Updated 4 Aug 2025
Get your thinking caps on and explore a few good dog training books to get clued-up on your dog’s training journey. Below, find 10 popular books to train dogs, covering everything from potty training and basic commands, to body language and behavioral science.
“Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love”, by Zak George
Famous for his YouTube videos and TV appearances, Zak George’s unique training method is tailored towards individual dogs, making this one of the best-rated dog training books.
When paired with his videos, it guides new pet parents through the art of raising a puppy - from choosing the right dog for your family to training techniques and basic health care advice. The final chapter covers fun tricks and activities to do with your pooch as well as tips on traveling with a four-legged friend.
“Puppy Training for Kids: Teaching Children the Responsibilities and Joys of Puppy Care, Training, and Companionship”, by Colleen Pelar
The best books on training dogs should be easy to digest , and that’s why this one's filled with illustrations and photos to make learning fun and easy to understand. Aimed at children 7-10, this training manual is perfect for teaching kids (and adults) how to care for a new puppy with a focus on housetraining, socialization, and puppy care.
It’s not only the dog’s behavior that is under the microscope in this training guide, as it also teaches children how to treat their new pet, who won’t be as comfortable being hugged, kissed, and squeezed as their human counterparts might be. Find out more about puppy training for beginners here, or read on to discover more of the best books on dog training.
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“101 Dog Tricks: Step by Step Activities to Engage, Challenge, and Bond with Your Dog”, by Kyra Sundance
No matter your dog’s IQ, Kyra Sundance’s bestselling guide makes mastering advanced tricks a breeze. Follow the step-by-step instructions to nail basics like “sit” and “shake hands,” then work your way up to show-stoppers like fetching a soda or cleaning up toys.
With photos and themed activities (like dancing or chores), teaching your dog tricks from this book is fun and easy for you, and mentally stimulating for your pooch. It's also a great way to bond while keeping them active. Just note that some of the tricks in advanced dog training books like this one require props, and beginners and puppies might want to start with an easier guide.
“How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond”, by Cesar Millan
Cesar Millan, known as the Dog Whisperer and the #1 New York Times bestselling author of numerous training books for dogs, walks you through raising the perfect pooch from their first wobbly steps right through to adulthood.
The Cesar Millan dog training book focuses on various topics including the key stages of your pup’s development, housebreaking tips and tricks, advice on nutrition and vaccinations, and how to teach your dog to play by the rules - all from the experienced trainer himself.
It also highlights common mistakes to avoid and how to correct undesirable behavior using positive reinforcement alongside discipline, a common technique seen in balanced dog training books. It's as much about training humans to respond correctly to their furry friends’ signals as it is about training the dog itself, so be prepared to put in the work!
“Fired Up, Frantic, and Freaked Out: Training the Crazy Dog from Over the Top to Under Control”, by Laura VanArendonk Baugh
Whether you’ve adopted a service dog or a pooch with a traumatic past, this will be an interesting read on canine behavior. Award-winning trainer Laura VanArendonk Baugh brings you one of the best aggressive dog training books, with a method that takes the stress out of training four-legged friends that are nervous, fearful, or just don’t listen.
Getting to the bottom of your unruly pup’s behavior may seem daunting, but illustrated training sessions lasting a minute or less guide pet parents through simple training techniques including mat work and clicker training, and offer advice on when it's time to look for professional training help.
“Training the Best Dog Ever: A 5-Week Program Using the Power of Positive Reinforcement”, by Larry Kay
If anyone’s got a doggy claim to fame, it’s author Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz, who was dog trainer to the White House dog, Bo Obama, as well as each of Senator Edward Kennedy’s dogs.
Her book “Training the Best Dog Ever” teaches pet parents how to use trust and treats to their full potential to teach puppies good habits and break bad ones in older dogs. The five-week crash course is made up of short 10-20 minute training sessions, which cover everything from feeding and potty training to water safety and behavior problems. Your teacher's pet will be taught to be the best buddy they were born to be in no time!
“Lucky Dog Lessons: Train Your Dog in 7 Days”, by Brandon McMillan
Whether your pup is a rescue or purebred, Brandon McMillan can help you transform your four-legged friend in just seven days. After building trust, focus, and control, you'll teach your pup the seven key commands: sit, stay, down, come, off, heel, and no.
McMillan also tackles common issues like housebreaking, chewing, and excessive barking alongside stories of his beloved furry students and a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what goes down on his award-winning show Lucky Dog. With multiple training techniques to choose from, this book helps you form a better understanding of what kind of doggy you’re dealing with.
“Meet Your Dog: The Game-Changing Guide to Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior” by Kim Brophey.
Some pet parents enjoy this dog training book as it introduces a holistic framework called L.E.G.S. (Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self). The core message is that to truly understand a dog’s behavior, owners must look beyond just what the dog has "learned" and consider the full picture of their nature. This book offers a scientific perspective to understanding your dog’s behavior, so if you’re interested in the theory behind the way your dog behaves, give this one a go.
“Perfect Puppy in 7 Days: How to Start Your Puppy Off Right” by Dr. Sophia Yin.
This is another great read on positive reinforcement-based dog training. Find practical tips and information on potty training, socialization and basic life skills for your puppy. With an easy-to-follow roadmap to your puppy’s training, this book might be a super practical and useful guide to have around during your dog’s development.
“Canine Body Language: A Photographic Guide”, by Brenda Aloff
A key to understanding your dog’s behavior, and the reasons why they might ‘misbehave’ is understanding their body language. This is a super practical guide, as dog owners can follow hundreds of photos to get an understanding of their canine’s body language. Learn about stress signals, predatory stares and signs your dog is feeling safe and relaxed. This is a good dog training book if your puppy is already trained, and you want to dive deeper into truly understanding your pet.
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