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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?

Best Dog Books for Fearful Dogs

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Best Books to Help Your Fearful Dog

Fearful Dog Training Book
ArenaCreative/Deposit Photos

Fearful dogs are usually reactive. They bark, lunge, run away from dogs and people, and live in a constant state of anxiety. If your dog is fearful, I recommend:

  • Enrolling your dog in a Relaxed Rover training class.
  • Reading dog training books focused on fearful dogs.

Dog training classes like the Relaxed Rover class is generally limited to five enrollees for each class. These dog training classes are focused on decreasing your dog’s fear and anxiety. By building confidence and teaching your dog how to calm himself, you’ll make your dog less fearful.

RELATED: How to Train Fearful Dogs

Every dog in class is reactive, so the dog owners are in the same boat as you. By the end of a five- to six-week course, your dog will learn how to look at other dogs without reacting and be much more relaxed. You’ll also learn how to deal with approaching dogs during walks and so much more.

Below, I’ve recommended a few books that can help your fearful dog. They’re straight to the point, easy to read, very effective and they echo skills learned in the Relaxed Rover class environment. While these books will certainly move you in the right direction, I still recommend a session with a dog trainer. All dogs are different, so these book recommendations may need to be tweaked a bit.

Best Reactive Dog Training Book

“Feisty Fido – Help for the Leash Reactive Dog, 2nd Edition”
by Patricia McConnell and Karen London

This dog training book shows you how to complete an ER U-turn when other dogs approach. It also teaches you skills to move away quickly while keeping your dog calm. This is a booklet so it’s super easy to read, but packed full of great tips.

Best Book for Fearful Dogs

Both books target fearful dogs that are afraid of many things. Usually, these dogs will shrink away, react to loud sounds or live in general anxiety. Now, most fearful dogs will react to other dogs so I do recommend reading “Feisty Fido” by Dr. McConnell listed above as well.

“Cautious Canine – How to Help Dogs Conquer Their Fears, 2nd Edition”
by Patricia McConnell

“Cautious Canine” is a quick read booklet packed with invaluable information on how to manage and deal with your dog’s fear. There are also excellent tips on conquering their fear. A must-read book. 🙂

“Help for Your Fearful Dog – A Step-by-Step Guide to Helping Your Dog Conquer His Fears
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by Nicole Wilde

“Help for Your Fearful Dog” by Nicole Wilde is a step-by-step guide, as mentioned in the title, for people who need specific steps to complete. Wilde also explains what causes your dog to be fearful in greater detail than “Cautious Canine.”

I want to hear from you. What are your thoughts on these recommended dog training books? 

READ ALSO: How to Train Fearful Dogs

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!

You may also like: Sharing a Bed With Your Dog

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?

READ ALSO: Dogs and Children
Dog Training Nation is a dog training blog for pet owners and dog lovers. We cover a range of topics from puppy socialization tips to dog aggression to dog health. It is our hope you share our content to make the world a better place for dogs.

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