Navigating the vast ocean of dog training literature to find the Best Obedience Training Books For Dogs can feel overwhelming. A quick search on popular online bookstores for “dog training” reveals tens of thousands of titles, making it incredibly challenging for dog owners to discern genuinely helpful resources from those that are outdated, scientifically unsound, or even dangerous. Unfortunately, many popular recommendations often lead new pet parents down the wrong path, promoting methods that can harm the human-canine bond and undermine effective training.
Our mission at Dog Care Story is to equip you with accurate, science-backed information for a happy and healthy relationship with your pet. This comprehensive guide cuts through the noise to bring you a curated list of the best obedience training books for dogs, personally vetted and recommended by professionals. These selections prioritize positive reinforcement, clear communication, and a deep understanding of canine behavior, ensuring you build a strong foundation for your dog’s obedience training.
Why Choosing the Right Obedience Training Book Matters
The quality of information available in dog training books varies wildly, a concern echoed by experts in the field. In 2017, a research team at the University of Waikato in New Zealand critically analyzed the top five bestselling dog training books. Their findings were sobering: only one of the five provided accurate, beneficial information. The others propagated debunked concepts like dominance theory, punishment-based techniques, and unscientific jargon that can be detrimental to a dog’s well-being and training progress.
Choosing the right resources is paramount not just for effective obedience training, but also for fostering a trusting and respectful relationship with your canine companion. Our recommendations focus on humane, evidence-based approaches that make learning a positive experience for both you and your dog. For those just starting their journey, finding the best books for new dog owners is crucial to setting the right tone from day one.
Meet Your Expert Guide
As a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CCPDT-KA) with over 15 years of experience training dogs and their owners, and holding a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, I’ve dedicated my career to understanding animal behavior and effective learning. My scientific background, coupled with extensive practical experience, has shaped my perspective on what truly constitutes valuable dog training advice. I’ve personally read countless books on the subject, and the selections presented here are those that have consistently proven to be the most insightful, effective, and ethically sound.
Top 5 Best Dog Obedience Training Books of All Time
Based on my professional expertise and comprehensive understanding of canine learning, these five books stand out as indispensable resources for anyone serious about dog obedience training. They offer foundational knowledge and practical techniques that will transform your approach to training.
1. Don’t Shoot The Dog by Karen Pryor
 Cover of "Don't Shoot The Dog" by Karen Pryor, a foundational book for dog obedience training | This book is arguably the single most important text for understanding animal learning. While not exclusively about dogs, Karen Pryor, an eminent figure in animal training, masterfully explains the principles of positive reinforcement and behavioral science that apply to any animal, including your dog. It’s the “good book” identified in the research study mentioned earlier, renowned for its accuracy and profound impact. Reading this book changed my life and countless others in the animal training community. It’s an informative, entertaining, and easy read, making complex concepts accessible to everyone. If you want to grasp the core mechanics of how animals learn, this is the book to start with for superior dog obedience training. |
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2. The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson
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Cover of "The Culture Clash" by Jean Donaldson, a highly recommended book for understanding dog behavior and obedience training | Moving specifically into the canine world, Jean Donaldson’s “The Culture Clash” is an invaluable resource for dog obedience training. Donaldson, an exceptional trainer herself, delves deep into dog behavior, explaining why dogs do what they do and how to effectively communicate with them. This book is not only insightful but also enjoyable to read, offering a comprehensive guide to understanding and training your dog. It even includes practical exercises for teaching basic commands, making it incredibly useful for both new and experienced dog owners aiming for better obedience. |
Happy dog with owner, illustrating successful obedience training and bond
3. The Other End Of The Leash by Patricia McConnell
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Cover of "The Other End Of The Leash" by Patricia McConnell, focusing on human-dog communication for obedience training | Patricia McConnell, a Ph.D. and former professor specializing in animal behavior, explores the fascinating differences between human and canine communication in “The Other End Of The Leash.” This book is less a step-by-step training guide and more a profound exploration of how our own behavior impacts our dogs. By understanding how dogs perceive the world and how to communicate in a way they comprehend, you can significantly enhance your dog obedience training efforts. While some discussions on dominance theory might be slightly dated, the core insights into interspecies communication remain incredibly valuable. |
4. Ian Dunbar’s Top Dog Academy
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Ian Dunbar's Top Dog Academy logo, an online resource for dog training and obedience | While not a single book, Dr. Ian Dunbar’s Top Dog Academy is an entire comprehensive online program that I cannot recommend highly enough, especially for puppy obedience training. Dr. Dunbar, a veterinarian and Ph.D., founded the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) with the goal of professionalizing the field through science-based methods. His academy offers a wealth of PDF books, videos, and audio seminars covering everything from puppy training to advanced obedience and behavior problem-solving. Dr. Dunbar’s engaging style makes learning fun and effective, providing specific exercises that yield tangible results. This resource is an absolute game-changer for anyone looking for holistic and expert-driven dog obedience training solutions. If you’re looking for the best books for new dog owners, this academy is a fantastic choice that combines written wisdom with practical video demonstrations. |
5. The Power of Positive Dog Training by Pat Miller
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Cover of "The Power of Positive Dog Training" by Pat Miller, a practical guide for dog obedience training | Pat Miller’s “The Power of Positive Dog Training” is an outstanding, easy-to-read resource filled with direct, actionable advice. This book provides a clear roadmap for dog obedience training, guiding you from basic manners to more advanced skills. It also teaches you how to interpret your dog’s body language, fostering a deeper understanding of their emotional state and needs. For those just beginning their positive reinforcement training journey, this book is an excellent starting point, offering practical solutions and building confidence in your training abilities. |
Dog receiving a treat from hand, highlighting positive reinforcement in dog training
Beyond the Basics: 5 More Essential Obedience Training Books
My passion for dog training extends to a broad range of literature. While the top five provide an excellent foundation, these additional books offer deeper dives into specific aspects of dog obedience training and communication, further enriching your knowledge and skills.
