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Best Dog Training Books For Beginners

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Dog Training Books

Dog Training Books
Continue to learn by reading the best dog training books in the industry. dtatiana/Adobe Stock

Written for dog trainers with less than 2 years of experience.

If you’re a dog trainer, regardless of experience level, it’s so important to continue learning. While attending conferences and seminars are a huge plus, reading dog training books provides an in-depth look into specific topics as well as references when you encounter obstacles. As a dog trainer, I highly recommend this reading list with the assumption that beginner dog trainers have an understanding of basic classroom setup, management and curriculum.

Best Puppy Training Book

“Puppy Start Right – Foundation Training for the Companion Dog”
by Kenneth Martin and Debbie Martin

If you’re looking for the ultimate puppy training book, then you must read this book! Dr. Kenneth Martin and Debbie Martin provide information left out of most books about teaching body handling and muzzle training. Plus, they include a good refresher on clicker training and step-by-step information on shaping behaviors, which is a challenging skill for beginner dog trainers. Reading and referencing this book will certainly prepare you to offer the most current information in puppy classes!

Best Learning Theory Book

“Don’t Shoot the Dog” and “Reaching the Animal Mind”
by  Karen Pryor

If you have not read these books yet, then run and purchase them right away! Karen explains a beautiful dog learning theory, variable schedules of reinforcement and how animals learn. A tip: highlight and bookmark your “ah ha moments” so when you’re feeling burned out, take a peek and understand why you fell in love with dog training in the first place! 🙂

Best Canine Body Language Book

“Canine Behavior: A Photo Illustrated Handbook”
by Barbara Handelman

An important skill to learn, as a dog trainer, is how to read and interpret canine body language. Barbara’s book not only explains body language, but the reference pictures are also amazing! This book is HUGE and packed full of pictures with detailed explanations. Tip: when viewing each picture, think through solutions to prevent this behavior from happening. This will teach you to react quickly, especially to an “agnostic pucker”!

Best Teaching Pet Parents Book

“Ebook: The Human Half of Dog Training – Collaborating with Clients to Get Results”
by Risë VanFleet
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“It’s Not the Dogs, It’s the People!”
by Nicole Wilde

Oh, but teaching dogs are only half of it and it’s so important to understand how to interact, teach and provide feedback to pet parents. In my opinion, this is the hard part! Not only do you need to interpret human body language, you need to also understand how to tactfully explain instructions, several times if needed, to ensure the pet parent understands specific concepts. Well, here ya go — the two best books out there! Don’t skimp by purchasing only one book (it’s so important to read several points of view).

So you’ve noticed, a few topics are missing, such as dog aggression, anxiety and fearfulness. Beginner dog trainers must have a full understanding of the above topics before diving into the deep end, meaning aggression. For my full thought process on this topic, check out these dog behavior articles.

What is your favorite dog training book?

Multi-Dog Household Books

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Best Dog Books for Multi-Dog Households

Multi-Dog Household Books
Read the best dog training books for your multi-dog home. averyanova/Deposit Photos

If you share your home with two or more dogs, have foster dogs or pet sit multi-dog households, you need tips and tricks focused on living in a multiple dog household.

For tips on living in a multi-dog household, I recommend the two books below. Both recommend positive reinforcement training methods. 🙂

RELATED: Multi-Dog Household Tips

“How Many Dogs?! – Using Positive Reinforcement Training to Manage a Multiple Dog Household”

By  Debby McMullen

This book is awesome! I highly recommend reading and referencing this book before bringing home another permanent or foster dog. It pays to be prepared. Debby really does an excellent job explaining how to manage several dogs in a household and introduce a new dog to an established resident dog. Another thing I really like is that Debby offers many non-traditional solutions, such as aromatherapy, which may be newer to some pet parents. Research has shown tremendous positive results so it’s totally worth a try. While some of her recommendations may seem a bit “out there,” I can tell you from personal experience, they work.

“Feeling Outnumbered? How to Manage and Enjoy Your Multi-Dog Household”

By Dr. Patricia McConnell

This is a booklet, which means less pages. However it’s packed with really good information. Dr. McConnell provides insight on preventing behaviors before they happen. Plus, Dr. McConnell’s writing is very entertaining and she’s a master at explaining complex situations in an easily understandable manner. This is an easy read booklet and a great place to start learning about multi-dog household management. I’m sure this booklet will answer most of your questions, but “How Many Dogs?!” by Debby McMullen provides a bit more in-depth information with additional topics. If you enjoy reading books that are short and straight to the point, then Dr. McConnell’s book is perfect for you.

