Training your dog is a fundamental aspect of responsible pet ownership, crucial for their safety, happiness, and overall well-being. A well-trained dog is not only safer in various environments but also enjoys a stronger, more rewarding bond with their owner. Effective training fosters good behaviours, which can prevent potential dangers and stimulate your dog’s intellect, making playtime and daily interactions more enjoyable for both of you.
For dog owners across the UK, finding reliable and effective training resources is key. While many methods exist, dog training books offer comprehensive, structured guidance from seasoned professionals. They provide invaluable insights, step-by-step instructions, and expert advice to help you navigate everything from basic commands to complex behavioural challenges. This guide from Dog Care Story compiles some of the best dog training books available in the UK, hand-picked from top-sellers and highly-rated options by animal experts, ensuring you have the tools to raise a happy, well-behaved companion. For those seeking additional support, understanding professional dog home care services can complement your training efforts.
Essential Dog Training Books for UK Owners
Whether you’re bringing home a new puppy or looking to refine an older dog’s manners, these top-rated dog training books cater to various needs and stages of canine development.
Lucky Dog Lessons: Train Your Dog in 7 Days by Brandon McMillan
Cover of "Lucky Dog Lessons: Train Your Dog in 7 Days" by Brandon McMillan, a highly-rated dog training book for UK owners on a blue background.Brandon McMillan’s “Lucky Dog Lessons” has garnered significant praise, boasting thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon, solidifying its reputation as a leading dog training book for the UK market. This popular guide promises to help you train your pet in just one week, offering a fast-track approach to foundational obedience. McMillan’s method begins with essential training basics like building trust and establishing control, then moves on to seven crucial commands: sit, stay, down, come, off, heel, and no. The book also provides practical advice on common issues such as excessive barking and destructive chewing, alongside effective strategies for using rewards like food and toys. Packed with clear instructions, illustrative photos, personal anecdotes, and valuable tips, this book is an excellent resource for owners seeking rapid, effective results.
The Positive Puppy Training Blueprint: An 8 Week Step-By-Step Action Plan by Sam Quinn
Cover of "The Positive Puppy Training Blueprint: An 8 Week Step-By-Step Action Plan" by Sam Quinn, focusing on gentle puppy training methods for new dog owners in the UK.For new puppy owners in the UK, “The Positive Puppy Training Blueprint” offers a structured eight-week program designed to “raise the perfect dog using proven, loving, and friendly methods.” A standout feature of this comprehensive guide is its focus on often-overlooked aspects of puppy ownership. Beyond covering basic commands and common behavioural challenges, author Sam Quinn delves into supporting your puppy through potentially difficult experiences like teething, vet visits, and coping with loud noises. Additionally, the book includes useful advice on grooming essentials such as nail clipping and ear cleaning, making it a holistic resource for those looking for comprehensive Dog Training Books Uk.
Total Recall: Perfect Response Training for Puppies and Adult Dogs by Pippa Mattinson
Cover of "Total Recall: Perfect Response Training for Puppies and Adult Dogs" by Pippa Mattinson, an essential dog training book for improving recall in UK dogs.If your dog’s recall isn’t quite where you’d like it to be, Pippa Mattinson’s “Total Recall” is arguably one of the best dog training books in the UK specifically for this challenge. Ideal for older pets who struggle to return when called, this guide aims to lead you through the recall training process from beginning to end. The book is structured into three key sections: preparation, essential teaching exercises, and advanced problem-solving techniques. Written by Pippa Mattinson, an expert with over three decades of dog training experience, it offers tried-and-tested methods. Mattinson is also the author of “The Happy Puppy Handbook,” another excellent resource for training new puppies, making her a trusted voice in dog obedience. When you’re out and about, ensuring your dog has good recall is as vital as knowing about looking for a dog walker near me for those times you can’t be there.
Dog Training for Kids: Fun and Easy Ways to Care for Your Furry Friend by Vanessa Estrada Libber
Cover of "Dog Training for Kids: Fun and Easy Ways to Care for Your Furry Friend", a children's dog training book with a blue background.For families with children eager to participate in their new puppy’s training, “Dog Training for Kids” is an excellent choice. Written specifically for children aged eight to twelve, this book empowers young owners to become responsible pet parents. It covers everything from teaching fundamental commands like ‘sit,’ ‘stay,’ and ‘drop it,’ to essential home preparation for a dog. The guide also addresses everyday challenges such as managing unnecessary barking and making vet visits less stressful. Furthermore, it includes chapters dedicated to teaching dogs fun tricks and games, fostering a stronger, more positive bond between children and their furry friends.