1. “Click for Joy!” by Melissa Alexander
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Cover of "Click for Joy!" by Melissa Alexander, focusing on clicker training for dogs | “Click for Joy!” is a truly wonderful book dedicated to clicker training for dogs. Written in an engaging Q&A format, it not only teaches you the mechanics of clicker training but also beautifully conveys the joy this technique brings to both dog and owner. Clicker training is a highly effective positive reinforcement method, and Alexander’s book makes it accessible and enjoyable to learn. |
2. “Bones Would Rain From The Sky” by Suzanne Clothier
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Cover of "Bones Would Rain From The Sky" by Suzanne Clothier, emphasizing the human-canine bond in training | After delving into the mechanics of training, it’s easy to view dogs as mere responders to cues. Suzanne Clothier’s “Bones Would Rain From The Sky” shifts this perspective, placing a profound emphasis on the human-canine connection and bond. This book helps you see your dog as more than just an “input-output” machine, fostering a deeper, more meaningful relationship—a crucial element for truly effective dog obedience training. I often recommend reading this after “Don’t Shoot the Dog” and “The Culture Clash” to form a powerful trio of insights. |
3. “Plenty in Life is Free: Reflections on Dogs, Training and Finding Grace” by Kathy Sdao
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Cover of "Plenty in Life is Free" by Kathy Sdao, exploring ethical positive dog training | Renowned animal trainer Kathy Sdao offers a thought-provoking perspective on positive dog obedience training from a partnership standpoint. This book advances the field of positive reinforcement, encouraging trainers to seek even better, more ethical ways to communicate with our pets. If you consider yourself a positive trainer but primarily rely on treats, Sdao’s work will reveal there’s still so much more to explore in building a truly cooperative relationship with your dog. |
4. “Better Together: The Collected Wisdom of Modern Dog Trainers” edited by Ken Ramirez
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Cover of "Better Together" edited by Ken Ramirez, a collection of insights on modern dog training | This contemporary collection features articles from some of the brightest minds in animal and dog obedience training. While focused on clicker training, it covers a broad spectrum of topics, including puppy training, working with older dogs, solving common behavior problems, and even addressing aggression. Edited by Ken Ramirez, a top animal trainer pushing the boundaries of the field, this book offers diverse perspectives and cutting-edge insights for enhancing your training journey. For those interested in working dog training books, this collection offers valuable principles applicable across many disciplines. |
5. “When Pigs Fly: Training Success With Impossible Dogs” by Jane Killion
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Cover of "When Pigs Fly" by Jane Killion, for training stubborn dogs | Do you have a “stubborn” dog? In my experience, most so-called “stubborn” dogs simply haven’t had their owners learn the most effective ways to communicate. However, some dogs and breeds do possess more independent personalities that can make dog obedience training more challenging. If this describes your situation, Jane Killion’s “When Pigs Fly” is an excellent resource. It provides practical advice on using appropriate methods for these particular dogs, guiding you with patience and helping you achieve success where you might have struggled before. This book is a gem for understanding different learning styles and adapting your approach. |
Deepening Your Understanding: Best Dog Behavior Books
To truly excel in dog obedience training, it’s essential to understand the underlying behavior of our canine companions. Often, what we perceive as “bad” behavior is simply normal dog behavior misunderstood by humans. Learning about canine needs and communication can resolve many issues even without explicit training techniques.
