Best Dog Training Books for Every of Dog
Dog training books are an excellent resource for discovering science-based, trustworthy information about dog behavior. With so many dog training books out there, though, it can be difficult to choose a book that will best suit you and your dog’s needs. So, here are some great books to help you get started.
“Don’t Shoot the Dog” by Karen Pryor
Karen Pryor, a leader successful clicker training, wrote Don’t Shoot the Dog to help inform pet parents on positive-reinforcement training in an is to read and entertaining setup. Throughout the book, Pryor explains how the principles of shaping a dog’s behavior can work just about any animal (including humans).
“The Culture Clash” by Jean Donaldson
The Culture Clash is a great introductory book into positive-reinforcement training. It’s a pretty compact book, but within it’s few pages are loads of insight into how dogs think and communicate. Additionally, the book helps pet parents understand how to successfully communicate with their pup in a way that changes their behavior for the better.
The Culture Clash also includes a handful of exercises on how to teach Fido beginner, intermediate, and advanced cues.
“How to Behave so Your Dog Behaves” by Dr. Sophia Yin
Dr. Sophia Yin, a well-respected veterinary behavioral specialist, wrote How to Behave so Your Dog Behaves to help pet parents better understand the science on dog behavior and learning. In the book, you’ll learn about key theoretical concepts in simple, easy to digest language that will show you how to train your furry friend better.
“Before You Get Your Puppy and After You Get Your Puppy” by Ian Dunbar
For anyone getting a puppy, Before You Get Your Puppy and After You Get Your Puppy is an excellent manual on how to provide structure to create a happy, healthy, and well-behaved pup. Ian Dunbar breaks down the six different developmental deadlines to puppy training, all while in a humorous way.
“Help For Your Fearful Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide to Helping Your Dog Conquer His Fears” by Nicole Wilde
Nicole Wilde does a great job of introducing the 15 most common dog fears and how to conquer them in Help For Your Fearful Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide to Helping Your Dog Conquer His Fears. The book is easy to follow and provides information and resources on canines who fear strangers, other dogs, and riding in the car.
“Fired Up, Frantic, and Freaked Out: Training the Crazy Dog from Over the Top to Under Control” by Laura VanArendonk Baugh
Fired Up, Frantic, and Freaked Out: Training the Crazy Dog from Over the Top to Under Control gives detailed and thorough advice to help bring a sense of calm to your over-aroused pooch. For pups who have especial difficulty with in-hoe issues like greeting guests or clicker training, this book is an excellent resource.
“Treating Separation Anxiety in Dogs” by Malena DeMartini-Price
One of the trickiest behavioral challenges to overcome is having a pooch with separation anxiety. In Treating Separation Anxiety in Dogs, Malena DeMartini-Price explains the methods she’s developed over the last decade to help hundreds of dogs overcome the panic that issues them when left alone. In the book, you’ll find more information on why dogs develop separation anxiety along with steps and exercises to help solve the situation.
“Fight! A Practical Guide to the Treatment of Dog-Dog Aggression” by Jean Donaldson
Another challenging topic is aggressive dog behavior. Fight! A Practical Guide to the Treatment of Dog-Dog Aggression – discusses this topic transparently and practically. The book by Jean Donaldson is an excellent starting point for understanding why your dog is aggressive and how to improve their behavior and relationships with other pups.
Even with all of these resources, getting your dog the help they need can still be challenging. This is why it’s recommended to complete dog training classes along with reading up on some of these materials – and at Sit Means Sit, we can help you get you and your pooch get to that better place you wish to be at.