Perfectly Imperfect Puppy by Graeme Hall
Cover of "Perfectly Imperfect Puppy" by Graeme Hall, a UK dog training book with a blue background, offering a life-changing program for happy, well-behaved dogs.Dubbed “Britain’s best dog trainer” by The Telegraph, Graeme Hall brings his extensive expertise to “Perfectly Imperfect Puppy.” As the presenter of Channel 5’s ‘Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly,’ Hall has a wealth of experience working with all types of pets. This book takes readers back to basics, starting with advice on how to choose the right dog breed to match your lifestyle and how to properly introduce your new pet to children and other animals. Beyond core dog training principles, Hall also provides invaluable guidance on overcoming common issues like separation anxiety and tackling a range of behavioural problems in adult dogs, making it one of the most comprehensive dog training books UK for managing challenges.
Puppy Training in 7 Easy Steps: Everything You Need to Know to Raise the Perfect Dog by Mark Van Wye
Cover of "Puppy Training in 7 Easy Steps" by Mark Van Wye, a practical dog training guide for the UK market on a blue background.Authored by California-based trainer Mark Van Wye, “Puppy Training in 7 Easy Steps” offers a clear, structured approach to training a puppy during its crucial first few months. This guide emphasizes understanding a puppy’s body language and harnessing their natural instincts for highly effective training outcomes. It walks readers through every stage, from bringing a new puppy home to mastering house training and teaching essential commands. The book also includes a helpful checklist of essential items to purchase for your new furry family member, ensuring you’re well-prepared from day one. When considering the full commitment, remember to factor in the cost of owning a dog in ontario (or your region) to ensure you’re financially ready for all aspects of pet care.
Puppy Raising Made Easy / Dog Training Made Easy by Di Williamson
Covers of "Puppy Raising Made Easy" and "Dog Training Made Easy" by canine behaviourist Di Williamson, offering UK dog owners comprehensive training resources.For a versatile resource, consider the “Made Easy” series by canine behaviourist Di Williamson. Whether you’re embarking on the initial stages of puppy training or aiming to reinforce good behaviour in an adult dog, these books provide excellent coverage. “Puppy Raising Made Easy” details the key steps for choosing and training a young puppy, with specific attention to vital socialisation and addressing poor behaviours. Complementing this, “Dog Training Made Easy” helps you understand your pet’s perspective and build on their innate instincts to encourage obedient behaviour. This guide stands out with over 150 photos, offering clear visual aids to enhance your training journey.
Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy / Easy Peasy Doggy Squeezy by Steve Mann
Covers of "Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy" and "Easy Peasy Doggy Squeezy" by Steve Mann, acclaimed dog training books for UK dog and puppy owners on a blue background.Hailed as the UK’s top dog training book, “Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy” by renowned dog behaviourist Steve Mann boasts over 8,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, a testament to its effectiveness. Its follow-up guide, “Easy Peasy Doggy Squeezy,” continues this success. Steve Mann, who has worked with more than 100,000 dogs throughout his career, bases both books on scientifically proven techniques with a strong emphasis on fair and ethical training principles. Readers will learn how to interpret their pet’s body language, significantly improve recall, and encourage loose-lead walking. The dog-focused guide also offers solutions for challenging scenarios such as separation anxiety and aggressive behaviour towards others, making them indispensable dog training books for UK households.
Choosing the Right Dog Training Book for You
With so many excellent dog training books available in the UK, selecting the right one depends on your specific needs. Consider your dog’s age (puppy vs. adult), specific behavioural challenges you’re facing, and your preferred training philosophy (e.g., positive reinforcement). Reading reviews and understanding the author’s background can help you make an informed decision, ensuring the chosen book aligns with your goals for a well-behaved and happy pet. For continuous support, exploring dog home sitting services can provide peace of mind for your trained companion when you’re away.
Conclusion
Investing in quality dog training books is an investment in your dog’s future and your relationship with them. The resources listed above represent some of the best dog training books available in the UK, offering expert guidance to help you navigate the rewarding journey of training your canine companion. From mastering basic commands to tackling complex behavioural issues, these books provide the knowledge and techniques needed to foster a well-adjusted, confident, and obedient pet. Remember, consistency and patience are key, and with the right book, you’ll be well-equipped to guide your dog towards becoming a beloved and well-behaved member of your family.
References
- McMillan, B. (2016). Lucky Dog Lessons: Train Your Dog in 7 Days. Grand Central Publishing.
- Quinn, S. (2020). The Positive Puppy Training Blueprint: An 8 Week Step-By-Step Action Plan. Independently Published.
- Mattinson, P. (2014). Total Recall: Perfect Response Training for Puppies and Adult Dogs. Hamlyn.
- Libber, V. E. (2021). Dog Training for Kids: Fun and Easy Ways to Care for Your Furry Friend. Rockridge Press.
- Hall, G. (2020). Perfectly Imperfect Puppy. Ebury Spotlight.
- Van Wye, M. (2018). Puppy Training in 7 Easy Steps: Everything You Need to Know to Raise the Perfect Dog. Rockridge Press.
- Williamson, D. (2016). Puppy Raising Made Easy / Dog Training Made Easy. Independently Published.
- Mann, S. (2016). Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy / Easy Peasy Doggy Squeezy. Independently Published.