1. “Dog Sense” by John Bradshaw
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Cover of "Dog Sense" by John Bradshaw, a book on dog evolution and behavior theories | Ph.D. Professor John Bradshaw takes readers on a captivating journey into the world of dogs, exploring their evolution and presenting alternative theories to explain canine behavior. While it might be a bit dense for some, the information is incredibly interesting and thoroughly up-to-date. “Dog Sense” provides a scientific lens through which to view your dog’s actions, enhancing your ability to anticipate and positively influence their behavior. |
2. “Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell and Know” by Alexandra Horowitz
| Cover of "Dog Sense" by John Bradshaw, a book on dog evolution and behavior theories | If you’ve ever wondered how your dog experiences the world, Dr. Alexandra Horowitz’s “Inside of a Dog” is the book for you. This amazing work explains how dogs perceive their surroundings through their senses and cognitive processes, which are distinctly different from our own. It’s a fascinating read that will undoubtedly deepen your empathy and understanding of your dog, making you a more effective and compassionate trainer. |
Advanced Concepts: The Best Advanced Dog Obedience Training Books
Advanced dog obedience training extends beyond basic commands, diving into a deeper comprehension of canine psychology and refined human-dog interactions. This level of training often involves specialized skills like agility, therapy work, or competitive obedience, demanding precision and reliability even in distracting environments. The goal is to fine-tune communication, solidify the bond, and foster a more harmonious and fulfilling partnership.
1. “Agility: Right from the Start” by Eva Bertilsson & Emelie Johnson-Vegh
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Cover of "Agility: Right from the Start" by Bertilsson & Johnson-Vegh, for advanced dog training and agility | Even if you’re not planning to compete in agility, this book offers fantastic insights into practicing various signals and behaviors with your dog. It provides a unique perspective on advanced dog obedience training by focusing on the precise communication and detailed shaping required for agility sports. The principles taught here can be applied to many aspects of training, helping you achieve greater control and responsiveness from your dog. |
2. “PORTL: The Portable Operant Research and Teaching Lab by Dr. Jesús Rosales-Ruiz and Mary Hunter”
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Cover of "PORTL: The Portable Operant Research and Teaching Lab" for advanced dog psychology and training | For the truly dedicated “nerds” of animal behavior (like myself!), “PORTL” is the ultimate advanced dog obedience training resource. As Ken Ramirez often says, “Advanced training is just the basics done really, really, really well.” This book is designed for students—whether in university or learning independently—to experiment with and master the foundational principles of operant conditioning. I’ve personally used it with my students to help them gain proficiency in many dog training basics, making it an exceptional tool for deep theoretical understanding and practical application. |
3. “Problem Animal Behavior – Functional Assessment & Constructional Contingency Management Planning by James O’Heare”
| | James O’Heare is known for his many books on dog training and behavior, often delving into more advanced topics. This particular title is for those ready to tackle serious dog psychology. It provides a rigorous, in-depth look at functional assessment and contingency management, offering tools to understand and address complex behavioral issues. Prepare to expand your understanding of canine psychology significantly with this challenging yet rewarding read. |
Specialized Guidance: Best Books for Reactive and Aggressive Dogs
For owners dealing with reactive or aggressive dogs, finding the right resources is critical. These specialized dog obedience training books offer profound insights into the root causes of challenging behaviors, providing practical, positive reinforcement techniques to replace undesirable responses with more appropriate ones. They emphasize safety, management, and the crucial role of the human-dog bond in transforming behavior.
1. “The New Click to Calm by Emma Parsons”
| | This book is absolutely wonderful, packed with invaluable information for dog parents facing the challenges of aggressive or reactive pets. Emma Parsons adopts a holistic approach, ensuring that a dog’s fundamental needs are met while introducing behavior modification techniques. It integrates systematic desensitization and counter-conditioning, making it an essential guide for fostering calm and confidence in anxious dogs. For specialized guidance on developing a well-adjusted companion, this is among the best books for training service dogs that often require strong emotional regulation. |
2. “Control Unleashed: Reactive to Relaxed by Leslie McDevitt”
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Cover of "Control Unleashed: Reactive to Relaxed" by Leslie McDevitt, a resource for problematic dog behavior | Another outstanding resource for dog parents with problematic behaviors, Leslie McDevitt’s “Control Unleashed: Reactive to Relaxed” offers excellent recommendations and highly practical exercises. This book focuses on empowering dogs to make better choices through structured games and positive reinforcement, helping them manage their emotions in triggering situations. It’s an amazing guide for building resilience and teaching self-control, vital for any effective dog obedience training program for reactive animals. |
The Science Behind It: Best Dog Psychology Books
To truly understand and implement the best obedience training for dogs, delving into canine psychology is indispensable. These books explore advanced learning theory, providing a comprehensive understanding of why dogs behave as they do. This deep knowledge empowers trainers to develop humane and effective methods rooted in positive reinforcement, building trust, and enhancing communication for a truly harmonious relationship.
If you are new to dog training books, I strongly recommend starting with Karen Pryor’s “Don’t Shoot the Dog” before tackling these more advanced psychological texts.
