Dog training books are one of the best investments you can make when it comes to caring for your dog. You can get training advice from some of the world’s most well-respected dog trainers for a fraction of the price of a behavior consultation. You can also pull them out again and again whenever you need an answer to a question.
Trying to choose the best books on dog training can be overwhelming, but the following are some of the books most recommended by dog trainers:
1. The Culture Clash by Jean Donaldson
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Jean Donaldson's book explains not only how to train your dog, but also why your dog behaves the way he does. The information presented in this book allows you to see things from your dog's perspective, and then sets forth methods of training that uses the information on how a dog thinks to get the behaviors you want.
2. Before and After Getting Your Puppy by Dr. Ian Dunbar
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This book tells you everything you need to know about training a puppy and setting him up for a lifetime of good behavior. It starts off with information about how to choose a puppy, and goes on to cover topics such as socialization, housetraining, and preventing and solving common dog behavior problems. All this information comes from Dr. Ian Dunbar, a renowned veterinarian and animal behaviorist.
3. The Power of Positive Dog Training by Pat Miller
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In The Power of Positive Dog Training, author and dog trainer Pat Miller explains the concept of training a dog using positive reinforcement. She sets forth her training principals, and discusses the equipment needed for training. The book then lays out a 6-week program of training, at the end of which your dog should have a strong understanding of all the basic obedience commands, plus some fun dog tricks. Once you have the basics down, Ms. Miller goes on to explain how you can use this information to prevent or manage a lot of the most common dog behavior problems.
4. Don’t Shoot the Dog by Karen Pryor
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In this book, the author presents a clear-cut explanation of positive reinforcement. She offers sound training and behavior advice that works on everyone, not just dogs. The information presented in this book can help you to clicker train a dog or teach your child to keep his room clean. While not a step-by-step guide to dog training, this book offers invaluable information on behavior modification.
5. Living with Kids and Dogs…Without Losing Your Mind by Colleen Pelar
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As anyone who has shared their home with both dogs and children can tell you, it's not as easy as it they make it look on television! This book will help you live safely and happily with family members of both the two- and four-legged variety. It gives advice on how to choose the right dog for your family, and how to deal with dogs and children at every stage of your child's development, from infancy right up through the teen years. There is also a valuable section on helping your children cope with the loss of a dog.