Finding the right resources for dog training can be overwhelming, with thousands of books available. Unfortunately, many offer outdated or even harmful advice. To help you navigate this landscape, this guide presents a curated selection of the best dog training books, recommended by professionals and backed by science. Whether you’re a new pet owner or looking to deepen your understanding of canine behavior, these books offer invaluable insights and practical techniques.
Top 5 Dog Training Books Recommended by Experts
As a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CCPDT-KA) with a Ph.D. in Neuroscience and over 15 years of experience, I’ve personally reviewed countless dog training books. The following are my top picks, offering a blend of scientific accuracy, practical application, and engaging content.
1. Don’t Shoot the Dog by Karen Pryor
This seminal work, not exclusively about dogs but animal training in general, is a must-read. Karen Pryor, a pioneer in animal training, provides principles that can be applied to any animal, including humans. Its clear, entertaining, and concise writing style makes complex concepts accessible to everyone. Many renowned animal trainers cite this book as life-changing, and it’s a foundational text for understanding operant conditioning and behavior shaping.
2. The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson
Jean Donaldson, a respected trainer and author, offers a deep dive into canine behavior and training in The Culture Clash. This book is specifically tailored for dog owners and provides a comprehensive understanding of how dogs perceive the world and how we can bridge the communication gap. It includes practical advice and a guide to basic dog commands, making it an essential read for anyone serious about dog training.
3. The Other End Of The Leash by Patricia McConnell
Written by a Ph.D. and experienced dog trainer specializing in aggression, The Other End Of The Leash explores the complexities of human-dog interactions. It delves into how our differences in communication can lead to misunderstandings and offers insights into how to behave in ways your dog can better comprehend. While some information on dominance theory might be slightly dated, the core message about understanding canine communication remains highly valuable.
4. Ian Dunbar’s Top Dog Academy
This is not a single book but a comprehensive package of resources from Dr. Ian Dunbar, a veterinarian and founder of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT). The Top Dog Academy offers a wealth of information through PDF books, video, and audio seminars covering puppy training, obedience, behavior problem-solving, and more. Dr. Dunbar’s engaging and science-based approach makes learning fun and effective. If you’ve recently welcomed a puppy, this program is highly recommended. You can learn more about starting a dog walking service from experts, and this program equips you with foundational knowledge.
5. The Power of Positive Dog Training by Pat Miller
Pat Miller’s book is an accessible and highly recommended resource for dog training. It offers straightforward advice, guiding owners from basic obedience to advanced techniques. The book also emphasizes understanding dog body language and the canine emotional state, making it ideal for those new to dog training.
5 More Excellent Dog Training Books
The world of dog training offers a wealth of knowledge, and these additional books are highly recommended for those seeking to expand their understanding.
- “Click for Joy!” by Melissa Alexander: This book focuses on the joyful aspects of clicker training, explaining the technique through a Q&A format and highlighting the positive experience for both dog and owner.
- “Bones Would Rain From The Sky” by Suzanne Clothier: This unique book emphasizes the human-canine connection and bond, going beyond simple cue-response training to foster a deeper relationship. It’s often recommended to read after foundational books like “Don’t Shoot the Dog” and “The Culture Clash.”
- “Plenty in Life is Free: Reflections on Dogs, Training and Finding Grace” by Kathy Sdao: Kathy Sdao advocates for a partnership approach to dog training, pushing the boundaries of positive training and ethical communication with our pets. This book challenges the notion that positive training solely means using treats, encouraging a more nuanced understanding.
- “Better Together: The Collected Wisdom of Modern Dog Trainers” edited by Ken Ramirez: This compilation features articles from leading trainers on various topics, including clicker training, puppy development, behavior problems, and aggression. Ken Ramirez, a renowned trainer, contributes to this forward-thinking collection.
- “When Pigs Fly: Training Success With Impossible Dogs” by Jane Killion: Addressing owners of “stubborn” or independent dogs, this book offers practical advice and methods to successfully train dogs that may be more challenging. It emphasizes understanding and patience to achieve training success.
Essential Dog Behavior and Psychology Books
A solid understanding of dog behavior is crucial for effective training. These books offer deep insights into why dogs act the way they do.
Recommended Dog Behavior Books:
- “Dog Sense” by John Bradshaw: Professor John Bradshaw explores canine evolution and offers alternative theories on dog behavior, providing an up-to-date and interesting perspective.
- “Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell and Know” by Alexandra Horowitz: This fascinating book delves into how dogs perceive the world through their unique senses, offering a new perspective on canine cognition.
Advanced Dog Training Books:
For those looking to move beyond basic obedience, these books cover more specialized techniques:
- “Agility: Right from the start” by Eva Bertilsson & Emelie Johnson-Vegh: Even if you’re not pursuing agility, this book offers valuable exercises for practicing various signals and behaviors with your dog from a new perspective.
- “PORTL: The Portable Operant Research and Teaching Lab” by Dr. Jesús Rosales-Ruiz and Mary Hunter: This book is for the serious student of animal training, designed to facilitate hands-on learning and experimentation with training principles.
- “Problem Animal Behavior – Functional Assessment & Constructional Contingency Management Planning” by James O’Heare: This resource provides in-depth knowledge of dog psychology and behavior, suitable for those seeking advanced understanding.
Best Books for Reactive and Aggressive Dogs:
Addressing challenging behaviors requires specific expertise. These books offer practical guidance:
- “The New Click to Calm” by Emma Parsons: This holistic approach provides extensive information for owners of aggressive or reactive dogs, ensuring the dog’s needs are met while managing behavior.
- “Control Unleashed: Reactive to Relaxed” by Leslie McDevitt: Another excellent resource, this book offers valuable recommendations and exercises for managing and improving problematic dog behaviors.
Best Dog Psychology Books:
Delving into the core of canine cognition and learning theory:
- “Excel-Erated Learning” by Pam Reid: This accessible book introduces the fundamentals of learning theory for those new to the subject, providing a solid foundation for understanding how dogs learn.
- “Learning and Behavior” by Paul Chance: While a general psychology textbook, this book offers a comprehensive understanding of animal learning principles that are directly applicable to dog training. It is highly recommended for those truly interested in the science behind behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Training Books
What is a good dog training book?
The books listed in this guide represent some of the best dog training resources available, recommended by professionals and covering a range of topics from basic obedience to advanced behavior.
What dog training method is best?
Positive reinforcement methods are widely considered the most effective and humane approach to dog training. Avoid any methods that rely on dominance, punishment, or aversive tools like choke or prong collars.
What is the number one rule in dog training?
The most important rule is to “train the dog in front of you,” meaning to pay attention to your individual dog’s needs and responses. Timing, consistency, and skillful application of training techniques are also paramount.
Ready to Train Your Puppy the Smart Way?
Embarking on the journey of dog training is rewarding. By utilizing the resources from these recommended books, you can build a strong, positive relationship with your canine companion. For a structured and science-backed approach, consider the NeoPuppy Program, offering video lessons and personalized coaching to guide you through puppy training effectively and kindly.
Enjoy the process of learning and growing with your dog!
