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10 Best Dog Training Books 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Dog Training for Kids: Fun and Easy Ways to Care for Your Furry Friend

Training Method: kid-friendly, basic commands
Author's Expertise: fun and educational for children
Target Audience: children aged 5 to 10
Specific Behavioral Issues: not cover advanced issues
Format and Accessibility: paperback, 176 pages, English

Chosen by 1143 this week

Gun Dog: Revolutionary Rapid Training Method

Training Method: Revolutionary Rapid Training
Author's Expertise: Richard A. Wolters, gun dog training
Target Audience: Dog owners, trainers, hunting scenarios
Specific Behavioral Issues: Obedience, retrieving, field performance
Format and Accessibility: Hardcover, 150 pages, English

Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Vol. 1: Adaptation and Learning

Training Method: Evidence-based, scientific research
Author's Expertise: Experts in the field
Target Audience: Trainers, behaviorists, dedicated owners
Specific Behavioral Issues: Behavior adaptation, learning processes
Format and Accessibility: Hardcover, 428 pages

Puppy Training in 7 Easy Steps: Everything You Need to Know to Raise the Perfect Dog

Training Method: positive reinforcement
Author's Expertise: practical tips, detailed explanations
Target Audience: new dog owners, beginners
Specific Behavioral Issues: house training, biting, commands
Format and Accessibility: paperback, illustrated, 180 pages

How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond

Training Method: humane methods
Author's Expertise: Cesar Millan, experienced dog trainer
Target Audience: dog owners
Specific Behavioral Issues: house training, obedience, socialization
Format and Accessibility: paperback

Sporting Dog and Retriever Training: The Wildrose Way: Raising a Gentleman's Gundog for Home and Field

Training Method: Wildrose Way
Author's Expertise: Mike Stewart, dog training expert
Target Audience: Novice and experienced trainers
Specific Behavioral Issues: Obedience, retrieving, field skills
Format and Accessibility: Hardcover, 256 pages, English

Water Dog: Revolutionary Rapid Training Method

Training Method: Rapid Training Method
Author's Expertise: Considerable expertise
Target Audience: Owners of water dogs
Format and Accessibility: Hardcover, English

Training Bird Dogs with Ronnie Smith Kennels: Proven Techniques and an Upland Tradition

Training Method: Proven Techniques, Upland Tradition
Author's Expertise: Ronnie Smith Kennels
Target Audience: Dog owners, hunters for bird hunting
Format and Accessibility: Hardcover, 256 pages, English

The Power of Positive Dog Training

Training Method: reward-based approach
Author's Expertise: Pat Miller, trainer and consultant
Target Audience: new and experienced dog owners
Specific Behavioral Issues: house training, leash pulling, obedience
Format and Accessibility: paperback, 288 pages
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The Koehler Method of Dog Training Certified Techniques By Movieland's Most Experienced Dog Trainer

Training Method: traditional
Author's Expertise: experienced Movieland dog trainer
Target Audience: dog owners preferring disciplined approach
Specific Behavioral Issues: obedience and behavioral correction
Format and Accessibility: hardcover, 208 pages, English
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Dog Training for Kids: Fun and Easy Ways to Care for Your Furry Friend

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,143
Target Audience

Most important from
2670 reviews

Target Audience
Perfect for kids, with well-organized, fun-to-read instructions and explanations.

Dog Training for Kids: Fun and Easy Ways to Care for Your Furry Friend is a paperback book, ideal for children aged 5 to 10, specifically from grade levels 3 to 7. The book, published by Z Kids, is designed to teach children how to train and care for their dogs in a fun and engaging way. It measures 8 x 0.46 x 9.9 inches and weighs about 2.31 pounds, making it a substantial yet manageable size for young readers.

The book is written in English and spans 176 pages, featuring simple and accessible language suitable for its target audience. The training methods outlined are kid-friendly, focusing on basic commands and care routines, which are easy for children to understand and implement. One possible drawback might be that it may not cover more advanced behavioral issues comprehensively.

The author's expertise appears to be tailored towards providing a fun and educational experience for children, likely engaging them through fun activities and practical tips. This book is a good choice for parents and guardians who want to introduce their children to the responsibilities of dog ownership, combining education with enjoyable activities that foster a positive relationship between kids and their pets.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,143
Target Audience

Most important from
2670 reviews

Target Audience
Perfect for kids, with well-organized, fun-to-read instructions and explanations.
#2

Gun Dog: Revolutionary Rapid Training Method

Rating
10.0
Training Method
Author's Expertise
Target Audience

Most important from
829 reviews

Training Method
Gun Dog teaches you to train your pup to love learning, without dominance or force.
Author's Expertise
Invaluable resource for training, with great information that stands the test of time.
Target Audience
An easy reading book that truly works if you dedicate fifteen to twenty minutes a day to training your pup.
Specific Behavioral Issues
By sixteen weeks, she understood all commands and hand signals, making her a remarkable hunting dog and well-behaved family pet.

The book 'Gun Dog: Revolutionary Rapid Training Method' by Richard A. Wolters is a highly regarded resource for training sporting dogs, particularly those used for hunting. One of its main strengths is its clear and concise training method that promises rapid results, which is ideal for dog owners looking for effective and efficient training techniques. The author's expertise is evident, as Wolters is well-known in the field of gun dog training, lending credibility to his methods.

