Training your puppy is a rewarding journey that strengthens your bond and ensures their safety and happiness. From mastering basic commands to improving recall, effective training stimulates your puppy’s mind and helps them navigate the world confidently. While the process can have its challenges, the right guidance can make all the difference. To assist you in finding the perfect resource, we’ve compiled a list of the Best Puppy Training Book Uk options available from reputable animal experts, all highly rated by fellow dog owners. These carefully selected guides offer proven methods and practical advice to help you raise a happy, well-behaved dog. For those considering a specific breed, finding the right cavalier king charles spaniel book can provide tailored advice.
Top Puppy and Dog Training Books for UK Owners
Navigating the vast selection of puppy training guides can be daunting. We’ve delved into popular titles to bring you top recommendations, focusing on books that offer clear, actionable strategies and come highly praised by their readers.
1. Lucky Dog Lessons: Train Your Dog in 7 Days by Brandon McMillan
Lucky Dog Lessons: Train Your Dog in 7 Days book cover on a blue backgroundBrandon McMillan’s ‘Lucky Dog Lessons’ stands out as a highly acclaimed guide, boasting over 3,500 five-star reviews on Amazon. This popularity is no surprise, given its ambitious claim to help you train your pet in just one week. The book starts by covering fundamental training basics, such as building trust and establishing control, essential for any new puppy owner. McMillan then hones in on seven crucial commands: sit, stay, down, come, off, heel, and no, providing a structured approach to foundational obedience.
Beyond basic commands, the book delves into managing common behavioural issues like excessive barking and destructive chewing. It also offers valuable insights into effectively using rewards, such as food and toys, to reinforce positive behaviour. Owners will find clear, concise instructions, helpful photographs, engaging anecdotes, and expert tips to guide them through each step of the training process, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a quick yet comprehensive training solution.
2. The Positive Puppy Training Blueprint: An 8 Week Step-By-Step Action Plan by Sam Quinn
The Positive Puppy Training Blueprint: An 8 Week Step-By-Step Action Plan book cover on a blue backgroundFor new puppy owners, ‘The Positive Puppy Training Blueprint’ offers a structured, eight-week programme designed to help “raise the perfect dog using proven, loving and friendly methods.” This guide distinguishes itself by addressing a broader spectrum of puppy ownership topics often overlooked in other books. Beyond the standard basic commands and common behavioural issues, author Sam Quinn provides invaluable advice on supporting your puppy through challenging scenarios.
These scenarios include managing the discomfort of teething, reducing anxiety during vet visits, and helping your puppy cope with loud noises. Furthermore, the book offers practical advice on essential grooming tasks, such as nail clipping and ear cleaning, ensuring a holistic approach to puppy care and training. This comprehensive guide helps owners feel more prepared for all aspects of puppy parenthood, making it one of the best puppy training book UK options for thorough preparation. For a wider selection of similar resources, explore various books on raising a puppy.
3. Total Recall: Perfect Response Training for Puppies and Adult Dogs by Pippa Mattinson
Total Recall: Perfect Response Training for Puppies and Adult Dogs book cover on a blue backgroundIf your dog’s recall is a consistent challenge, ‘Total Recall’ by Pippa Mattinson could be the definitive guide you need. This book is particularly effective for both puppies learning their first commands and older dogs whose recall might have become unreliable over time. Mattinson, with over three decades of dog training experience, systematically guides you through the entire training process. The book is thoughtfully divided into three key sections: meticulous preparation, essential teaching exercises, and effective problem-solving strategies.
This structured approach ensures that owners build a solid foundation before tackling more complex issues. Pippa Mattinson is also the author of ‘The Happy Puppy Handbook’, another highly recommended resource for new puppy owners. Her expertise makes ‘Total Recall’ an authoritative and practical choice for anyone dedicated to achieving perfect recall with their canine companion. For those seeking different perspectives, a monks book on dog training might offer unique insights.
