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10 bestDog Training Booksof July 2025

112M consumers helped this year.

1

The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs
The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs

Ballantine Books

9.9

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11% off

2

Don't Shoot the Dog: The Art of Teaching and Training
Don't Shoot the Dog: The Art of Teaching and Training

Simon & Schuster

9.8

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14% off

3

Puppy Start Right: Foundation Training for the Companion Dog
Puppy Start Right: Foundation Training for the Companion Dog

Sunshine Books (MA)

9.7

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4

Zak George's Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love
Zak George's Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love

Ten Speed Press

9.5

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5

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

Rockridge Press

9.3

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35% off

6

Training the Best Dog Ever: A 5-Week Program Using the Power of Positive Reinforcement
Training the Best Dog Ever: A 5-Week Program Using the Power of Positive Reinforcement

Workman

9.1

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7

Dog Sports Skills, Book 1: Developing Engagement and Relationship
Dog Sports Skills, Book 1: Developing Engagement and Relationship

8.8

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60% off

8

Cesar Milan 3 Books Collection Set (How to Raise the Perfect Dog, Cesar's Way: Everyday Guide to Understanding & Correcting Common Dog Problems & Be the Pack Leader)
Cesar Milan 3 Books Collection Set (How to Raise the Perfect Dog, Cesar's Way: Everyday Guide to Understanding & Correcting Common Dog Problems & Be the Pack Leader)

Hodder Paperbacks

8.6

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9

Before & After Getting Your Puppy
Before & After Getting Your Puppy

New World Library

8.3

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10

Family Friendly Dog Training
Family Friendly Dog Training

8.1

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A Guide to Selecting the Best Dog Training Books

Choosing the right dog-training book can make a big difference in how effectively you train your dog and how enjoyable the process is for both of you. The best book for you will depend on your dog's age, breed, temperament, and your own experience level. It's important to look for books that match your training philosophy and are written in a way that's easy for you to understand and apply. Always consider your specific goals, whether it's basic obedience, solving behavioral issues, or advanced tricks, and pick a book that addresses those needs.

Training Approach

The training approach refers to the philosophy or method the book uses to teach your dog. Common approaches include positive reinforcement, clicker training, or more traditional methods. This is important because some methods may align better with your values and your dog's personality. For example, positive reinforcement focuses on rewarding good behavior, which is gentle and effective for most dogs. If you prefer a kind, reward-based method, look for books that emphasize positive reinforcement. If you want a more structured or traditional approach, seek out books that explain those techniques. Think about your comfort level and your dog's temperament when choosing a training approach.

Level of Detail

Level of detail describes how in-depth the book goes into training concepts and instructions. Some books are beginner-friendly, offering step-by-step guides and clear explanations, while others are more advanced, assuming you already know the basics. If you're new to dog training, choose a book that starts with the fundamentals and explains things clearly. If you already have experience, you might prefer a book that dives deeper into specific issues or advanced tricks. Consider your own knowledge and what you want to achieve when deciding how much detail you need.

Target Audience

The target audience is who the book is written for, such as new dog owners, experienced trainers, or people dealing with specific behavioral problems. This matters because a book aimed at first-time owners will be more basic and supportive, while one for experienced trainers might use more technical language and advanced techniques. Make sure the book matches your experience level and addresses your particular needs, whether that's raising a puppy, training a rescue dog, or correcting certain behaviors.

Coverage of Behavioral Issues

Coverage of behavioral issues refers to how well the book addresses common problems like barking, chewing, aggression, or separation anxiety. This is important if your dog has specific challenges you want to work on. Some books focus mainly on obedience commands, while others dedicate sections to solving behavioral problems. If you have a particular issue in mind, look for a book that covers it in detail. If your dog is generally well-behaved, a general training book may be enough.

Clarity and Usability

Clarity and usability describe how easy the book is to read and follow. A good training book should have clear instructions, helpful illustrations or photos, and practical tips you can apply right away. This is important because even the best advice won't help if it's hard to understand or put into practice. If you prefer visual learning, look for books with lots of pictures or diagrams. If you like step-by-step instructions, check for books that break down each command or exercise. Think about your learning style and choose a book that matches it.

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