What multi-dog household books do you recommend? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

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Adopting a Rescue Dog

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Rescue Dog

Rescue DogCongrats! There is nothing like the feeling of bringing home a rescue dog even if you’re fostering or he’s found his forever home. 🙂

While most rescue dogs have a past, they can still learn quickly so it’s vital to be prepared. It’s time to prepare for your new arrival. Read the best dog training books for rescue dogs!

Read Before Adopting a Rescue Dog

“Successful Dog Adoption”
by Sue Sternberg

It’s so important to be paired with a dog that will fit right into your home. All dogs are individuals, just like people, so learn which dog personality fits best with your lifestyle. Trust me, I’ve seen dogs mismatched with their owners in the past. I’ve watched high energy dogs paired with sedentary family members, which is not fair to the family or the dog. High energy dogs would love a running buddy so finding a highly active home would be a match made in heaven!

Now, most adopter coordinators are pretty skilled at pairing personalities, but I’ve also seen some major blunders. Reading this book before beginning the adoption process will help narrow down which personality fits your home best. Then, you’ll learn how to locate this personality among other rescue dogs, which is the hard part.

Put the time into research now. One study has shown people put more time into researching the best DVR than a dog, which is a living entity. Bring this book with you to the shelter and reference as needed.

Best Dog Training Books

“When Pigs Fly – Training Success with Impossible Dogs”
by Jane Killion
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“On Talking Terms with Dogs – Calming Signals (2nd Edition)”
by Turid Rugaas

“When Pigs Fly” is beautifully written with lots of tips and tricks for dogs with a past. You’ll learn how to teach your rescue dog polite behaviors using positive reinforcement and how to laugh at mistakes. This is probably one of my favorite books!

I still recommend enrolling in a dog training group class, especially within two weeks of bringing your rescue home. Group class provides plenty of learning moments with a professional dog trainer. Plus, you and your dog will develop a deeper bond as you’re both working as a team.

Prepare for a 90-day transition for your rescue dog to decompress and learn your lifestyle. You’re learning about your rescue dog’s needs and personality, making “On Talking Terms with Dogs” invaluable. Many clients have said, “If only dogs could talk.” Well this book is as close as you can get! You’ll learn what your dog is trying to tell you and how to ensure he is comfortable. Think of this book as a translator. 🙂

Best Book on Socialization

“Out and About with Your Dog – Dog to Dog Interactions on the Street, on the Trails, and in the Dog Park”
by Sue Sternberg

Sue Sternberg is one of the best at interpreting dog body language, and this book explains dog to dog interactions in easy-to-read terms. Lately, I’ve noticed a huge upswing of pet parents assuming socialization means their dogs must meet other dogs. Trust me, that is not true. You will not be a bad pet parent if you don’t allow your dog to meet every dog within a 50-mile radius. That is taking socialization to the extreme. Extreme socialization is the #1 reason for dog aggression.

So what should you do if someone else walks over with his rude dog to meet your dog? Stop, stand between the dog and your dog, turn and walk the other way. As you turn away, say, “Sorry, we’re training right now,” so no one’s feeling are hurt. 🙂

It’s your turn. What dog training books do you recommend for rescue dogs?

READ ALSO: Best Dog Training Books

New Puppy

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Puppy Training Books
Read only the best dog training books for new puppies!

Puppy Training Books

New puppy pet parents must have the best dog training books for new puppies!

Time is limited, especially if you work and have a new puppy. Sprinkle in children, and basically there is no time left! So I have two puppy book recommendations and both are packed with really good information and tips.

Of course, it’s vital to enroll your puppy in a group class. Having really good books to reference when questions pop up is pretty nice too! I recommend both books to pet parents enrolled in my group classes, as both books are invaluable.

I’m pretty picky about dog training books and I only recommend the very best so both are Fanna-approved. 🙂

Must Have New Puppy Book

“Puppy Start Right – Foundation Training for the Companion Dog”
by Dr. Kenneth Martin and Debbie Martin

Dr. Kenneth Martin is a veterinarian and board certified in animal behavior. Debbie Martin is his wife and a certified vet technician with a strong background in animal behavior as well. These two are a dynamic duo in animal behavior and solve tough behavior cases daily within their practice.

