We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Dog Training Books 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Gun Dog: Revolutionary Rapid Training Method

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,455
Training Method
Author's Expertise
Target Audience

Most important from
829 reviews

Training Method
Gun Dog teaches you to train your pup to love learning, without dominance or force.
Author's Expertise
Invaluable resource for training, with great information that stands the test of time.
Target Audience
An easy reading book that truly works if you dedicate fifteen to twenty minutes a day to training your pup.
Specific Behavioral Issues
By sixteen weeks, she understood all commands and hand signals, making her a remarkable hunting dog and well-behaved family pet.

The book 'Gun Dog: Revolutionary Rapid Training Method' by Richard A. Wolters is a highly regarded resource for training sporting dogs, particularly those used for hunting. One of its main strengths is its clear and concise training method that promises rapid results, which is ideal for dog owners looking for effective and efficient training techniques. The author's expertise is evident, as Wolters is well-known in the field of gun dog training, lending credibility to his methods.

The book is targeted primarily at dog owners and trainers who are interested in teaching their dogs how to perform in hunting scenarios, addressing specific behavioral issues such as obedience, retrieving, and field performance. It is presented in a hardcover format, making it durable and easy to handle, with 150 pages that are packed with useful information.

The book is written in English, ensuring accessibility for a wide audience, and its dimensions and weight make it convenient to carry around. For those who are specifically interested in training gun dogs, this book remains a valuable and respected resource.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,455
Training Method
Author's Expertise
Target Audience

Most important from
829 reviews

Training Method
Gun Dog teaches you to train your pup to love learning, without dominance or force.
Author's Expertise
Invaluable resource for training, with great information that stands the test of time.
Target Audience
An easy reading book that truly works if you dedicate fifteen to twenty minutes a day to training your pup.
Specific Behavioral Issues
By sixteen weeks, she understood all commands and hand signals, making her a remarkable hunting dog and well-behaved family pet.
#2

The Koehler Method of Dog Training Certified Techniques By Movieland's Most Experienced Dog Trainer

Rating
9.7
Training Method
Author's Expertise
Specific Behavioral Issues

Most important from
791 reviews

Training Method
Following the Koehler method religiously can ensure both you and your dog are safer and happier, setting a strong foundation for further training.
Author's Expertise
The author’s extensive experience, having successfully trained over 140,000 dogs and influenced the training of over 500,000 more, lends significant credibility to the methods described.
Specific Behavioral Issues
This book is a comprehensive guide, especially beneficial for those with larger, more aggressive breeds, offering a step-by-step program that addresses serious behavioral issues.

The Koehler Method of Dog Training, authored by one of Movieland's most experienced dog trainers, offers a wealth of knowledge in dog training techniques. The book emphasizes a traditional training method that is well-established and has been used by many professional trainers. The author’s extensive experience lends credibility and depth to the training methods discussed.

This training book could be particularly useful for dog owners looking for a structured and tested approach to training their pets. The book is primarily targeted at dog owners who prefer a disciplined and regimented approach to training. It covers a range of behavioral issues, making it a comprehensive resource for addressing common problems such as obedience and behavioral correction.

The format of the book is accessible, with a hardcover edition spanning 208 pages, ensuring durability and a thorough exploration of the topics. The book is written in English and published by Howell Book House, making it widely available. Its dimensions and weight make it a manageable size for regular use, though some might find the hardcover a bit bulky. Readers who appreciate a traditional training methodology and have respect for historical training perspectives might find this book invaluable.

Rating
9.7
Training Method
Author's Expertise
Specific Behavioral Issues

Most important from
791 reviews

Training Method
Following the Koehler method religiously can ensure both you and your dog are safer and happier, setting a strong foundation for further training.
Author's Expertise
The author’s extensive experience, having successfully trained over 140,000 dogs and influenced the training of over 500,000 more, lends significant credibility to the methods described.
Specific Behavioral Issues
This book is a comprehensive guide, especially beneficial for those with larger, more aggressive breeds, offering a step-by-step program that addresses serious behavioral issues.
#3

Sporting Dog and Retriever Training: The Wildrose Way: Raising a Gentleman's Gundog for Home and Field

Rating
9.7
Training Method
Author's Expertise
Target Audience

Most important from
328 reviews

Training Method
Mike presents his methods, especially the drills, in a fantastic and practical way.
Author's Expertise
Wild Rose Kennels is one of the premier dog trainers for English Labrador Retrievers in the US, and this book is a great companion to their video.
Target Audience
The book is highly recommended for anyone training a sporting dog.