1. “Excel-Erated Learning by Pam Reid”
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Cover of "Excel-Erated Learning" by Pam Reid, an introduction to learning theory for dogs | If you have minimal knowledge of learning theory, “Excel-Erated Learning” is your perfect starting point. This concise and easy-to-read book provides an excellent introduction to the principles of how animals learn. While some concepts are slightly older (e.g., the belief that dogs cannot learn by imitation, which we now know they can), the foundational knowledge remains accurate and invaluable. It’s an enjoyable way to begin your journey into the fascinating world of canine cognition and the science behind effective dog obedience training. |
2. “Learning and Behavior by Paul Chance”
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Cover of "Learning and Behavior" by Paul Chance, a textbook on animal learning and behavior | This is, admittedly, not specifically a “dog” psychology book, but rather a psychology textbook. However, if you are genuinely interested in mastering the core principles of animal learning and behavior—the very foundation of all effective dog obedience training—you will not be disappointed by Paul Chance’s “Learning and Behavior.” It’s a rigorous yet rewarding read that provides a deep, scientific understanding applicable to all species, including our canine companions. For those serious about mastering the intricacies of behavior modification, this is an unparalleled resource. It is also an excellent reference when considering specific breeds, much like [best labrador retriever training books](https://dogcarestory.com/best-labrador-retriever-training-books/) would be for that specific breed. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Obedience Training Books
What is a good dog obedience training book?
Based on expert recommendations, “Don’t Shoot The Dog” by Karen Pryor is widely considered the single best foundational book for understanding animal learning principles applicable to dog obedience training. Other excellent choices include “The Culture Clash” by Jean Donaldson and “The Power of Positive Dog Training” by Pat Miller, all emphasizing positive reinforcement.
What dog training method is best for obedience?
The best dog training methods for obedience are those based on positive reinforcement. This involves rewarding desired behaviors to encourage their repetition, rather than using punishment or intimidation. Steer clear of any advice promoting “alpha,” “leader,” “dominance,” choke collars, or leash jerks. The books recommended in this article will thoroughly explain why positive, science-backed methods are the most humane and effective. Understanding these methods is a key component of what constitutes [the dog training secret](https://dogcarestory.com/the-dog-training-secret/).
What is the number one rule in dog obedience training?
The number one rule in dog obedience training is often cited as “Train the dog in front of you.” This means paying close attention to your individual dog’s personality, learning style, and responses, and adapting your training approach accordingly. Effective timing and skill in delivering rewards and cues are also crucial for success.
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References
This article was written by Natalia Rozas, Ph.D. and Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA #4071465) updated on December 7th, 2023.
- University of Waikato. (2017). Study on the Accuracy of Bestselling Dog Training Books.
- Pryor, K. (2002). Don’t Shoot the Dog: The New Art of Teaching and Training. Bantam.
- Donaldson, J. (1997). The Culture Clash. Dogwise Publishing.
- McConnell, P. B. (2002). The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs. Ballantine Books.
- Dunbar, I. (Various works available through Dunbar Academy).
- Miller, P. (2008). The Power of Positive Dog Training. Howell Book House.
- Alexander, M. (2000). Click for Joy!. Sunshine Books.
- Clothier, S. (2002). Bones Would Rain From The Sky: Deepening Our Relationships With Dogs. Grand Central Publishing.
- Sdao, K. (2012). Plenty in Life is Free: Reflections on Dogs, Training and Finding Grace. Dogwise Publishing.
- Ramirez, K. (Ed.). (2019). Better Together: The Collected Wisdom of Modern Dog Trainers. Dogwise Publishing.
- Killion, J. (2007). When Pigs Fly: Training Success With Impossible Dogs. Dogwise Publishing.
- Bradshaw, J. (2011). Dog Sense: How the New Science of Dog Behavior Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet. Basic Books.
- Horowitz, A. (2009). Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know. Scribner.
- Bertilsson, E., & Johnson-Vegh, E. (2010). Agility: Right from the Start. Dogwise Publishing.
- Rosales-Ruiz, J., & Hunter, M. (2017). PORTL: The Portable Operant Research and Teaching Lab. Dogwise Publishing.
- O’Heare, J. (2006). Problem Animal Behavior: Functional Assessment & Constructional Contingency Management Planning. DogPsych Publishing.
- Parsons, E. (2018). The New Click to Calm: Solutions for All Dogs in a Challenging World. Sunshine Books.
- McDevitt, L. (2007). Control Unleashed: Reactive to Relaxed. Dogwise Publishing.
- Reid, P. (1996). Excel-Erated Learning: Explaining how Dogs Learn and how Best to Teach Them. Dogwise Publishing.
- Chance, P. (2018). Learning and Behavior. Cengage Learning.
