10 Best Puppy Training Books 2026 in the United States

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.

The Cesar Milan 3 Books Collection offers a solid choice for puppy owners seeking guidance from a well-known dog behaviorist. Cesar Milan’s expertise in dog psychology is clear throughout the set, making the training methods straightforward and practical for many common puppy challenges. The books cover a broad range of topics, from basic training to managing problem behaviors and establishing leadership in a friendly way.

They are written in an accessible style that most readers will find easy to follow, with plenty of real-world examples that help illustrate the points. Some readers might find the approach somewhat focused on older dogs rather than very young puppies, and the pack leader concept doesn’t resonate with everyone. While this collection is quite comprehensive, it may not include every puppy training style, especially those preferring reward-based or exclusively gentle training methods.

Reviews tend to be positive, praising Cesar’s clear advice and practical tips, although a few note that some advice may feel a bit rigid or outdated compared to modern training philosophies. This set is well suited for puppy owners looking for confident and experienced guidance who appreciate a structured approach to training.

The 'Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Vol. 1: Adaptation and Learning' is a comprehensive guide suitable for those deeply interested in the science behind dog behavior and training. Written by Steven R. Lindsay, who is well-regarded in the field, the book offers a deep dive into the theories of adaptation and learning, making it a valuable resource for trainers and behaviorists.

One of its significant strengths is the thoroughness of the content, covering various training methods grounded in scientific principles. This makes it highly informative for readers who want to understand not just the 'how' but the 'why' behind training techniques. However, this depth can also be a drawback for casual readers or new puppy owners who might find the material dense and challenging to digest.

The book's academic tone and extensive detail might be overwhelming without prior knowledge in dog behavior or training. Additionally, it could benefit from more real-life examples and case studies to illustrate the concepts in a practical context, making it easier for readers to apply the information to everyday puppy training. Given its publication date in 2000, some of the content may also be a bit dated compared to newer resources in the field. Ideal readers are those looking for an in-depth, scholarly resource rather than a quick, easy-to-read manual.