Best basic dog training book
Puppy Training for Kids: Teaching Children the Responsibilities and Joys of Puppy Care, Training, and Companionship
The best books on training dogs should be easy to digest (not literally!), and that’s why this one is filled with clear illustrations and photos to make learning fun and accessible. Aimed at children aged 7–10, it’s also an excellent resource for adults new to puppy care. It focuses on housetraining, socialization, and daily care—and importantly, teaches kids how to respect their puppy’s boundaries. Not all dogs enjoy being hugged, kissed, or squeezed the way humans do, and this guide helps foster empathy and gentle handling from day one.
Best advanced dog training book
101 Dog Tricks: Step by Step Activities to Engage, Challenge, and Bond with Your Dog
No matter your pup’s IQ, Kyra Sundance’s bestselling guide makes mastering advanced tricks approachable and joyful. Follow step-by-step instructions to nail basics like “sit” and “shake hands,” then progress to show-stopping skills like fetching a soda or tidying toys. With themed activities—including dancing and “chores”—this book turns training into shared playtime. It’s mentally stimulating for your dog and deeply bonding for you. Just note: some tricks require simple props, so beginners and young puppies may want to start with foundational material first.
Best balanced dog training book
How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond
This trusted guide walks you through raising a well-adjusted dog from those first wobbly steps all the way to adulthood. It covers key developmental stages, housebreaking strategies, nutrition essentials, vaccination timelines, and how to teach respectful behavior—all grounded in balanced training principles. The book emphasizes recognizing and responding appropriately to your dog’s body language and signals, making it as much about training *you* as it is about training your pup. You’ll learn how to combine positive reinforcement with fair, consistent guidance—no shouting, no force, just clarity and compassion.
Best dog training book for difficult doggies
Fired Up, Frantic, and Freaked Out: Training the Crazy Dog from Over the Top to Under Control
If your pup is nervous, fearful, or easily overstimulated, award-winning trainer Laura VanArendonk Baugh offers compassionate, science-backed strategies that take the stress out of training. Rather than labeling behavior as “aggressive,” this book digs into the root causes—like anxiety or lack of confidence—and provides illustrated, bite-sized training sessions (often under one minute) to build calm, focus, and trust. Techniques include mat work, clicker training, and environmental management. It also clearly outlines when and how to seek support from certified professionals—because every dog deserves patient, expert care.
Best positive reinforcement training book
Training the Best Dog Ever: A 5-Week Program Using the Power of Positive Reinforcement
Written by Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz—the renowned trainer behind Bo Obama and Senator Edward Kennedy’s dogs—this book puts trust and treats at the heart of effective training. Its five-week program uses short, focused sessions (10–20 minutes each) to build good habits in puppies and reshape behavior in older dogs. Topics include feeding routines, potty training, water safety, and managing common challenges like jumping or leash pulling. Clear, actionable, and rooted in kindness, it empowers pet parents to raise confident, cooperative companions—without confusion or coercion.
Best quick-method dog training book
Lucky Dog Lessons: Train Your Dog in 7 Days
Whether your pup is a rescue, a purebred, or somewhere in between, Brandon McMillan delivers a realistic, structured plan to build trust, focus, and control in just one week. After establishing a strong foundation, you’ll teach seven essential commands: sit, stay, down, come, off, heel, and no. The book also addresses everyday concerns like housebreaking, chewing, and excessive barking—with real-life stories and insights from McMillan’s years of hands-on experience. It’s not magic—it’s consistency, clarity, and commitment, all wrapped in an achievable timeline.