The book is targeted primarily at dog owners and trainers who are interested in teaching their dogs how to perform in hunting scenarios, addressing specific behavioral issues such as obedience, retrieving, and field performance. It is presented in a hardcover format, making it durable and easy to handle, with 150 pages that are packed with useful information.

The book is written in English, ensuring accessibility for a wide audience, and its dimensions and weight make it convenient to carry around. For those who are specifically interested in training gun dogs, this book remains a valuable and respected resource.

Rating
10.0
Training Method
Author's Expertise
Target Audience

Most important from
829 reviews

Training Method
Gun Dog teaches you to train your pup to love learning, without dominance or force.
Author's Expertise
Invaluable resource for training, with great information that stands the test of time.
Target Audience
An easy reading book that truly works if you dedicate fifteen to twenty minutes a day to training your pup.
Specific Behavioral Issues
By sixteen weeks, she understood all commands and hand signals, making her a remarkable hunting dog and well-behaved family pet.
#3

Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Vol. 1: Adaptation and Learning

Rating
9.7
Training Method
Author's Expertise
Target Audience

Most important from
93 reviews

Training Method
Covers a wide range of topics including the origins and domestication of dogs, development of behavior in puppies, neurobiology, sensory abilities, classical conditioning, and human-dog companionship.
Author's Expertise
A culmination of 100+ years of scientific research and case studies. This is for those who need an extra level of knowledge beyond typical dog training books.
Target Audience
An invaluable resource for professional trainers and those looking for an in-depth analysis of canine origins, neurobiology, and behavior. It's a technical and dense read, often referenced repeatedly.
Format and Accessibility
A foundation for understanding what trainers are doing and why it may work—or not. Written at the collegiate level, it feels like a comprehensive psychology and biology textbook.

The 'Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Vol. 1: Adaptation and Learning' is a comprehensive guide that delves into the scientific aspects of dog behavior and training. Written by experts in the field, this book provides in-depth information on behavior adaptation and learning processes in dogs.

The training methods discussed are evidence-based, supported by scientific research, making them reliable and effective. This is particularly beneficial for those who want to understand the why and how behind dog behaviors and training techniques. The authors bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise, ensuring that the content is both accurate and insightful.

This book is best suited for readers who are interested in a deep understanding of canine behavior, including professional dog trainers, animal behaviorists, and dedicated dog owners keen on applying scientific principles to training their pets. It addresses various behavioral issues from a highly detailed and technical perspective, which might be overwhelming for casual dog owners looking for quick and easy solutions.

Rating
9.7
Training Method
Author's Expertise
Target Audience

Most important from
93 reviews

Training Method
Covers a wide range of topics including the origins and domestication of dogs, development of behavior in puppies, neurobiology, sensory abilities, classical conditioning, and human-dog companionship.
Author's Expertise
A culmination of 100+ years of scientific research and case studies. This is for those who need an extra level of knowledge beyond typical dog training books.
Target Audience
An invaluable resource for professional trainers and those looking for an in-depth analysis of canine origins, neurobiology, and behavior. It's a technical and dense read, often referenced repeatedly.
Format and Accessibility
A foundation for understanding what trainers are doing and why it may work—or not. Written at the collegiate level, it feels like a comprehensive psychology and biology textbook.

Buying Guide for the Best Dog Training Books

Choosing the right dog training book can make a significant difference in how effectively you can train your dog. The right book will provide you with the knowledge and techniques you need to understand your dog's behavior and teach them new skills. When selecting a dog training book, consider your dog's age, breed, and any specific behavioral issues you want to address. Additionally, think about your own experience level with dog training and what type of training methods you are comfortable with. Here are some key specifications to consider when choosing a dog training book.
Training MethodThe training method is the approach the book uses to teach your dog. Common methods include positive reinforcement, clicker training, and dominance-based training. Positive reinforcement focuses on rewarding good behavior, while clicker training uses a clicker device to mark desired behaviors. Dominance-based training emphasizes establishing the owner as the pack leader. It's important to choose a method that aligns with your values and is suitable for your dog's temperament. For example, positive reinforcement is generally recommended for most dogs as it builds trust and encourages learning through rewards.
Author's ExpertiseThe author's expertise refers to their background and experience in dog training. Look for books written by certified dog trainers, veterinarians, or animal behaviorists. These professionals have the knowledge and experience to provide reliable and effective training advice. An author's credentials and years of experience can give you confidence in the techniques and information presented in the book. If you are new to dog training, choosing a book by a well-known and respected expert can be particularly beneficial.
Target AudienceThe target audience is the group of people the book is written for. Some books are geared towards beginners, while others are intended for more experienced trainers. Additionally, some books focus on training puppies, while others address adult dogs or specific breeds. Consider your own experience level and your dog's age and breed when selecting a book. If you are a first-time dog owner, a book for beginners with step-by-step instructions and clear explanations will be most helpful.
Specific Behavioral IssuesSpecific behavioral issues refer to particular problems the book addresses, such as aggression, separation anxiety, or house training. If your dog has a specific issue you want to work on, look for a book that provides detailed strategies and solutions for that problem. Books that focus on common behavioral issues can offer targeted advice and techniques to help you address and correct these behaviors effectively.
Format and AccessibilityThe format and accessibility of the book refer to how the information is presented and how easy it is to understand. Some books include step-by-step guides, illustrations, and photographs to help explain the training techniques. Others may offer online resources, videos, or companion websites. Choose a book that is well-organized and easy to follow, with clear instructions and visual aids if needed. If you prefer a more interactive learning experience, look for books that offer additional online content or multimedia resources.

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