Dr. and Mrs. Martin strongly encourage enrolling your puppy in a group class, as socialization funnel is open until 16 weeks of age. In their book, you’ll learn how to positively socialize your puppy, predict and solve normal puppy behaviors, puppy development, understanding body language, and how to use a clicker to teach behaviors. Each behavior is explained step-by-step with photos for further explanation.

This book is considered one of the best dog training books out there and I completely agree!

Highly Recommended Reading

“Out and About with Your Dog – Dog to Dog Interactions on the Street, on the Trails, and in the Dog Park”
by Sue Sternberg

Sue Sternberg is one of the best at interpreting dog body language, and this books explains dog to dog interactions in easy-to-read terms. Lately, I’ve noticed a huge upswing of pet parents assuming socialization means your puppy must meet other dogs, but that is not true. Learn about extreme socialization and its fallouts in my article here.

If someone does walk over to your puppy with his dog, make sure to stand between your puppy and the dog and walk away.

It’s your turn. What are the best dog training books for new puppies?

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Bully Breeds

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Top Dog Training Books

Best Dog Training BooksAre bully breeds different than other dogs? Yes and no. If you live with a bully breed, you must read these top dog training books written specifically for bully breeds. Once you read the first two pages, you’ll understand why these breeds do things differently than most dogs.

I’m blessed to live with two bully breeds, a mini Bull Terrier and Rottweiler, and I highly recommend these books and DVDs!

What is a Bully Breed?

In general, I’m not a fan of lumping specific dogs into groups. However, I’ve noticed bully breeds do things a bit different, which can get them in trouble. “Bully” means “bull,” which means certain breeds are descended from bull dogs. But not all bully breeds come from a bull dog — some just play like a bully breed and are extremely independent. 🙂 Usually, bully breeds:

  1. Have short coats
  2. Are moderately to heavily muscled
  3. Are bred to work independently (make their own decisions)
  4. Love to play using body slams (They play rough! Most dogs are completely offended by their rough play style.)
  5. Stare at new things, such as a dog, person or really, anything. (They don’t know staring is rude and they stare because they can. It’s that simple.)
  6. Have no personal space. When meeting dogs or people, they stand 1 cm away from the other dog (It’s like they did not get the memo that personal space is required.)

If your dog fits in 3-5 categories, then these books and DVDs will be eye-opening for you!

RELATED: Best Dog Training Books

Top Dog Training Book

“When Pigs Fly – Training Success with Impossible Dogs”
by Jane Killion
&
“Bully for You: What to Expect from Bullies and What They Need” DVDs
by Trish King

“When Pigs Fly” will explain how to teach bully breeds polite manners using positive reinforcement training. Plus, you’ll understand what your dog sees from his perspective. You will laugh out loud, as Jane provides examples of independent dogs doing their own things – this hits home. 🙂 Jane Killion lives with Bull Terriers, and this breed is a hoot! They’re like a two-year-old child wrapped in a fur suit, and oh can they play rough! Trust me, Stella Mae, my mini Bull Terrier, will get so close to someone, especially if he is new to her, that she will be literally pushing against his left nostril!

“Bully for You” is a two-part DVD set and worth its weight in gold. This is an excellent visual for pet parents. It demonstrates how to interrupt rough play and keep your bully breed calm (sub-threshold) as well as another view from your dog’s perspective. Also, you’ll learn how to teach your bully breed:

  • How to look away instead of staring
  • Provide personal space

Best Book on Dog Greeting

“Out and About with Your Dog – Dog to Dog Interactions on the Street, on the Trails, and in the Dog Park”
by Sue Sternberg

Contrary to what many pet parents believe, socialization does not mean your dog must meet other dogs. In fact, forcing your dog to meet every dog within a 50-mile radius is taking socialization to the extreme. Sue Sternberg is a master in dog body language and explains what to do in dog to dog interactions.

Remember, bully breeds love to stare, get too close and play rough, which is considered rude to most dogs. Never allow your dog to act rudely to other dogs, as this will cause a fight! Your bully breed is acting friendly, and it’s not his fault another dog deems him rude and starts growling. It’s your job to teach your bully breed how to greet other dogs politely.

What are the best dog training books you recommend for bully breeds? Do you have a bully breed?

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