The book 'Sporting Dog and Retriever Training: The Wildrose Way: Raising a Gentleman's Gundog for Home and Field' is a comprehensive guide for those interested in training sporting dogs, specifically retrievers. The training method emphasized in the book is the Wildrose Way, which is known for its gentle and effective approach to raising well-mannered gundogs. The author, Mike Stewart, is a recognized expert in the field of dog training, lending credibility and depth to the book's content. His expertise ensures that the training techniques are both practical and reliable, making it easier for dog owners to implement them successfully.

The target audience for this book includes both novice and experienced dog trainers who are looking to raise their dogs for both home companionship and field activities. It is particularly beneficial for those who own or are interested in owning hunting dogs and want to train them in a humane and effective manner. The book addresses specific behavioral issues such as obedience, retrieving, and field skills, which are crucial for sporting dogs.

The book is available in a hardcover edition with 256 pages, making it a substantial resource. Its dimensions are 8.86 x 1.08 x 11.31 inches, and it weighs 3.55 pounds, indicating that it is a large and detailed book. The language of the book is English, and it is published by Universe in an illustrated edition, which likely includes helpful visual aids to complement the text. One potential drawback is its size and weight, which might make it less portable. However, for those serious about training their dogs, this book offers a wealth of information and practical advice. Its ranking among bestsellers suggests it is a popular choice among dog owners and trainers.

Rating
9.7
Training Method
Author's Expertise
Target Audience

Most important from
328 reviews

Training Method
Mike presents his methods, especially the drills, in a fantastic and practical way.
Author's Expertise
Wild Rose Kennels is one of the premier dog trainers for English Labrador Retrievers in the US, and this book is a great companion to their video.
Target Audience
The book is highly recommended for anyone training a sporting dog.

Buying Guide for the Best Dog Training Books

Choosing the right dog training book can make a significant difference in how effectively you can train your dog. The right book will provide you with the knowledge and techniques you need to understand your dog's behavior and teach them new skills. When selecting a dog training book, consider your dog's age, breed, and any specific behavioral issues you want to address. Additionally, think about your own experience level with dog training and what type of training methods you are comfortable with. Here are some key specifications to consider when choosing a dog training book.
Training MethodThe training method is the approach the book uses to teach your dog. Common methods include positive reinforcement, clicker training, and dominance-based training. Positive reinforcement focuses on rewarding good behavior, while clicker training uses a clicker device to mark desired behaviors. Dominance-based training emphasizes establishing the owner as the pack leader. It's important to choose a method that aligns with your values and is suitable for your dog's temperament. For example, positive reinforcement is generally recommended for most dogs as it builds trust and encourages learning through rewards.
Author's ExpertiseThe author's expertise refers to their background and experience in dog training. 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. An author's credentials and years of experience can give you confidence in the techniques and information presented in the book. If you are new to dog training, choosing a book by a well-known and respected expert can be particularly beneficial.
Target AudienceThe target audience is the group of people the book is written for. Some books are geared towards beginners, while others are intended for more experienced trainers. Additionally, some books focus on training puppies, while others address adult dogs or specific breeds. Consider your own experience level and your dog's age and breed when selecting a book. If you are a first-time dog owner, a book for beginners with step-by-step instructions and clear explanations will be most helpful.
Specific Behavioral IssuesSpecific behavioral issues refer to particular problems the book addresses, such as aggression, separation anxiety, or house training. If your dog has a specific issue you want to work on, look for a book that provides detailed strategies and solutions for that problem. Books that focus on common behavioral issues can offer targeted advice and techniques to help you address and correct these behaviors effectively.
Format and AccessibilityThe format and accessibility of the book refer to how the information is presented and how easy it is to understand. Some books include step-by-step guides, illustrations, and photographs to help explain the training techniques. Others may offer online resources, videos, or companion websites. Choose a book that is well-organized and easy to follow, with clear instructions and visual aids if needed. If you prefer a more interactive learning experience, look for books that offer additional online content or multimedia resources.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now