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10 Best Puppy Training Books 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Perfect Puppy in 7 Days: How to Start Your Puppy Off Right

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,235
Author's Expertise
Training Methods
Comprehensiveness

Most important from
2739 reviews

Author's Expertise
Sophia Yin's Low Stress handling techniques are life-changing, both for veterinarians and pet owners.
Training Methods
The house training advice and program are literally fail-safe, making it easy to identify and fix any mistakes.
Comprehensiveness
It provides a ton of information for different scenarios, ensuring you can continue training as your puppy grows.
Ease of Understanding
This book is printed on wonderful, strong paper with colored photos that clearly illustrate the training concepts, making it easy to follow.
Reviews and Recommendations
This is the only behavior/training book that is actually interesting, engaging, and works!

The book 'Perfect Puppy in 7 Days: How to Start Your Puppy Off Right' is authored by Dr. Sophia Yin, a well-known veterinarian and animal behaviorist, which gives it a strong foundation in expertise. Her methods are grounded in positive reinforcement, focusing on building a good relationship with your puppy from the start. This approach is generally well-regarded in the pet training community for its humane and effective techniques. The book is reasonably comprehensive for its size, packing a lot of useful information into its 176 pages.

It covers a wide range of topics from basic commands to house training and socialization, making it a good starting point for new puppy owners. One of its strengths is its clear, straightforward language, which makes it easy to understand even for those new to puppy training. The inclusion of real-life examples and case studies helps to illustrate the concepts and provide practical insights into common training scenarios. The physical book is portable and user-friendly, with dimensions and weight that make it easy to carry around for quick reference.

However, it is worth noting that its content might not be sufficient for those looking for more in-depth or advanced training techniques and might serve better as an introductory guide. This book is particularly suited for new puppy owners looking for a practical and easy-to-follow guide to start their puppy training journey.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,235
Author's Expertise
Training Methods
Comprehensiveness

Most important from
2739 reviews

Author's Expertise
Sophia Yin's Low Stress handling techniques are life-changing, both for veterinarians and pet owners.
Training Methods
The house training advice and program are literally fail-safe, making it easy to identify and fix any mistakes.
Comprehensiveness
It provides a ton of information for different scenarios, ensuring you can continue training as your puppy grows.
Ease of Understanding
This book is printed on wonderful, strong paper with colored photos that clearly illustrate the training concepts, making it easy to follow.
Reviews and Recommendations
This is the only behavior/training book that is actually interesting, engaging, and works!
#2

The Art of Raising a Puppy (Revised Edition)

Rating
9.4
Training Methods
Comprehensiveness
Ease of Understanding

Most important from
4605 reviews

Training Methods
This book provides a balanced approach between old-school choke-chain training and modern reward-based methods, leaning more towards rewards and affection.
Comprehensiveness
This book is a very comprehensive resource that covers all aspects of raising a well-behaved and happy dog.
Ease of Understanding
The formal training section is outstanding in its clarity, presenting methods in a sequential and memorable order.

The Art of Raising a Puppy (Revised Edition) is a well-regarded book in the puppy-training category. Authored by the Monks of New Skete, who are well-known for their expertise in dog training, this book benefits from their extensive experience and proven methods. The training techniques presented are based on positive reinforcement and clear communication, making them effective and humane.

This book is quite comprehensive, covering a wide range of topics from choosing the right puppy to training it into a well-behaved adult dog. The language is straightforward and easy to understand, making it accessible for first-time puppy owners. Real-life examples and case studies are included, which help to illustrate the concepts and provide practical insights.

At 352 pages, it may be a bit lengthy for those looking for a quick read. Additionally, while comprehensive, some readers might find the level of detail overwhelming if they are looking for a more basic guide. The book's dimensions and weight make it a substantial hardcover volume, which some may find cumbersome to carry around. Nonetheless, for those serious about raising a well-trained puppy, this book offers valuable guidance and support.

