Best Books On Puppy Training
As a veterinarian with ten years of experience and someone who runs a sanctuary for stray dogs and cats, I can tell you this—training a puppy isn’t optional. It’s your responsibility. A well-trained dog is a happy dog, and more importantly, a safe dog. You don’t want a pet that jumps on guests, chews up furniture, or worse—runs into traffic because they never learned to come when called.
There’s a lot of nonsense out there about training. Some people will tell you to dominate your dog. Others say to let them “express themselves” (whatever that means). The truth? A good training book will teach you structure, patience, and consistency—three things every puppy needs.
Here’s my list of the best books on puppy training. These aren’t gimmicky or outdated. They’re based on real science and practical experience.
1. “The Art of Raising a Puppy” – The New Skete Monks
Why It’s Great: The monks of New Skete have trained dogs for over 50 years. They combine deep knowledge of canine behavior with a calm, thoughtful approach to training.
Key Takeaways:
Focuses on understanding your puppy’s instincts and emotions Covers housebreaking, socialization, and problem-solving Uses positive reinforcement, not outdated dominance theories
Who Should Read It: If you want a holistic, experience-based approach to raising a well-balanced puppy, this book is a must-read.
2. “How to Raise the Perfect Dog” – Cesar Millan
Why It’s Great: Cesar Millan is a household name in dog training, and while his methods have evolved over the years, this book provides a solid foundation for raising a calm, well-adjusted dog.
Key Takeaways: Teaches how to prevent behavior issues before they start Stresses the importance of energy, discipline, and structure Covers exercise, diet, and socialization alongside training
Who Should Read It: If you want to understand the role of leadership in training and raising a confident dog, this book offers practical advice.
3. “The Puppy Primer” – Patricia McConnell
Why It’s Great: Patricia McConnell is a respected animal behaviorist who brings science-backed methods into an easy-to-follow training guide.
Key Takeaways: Focuses on positive reinforcement and relationship-based training Breaks training down into short, manageable sessions Covers everything from basic commands to handling common puppy issues
Who Should Read It: If you’re looking for a gentle, research-based approach that’s effective for all breeds, this book delivers.
4. “Don’t Shoot the Dog!” – Karen Pryor
Why It’s Great: This isn’t just a dog training book—it’s a deep dive into behavior and positive reinforcement. Karen Pryor, a pioneer in clicker training, explains how reinforcement works in a way that makes sense.
Key Takeaways: Teaches you how to shape behavior using rewards Covers clicker training and its effectiveness Helps you understand the psychology behind training
Who Should Read It: If you’re interested in the science behind training and want to use positive reinforcement effectively, this book is a game-changer.
5. “The Other End of the Leash” – Patricia McConnell
Why It’s Great: This book flips the script and makes you look at your own behavior, not just your puppy’s. It’s about how dogs perceive us and how we can communicate with them better.
Key Takeaways: Helps you understand how dogs interpret human body language Explains why some common training methods fail Focuses on building trust and mutual respect
Who Should Read It: If you want to improve your connection with your dog and become a better trainer, this book is invaluable.
Final Thoughts: The Right Book Can Make All the Difference
Training a puppy isn’t just about teaching commands—it’s about creating a bond built on trust, respect, and communication. These books will guide you through the process, helping you raise a dog that listens, behaves, and fits into your life.
The best thing you can do for your puppy is to educate yourself. Read, learn, and apply what works best for you and your dog. Training isn’t always easy, but with the right knowledge, it becomes a whole lot simpler.