4. Dog Training for Kids: Fun and Easy Ways to Care for Your Furry Friend
Dog Training for Kids: Fun and Easy Ways to Care for Your Furry Friend book cover on a blue backgroundThis unique and valuable book is specifically designed for children aged eight to twelve, making it an excellent resource for families with new puppies. It encourages younger family members to get actively involved in the training process, fostering a sense of responsibility and strengthening the bond between child and pet. The guide covers a comprehensive range of topics, from teaching basic commands like ‘sit’, ‘stay’, and ‘drop it’, to essential puppy-proofing measures for your home.
The book also addresses common everyday challenges such as managing unnecessary barking and making stressful vet visits more manageable. What’s more, it includes chapters dedicated to teaching dogs fun tricks and engaging games, providing enjoyable activities that further enhance the connection between children and their furry friends. This approach makes training an accessible and exciting activity for the whole family. Knowing the new puppy vet visit cost can also help families plan.
5. Perfectly Imperfect Puppy by Graeme Hall
Perfectly Imperfect Puppy book cover on a blue backgroundDubbed “Britain’s best dog trainer” by The Telegraph, Graeme Hall, presenter of Channel 5’s ‘Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly’, brings his extensive expertise to ‘Perfectly Imperfect Puppy’. Hall’s book takes readers back to basics, starting with crucial advice on how to choose the right breed of dog to suit your lifestyle. He also offers guidance on how to successfully introduce your new pet to children and other existing pets, ensuring a smooth transition for everyone involved.
Beyond foundational training, this book provides invaluable insights into overcoming common challenges such as separation anxiety and tackling a range of behavioural problems that may arise in adult dogs. Hall’s practical, no-nonsense approach, refined through years of working with countless dogs, makes this an indispensable guide for any dog owner seeking to understand and improve their pet’s behaviour.
6. Puppy Training in 7 Easy Steps: Everything You Need to Know to Raise the Perfect Dog by Mark Van Wye
Puppy Training in 7 Easy Steps book cover on a blue backgroundFrom California-based trainer Mark Van Wye, ‘Puppy Training in 7 Easy Steps’ offers a clear, actionable roadmap for training a puppy during its crucial first few months. The guide emphasizes understanding puppies’ body language and leveraging their natural instincts to achieve effective training results. Van Wye walks readers through every essential step, from the moment a puppy enters your home to mastering house training and teaching fundamental commands.
The book also includes a helpful list of essential items to purchase for your new pet, ensuring you’re fully prepared for their arrival. This step-by-step approach simplifies the often-overwhelming process of puppy training, making it accessible for first-time owners and a valuable refresher for experienced ones.
7. Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy / Easy Peasy Doggy Squeezy by Steve Mann
Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy & Easy Peasy Doggy Squeezy book covers on a blue backgroundHailed as a top dog training book in the UK, ‘Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy’ has garnered over 8,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, a testament to its effectiveness. Both this guide and its follow-up, ‘Easy Peasy Doggy Squeezy’, are penned by renowned dog behaviourist Steve Mann, who has worked with over 100,000 dogs throughout his distinguished career. These books advocate for proven scientific techniques grounded in fair and ethical training principles, prioritizing the well-being of the animal.
Readers will learn to decipher their pet’s body language, significantly improve recall, and encourage a loose-lead walk—skills crucial for enjoyable outings. The dog-focused guide further addresses complex scenarios such as separation anxiety and managing aggressive behaviour towards others, offering comprehensive solutions for a harmonious life with your canine companion. For those looking beyond books for pet care, exploring apps like rover can connect you with local pet services.
Conclusion
Embarking on the journey of training a puppy requires patience, consistency, and the right guidance. The best puppy training book UK options we’ve highlighted offer a wealth of knowledge from esteemed experts, providing you with the tools and techniques to foster a strong bond with your furry friend and help them become a well-behaved member of your family. Whether you’re a first-time owner or looking to refine your existing training methods, these resources offer invaluable advice, from mastering basic commands to addressing more complex behavioural challenges. By investing in a quality training book, you’re investing in a happier, healthier future for both you and your beloved pet. Continue your learning journey with more insightful articles on dog care and training on our website.
