5 Best Dog Training Books to Raise an Obedient and Happy Pup
Owning a dog brings joy, companionship, and surprisingly—better mental health. In fact, studies show that living with a dog can significantly improve emotional well-being. It’s no wonder that over 65 million households in the U.S. alone have at least one dog.
However, training a dog the right way can be challenging, especially if you’re a first-time owner. From biting and barking to pulling on the leash or ignoring commands—it takes time, patience, and guidance to raise a well-behaved dog.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 5 best dog training books to help you understand, train, and bond with your pet. Whether you have a new puppy or an adult dog, these books will offer the insights you need to raise a smart, obedient, and happy canine companion.
1. Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution
Authors: Zak George & Dina Roth Port
Zak George, a well-known dog trainer and YouTube personality, brings his experience into this all-in-one guide for dog owners. This book is great for both new pet parents and seasoned dog lovers looking for modern training methods.
What You’ll Learn:
- How to choose the right dog for your lifestyle
- Basic house training techniques
- How to correct unwanted behaviors like barking, aggression, and leash pulling
- Diet, health, and enrichment tips
- Building a strong, positive relationship with your dog
George focuses on positive reinforcement and gives practical advice based on real-life situations. His step-by-step approach, drawn from his popular video series, makes this one of the best dog training books for beginners.
2. Training the Best Dog Ever: A 5-Week Program Using the Power of Positive Reinforcement
Author: Larry Kay
This book is ideal if you’re looking for a structured, short-term program that delivers real results. Larry Kay offers a 5-week training plan based on kindness, consistency, and trust—no harsh discipline involved.
Key Features:
- Illustrated, step-by-step lessons
- Only 20 minutes per day of training
- Focuses on building good habits early
- Covers basic commands, potty training, leash walking, and more
- Designed for dogs of all ages and breeds
By focusing on treats and love instead of punishment, this book turns training into a bonding experience. It’s especially useful for families with kids who want to get involved in the dog’s training journey.
3. Dog Training Bible: Everything You Need to Know to Raise the Best Dog Ever from Puppy to Adult
Author: Sarah Richey
This book covers your dog’s journey from puppyhood to adulthood in a simple, easy-to-follow way. It emphasizes understanding your dog’s behavior and using positive techniques that respect your dog’s instincts.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Covers all dog life stages (neonatal, puppy, adult, senior)
- Tips for house-proofing your home
- Crate training, socialization, and anxiety management
- Health and nutrition advice
- Social behavior tips (dog-to-dog and dog-to-human)
Whether you’re raising a puppy or adopting an older dog, this book is packed with practical advice to make your dog a well-adjusted member of the family.
4. The Big Book of Tricks for the Best Dog Ever
Authors: Larry Kay & Chris Perondi
Training doesn’t have to stop at the basics—why not teach your dog some fun tricks too? This book is a comprehensive guide to teaching dogs everything from simple commands to performance-level skills.
What You’ll Discover:
- Over 100 step-by-step tricks
- Lessons for all skill levels (beginner to pro)
- Training for tricks like: roll over, paw shake, fetch, jump, spin, and more
- Tips on filming your dog or getting into dog sports
- Helps build trust, focus, and confidence in your pet
Not only does this book encourage obedience and discipline, but it also helps your dog express its personality and build stronger bonds through play-based learning.
5. How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond
Authors: Cesar Millan & Melissa Jo Peltier
From the star of National Geographic’s Dog Whisperer, this book delivers expert guidance on building a solid foundation for your pup—starting from day one.
Inside You’ll Find:
- Tips for choosing the right breed
- Techniques for housebreaking, obedience, and socialization
- Advice on nutrition, vaccinations, and grooming
- Strategies to prevent common training mistakes
- Solutions for behavioral problems before they start
Cesar Millan’s calm, assertive approach has worked for millions of dog owners, and this book is perfect if you want to raise a dog who is calm, obedient, and emotionally balanced.
Final Thoughts
Training your dog isn’t just about teaching commands—it’s about building trust, setting boundaries, and creating a lifelong bond. These 5 books provide a variety of approaches to dog training, from basic obedience and behavior correction to advanced tricks and emotional development.
Here’s a quick summary of what each book offers:
| Book | Best For |
|---|---|
| Dog Training Revolution | First-time owners who want a comprehensive guide |
| Training the Best Dog Ever | Owners looking for a fast, 5-week program |
| Dog Training Bible | All-stage dog care, from puppy to senior |
| The Big Book of Tricks | Teaching fun and advanced tricks |
| How to Raise the Perfect Dog | Raising calm, obedient dogs from puppyhood |
With the right book in hand and a little consistency, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your dog learns—and how much stronger your bond becomes.