Whether you’ve just welcomed a new puppy into your home or want to improve your adult dog’s behaviour, the right training book can completely transform your experience as a pet owner. The best dog training books give you step-by-step guidance, real-life strategies, and expert advice that save you time, reduce frustration, and help you build a deeper bond with your dog. From positive reinforcement to behaviour correction and obedience training, these top-rated books are trusted by professional trainers and dog owners across the USA. If you’re looking for reliable, easy-to-follow training methods that actually work, here are the 5 best dog training books you should read right now.
1. How to Raise the Perfect Dog by Cesar Millan
Best for:
Puppy owners who want long-term results
Cesar Millan, known as the “Dog Whisperer,” uses his years of experience to help dog owners understand the psychology behind a dog’s behaviour. This book walks you through every stage of puppyhood, from birth to maturity
Key Benefits
- Teaches leadership-based training
- Offers tips to prevent bad habits before they start
- Ideal for first-time dog owners
Why It’s One of the Best Dog Training Books
This book doesn’t just tell you what to do—it explains why dogs behave the way they do, helping you connect with your pet on a deeper emotional level. If you want a permanent behaviour change, this is a must-read.
Perfect for: Owners who want a calm, disciplined, and balanced dog.
2. Puppy Training in 7 Easy Steps: Everything You Need to Know to Raise the Perfect Dog
Best for:
Busy owners who want quick results
This beginner-friendly book simplifies training into 7 easy steps. It focuses on housebreaking, crate training, basic commands, and socialisation using gentle techniques.
Key Benefits
- Easy-to-follow daily routines
- Step-by-step guides with clear instructions
- Positive reinforcement approach
Why It’s One of the Best Dog Training Books
If you want a fast, structured system to train your dog without stress, this book gives you an actionable plan you can start today.
Perfect for: Families and individuals with a new puppy looking for fast progress.
3. The Practical Positive Dog Training Bible
Best for:
Dog owners who want science-backed, positive training
This book is an all-in-one manual for training dogs using proven reward-based techniques. It covers everything from basic obedience to correcting aggressive and fearful behaviours.
Key Benefits
- Eliminates the need for punishment
- Builds trust and confidence in your dog
- Easy techniques that work for all breeds and ages
Why It’s One of the Best Dog Training Books
It gives practical advice supported by animal behaviour science, making it a top pick for people who prefer kind and effective training methods.
Perfect for: Owners dealing with anxiety, barking, or stubborn behaviour.
4. The Art of Raising a Puppy by Monks of New Skete
Best for:
Those seeking a holistic, relationship-based approach
Written by dog-loving monks with decades of experience, this book offers a spiritual yet practical path to raising a well-mannered dog. It focuses on understanding your dog’s emotional and developmental needs.
Key Benefits
- In-depth puppy development insights
- Teaches patience and mindful training
- Emphasises emotional bonding
Why It’s One of the Best Dog Training Books
It is one of the most trusted books in the USA for puppy training because it combines philosophy with practice, helping you raise a dog that is emotionally balanced and well-behaved.
Perfect for: Thoughtful owners who want to understand their dog’s mind.
5. Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution
Best for:
Modern dog owners who want personalised training plans
Zak George is a well-known YouTube dog trainer, and his book mirrors his fun, engaging teaching style. He guides you through training based on your dog’s personality—not a one-size-fits-all method.
Key Benefits
- Covers obedience, biting, leash pulling, and barking
- Includes troubleshooting for problem behaviours
- Packed with real-life examples and video links
Why It’s One of the Best Dog Training Books
This book is ideal for modern pet parents who want results without using harsh methods. It’s practical, motivational, and perfect for beginners.
Perfect for: Dog owners who want a friendly guide and fast results.
Conclusion: Which Book Should You Start With?
All five titles are considered the best dog training books because they offer real solutions for real dog owners. If you’re a beginner, start with Puppy Training in 7 Easy Steps or Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution. If you want deeper insight into your dog’s nature, try How to Raise the Perfect Dog or The Art of Raising a Puppy. And if you prefer science-based positive methods, The Practical Positive Dog Training Bible is your best match.
👉 Ready to transform your dog’s behaviour? Choose one of these books today and start seeing results in just a few days. A trained dog is a happy dog—and a happy owner!
FAQs
Puppy Training in 7 Easy Steps is one of the best dog training books for beginners because it provides a simple, step-by-step guide that is easy to follow.
Yes! Books like The Practical Positive Dog Training Bible use reward-based methods proven to be more effective and kinder than punishment.
Absolutely. While some focus on puppies, most techniques work for dogs of any age, especially books by Cesar Millan and Zak George.