Rating
9.4
Training Methods
Comprehensiveness
Ease of Understanding

Most important from
4605 reviews

Training Methods
This book provides a balanced approach between old-school choke-chain training and modern reward-based methods, leaning more towards rewards and affection.
Comprehensiveness
This book is a very comprehensive resource that covers all aspects of raising a well-behaved and happy dog.
Ease of Understanding
The formal training section is outstanding in its clarity, presenting methods in a sequential and memorable order.
#3

How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond

Rating
9.4
Author's Expertise
Training Methods
Comprehensiveness

Most important from
9392 reviews

Author's Expertise
Great info from my favorite 'dog whisperer'!
Training Methods
Millan's methods are gentle and concerned only with the well-being of the dog.
Comprehensiveness
Extensive appendix with suggestions for further reading adds great value.
Ease of Understanding
Very informative, positive, and practical guide for both beginners and experienced handlers.
Real-Life Examples and Case Studies
Step-by-step instructions and specific examples from puppies Millan raised are particularly useful.

How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond is authored by Cesar Millan, a renowned dog behaviorist and trainer known for his expertise in dog psychology. The book is designed to guide new and experienced dog owners through the critical stages of puppy development and training. Millan's approach is rooted in understanding canine instincts and natural behaviors, which can be very effective for building a strong foundation with your puppy.

The book covers a range of training methods, emphasizing positive reinforcement and clear communication. It's quite comprehensive, addressing various aspects of puppy care, including housebreaking, socialization, and basic commands. The language used is simple and easy to follow, making it accessible for readers without a background in dog training. Real-life examples and case studies are included, which can help readers relate to their own experiences and see practical applications of the advice given.

This book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to raise a well-behaved and happy puppy, especially if they appreciate a thorough and methodical approach to dog training.

Rating
9.4
Author's Expertise
Training Methods
Comprehensiveness

Most important from
9392 reviews

Author's Expertise
Great info from my favorite 'dog whisperer'!
Training Methods
Millan's methods are gentle and concerned only with the well-being of the dog.
Comprehensiveness
Extensive appendix with suggestions for further reading adds great value.
Ease of Understanding
Very informative, positive, and practical guide for both beginners and experienced handlers.
Real-Life Examples and Case Studies
Step-by-step instructions and specific examples from puppies Millan raised are particularly useful.

Buying Guide for the Best Puppy Training Books

Choosing the right puppy training book can make a significant difference in how effectively you train your new furry friend. The right book will provide you with the knowledge and techniques needed to teach your puppy good behavior, socialization, and basic commands. When selecting a puppy training book, consider the author's expertise, the training methods advocated, and the book's comprehensiveness. Here are some key aspects to consider when choosing a puppy training book.
Author's ExpertiseThe author's background and experience in dog training are crucial. Look for books written by certified dog trainers, veterinarians, or animal behaviorists. These professionals have the knowledge and experience to provide reliable and effective training advice. If the author has a good reputation and positive reviews from other dog owners, it's a good sign that the book will be helpful.
Training MethodsDifferent books may advocate various training methods, such as positive reinforcement, clicker training, or dominance-based techniques. Positive reinforcement, which involves rewarding good behavior, is widely recommended by experts as it is humane and effective. Ensure the book aligns with your values and preferred training style. Avoid books that promote harsh or punitive methods, as these can harm your puppy's well-being and your relationship with them.
ComprehensivenessA good puppy training book should cover a wide range of topics, including house training, basic commands, socialization, and dealing with common behavioral issues. Comprehensive books provide a well-rounded approach to training, ensuring you have the tools to address various aspects of your puppy's development. Look for books with detailed instructions, step-by-step guides, and troubleshooting tips to help you navigate any challenges that arise.
Ease of UnderstandingThe book should be written in clear, easy-to-understand language. Training a puppy can be challenging, so you want a book that simplifies complex concepts and provides practical advice. Books with illustrations, photos, or diagrams can be particularly helpful in demonstrating techniques. Choose a book that matches your level of experience and comfort with dog training.
Real-Life Examples and Case StudiesBooks that include real-life examples and case studies can be very beneficial. These examples show how the training techniques have been successfully applied in various situations, providing you with a better understanding of how to implement them with your puppy. They can also offer reassurance that the methods work and inspire confidence in your training efforts.
Reviews and RecommendationsReading reviews and seeking recommendations from other dog owners, trainers, or veterinarians can help you choose a reliable book. Look for books with high ratings and positive feedback regarding their effectiveness and ease of use. Personal recommendations can also be valuable, as they come from trusted sources who have had firsthand experience with the book.

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