There are many books and DVDs that can be very helpful to the dog owner or enthusiast. A book can open a whole new world to you, present you with ideas, or just be fun to read. I’m going to list some of my favorites here. The list is by no means complete, and I will be adding to it.
My Dog Pulls. What Do I Do? by Turid Rugaas
So many people struggle with their dog pulling on his leash! This book gives a simple, easy to use system to teach your dog to walk more politely when on leash. I’ve seen great results when people are consistent with it, and use it myself when I’m training a puller. It uses all positive reinforcement, so dogs learn happily and it improves the dog/walker relationship. Click to buy
Chaser: Unlocking the Genius of the Dog Who Knows a Thousand Words by John W. Pilley
Follow Chaser and John Pilley as he studies dogs’ memory skills and language learning. This is a fascinating study of the life and training of Chaser from the time she was an 8 week old pup until Dr. Pilley’s death in 2018. Chaser learned the name of over a thousand items, and could select the item named from an assortment.
Her accomplishments are remarkable, but show how much we underestimate dog’s learning abilities. The study of Dr. Pilley’s training, and his relationship with Chaser that made her success possible is a great read. For more information, to see other formats (audio), or to buy, click here.
Don’t Shoot The Dog! The New Art Of Teaching And Training–by Karen Pryor
Karen Pryor is both clear and entertaining as she explains behavioral training–what works, what doesn’t work and why. She gives an easy to understand explanation of how to change an animal’s behavior (including humans, possibly even yourself). This is a classic for dog owners and trainers. Click to buy.
101 Dog Tricks: Step by Step Activities to Engage, Challenge, and Bond with Your Dog by Kyra Sundance
Training your dog to do tricks is both fun and a great way to improve communication with your dog. This book gives you easy to follow steps to teach simple (and some not so simple) tricks. If you have wanted to teach some tricks and weren’t sure how to go about it, or if you want some ideas for some new tricks, this book will be very helpful. Click to buy.
There is also a children’s version: 101 Dog Tricks, Kids Edition:Fun and Easy Activities, Games, and Crafts.
And a puppy version: 51 Puppy Tricks: Step-by-Step Activities to Engage, Challenge, and Bond with Your Puppy
Behavior Adjustment Training 2.0 by Grisha Stewart
Does your dog show signs of fear, frustration or aggression? Does he lunge at other dogs when he is on leash, growl at strangers, bark at things when he’s out in public? This book will give you an understanding of your dog’s behavior, and the tools you need to help him change it. The focus in BAT 2.0 is to empower the dog so he is able to cope with his environment. Click to buy.
REALLY RELIABLE RECALL featuring Leslie Nelson
A good recall, a really reliable one, can save your dog’s life, and save you all kinds of frustration! You want a great relationship with your dog. This method will not only give you a dog who comes eagerly every time you call, but will actually strengthen the bond and relationship between you and your dog. For more information or to buy, click here.
Beyond the Backyard–Train Your Dog to Listen Anytime, Anywhere by Denise Fenzi
Training your dog reliable behaviors is the first step (sit, down, come when called, etc.). Now you want to take your dog other places, go on hikes, work around other dogs, or perhaps take part in a dog sport. It doesn’t just happen that you can go out and about and still have your dog pay attention to your cues! This book will show you how to motivate your dog to cooperate under many different circumstances. And it does it in a fun way, that only requires short training time each day. Motivation and impulse control are everything, and this book will help you understand and succeed with them! Click here to buy.
Play With Your Dog by Pat Miller
Build your relationship with your dog, find games to play with your dog, learn how different dogs have different play styles, know how to have your kids play safely with your dog–this book will tell it all. It explores play behaviors between you and your dog, and also between dogs. Play can be a huge part of having a happy, well adjusted dog, and this book helps you reach that goal and have fun doing it! Click here to buy.
Get The Ball Rolling: A Step By Step Guide To Training For Treibball by Dianna L. Stearns
Do you have a dog who needs a job? Do you want to develop teamwork with your dog? Treibball is the exciting sport of herding balls rather than sheep. It is fun for handler and dog, and is great mental and physical exercise for the dog. For more information on the sport of Treibball, check out Treibball Or Urban Herding–Great Fun For Dogs
This book takes you step by step through the training, making it easy to understand. For more information or to buy, click here.
DANCING WITH DOGS by Richard Curtis
Want to do freestyle with your dog? This book will take you step by step with one of the masters of freestyle. Richard Curtis is an expert in heelwork to music and dancing dogs. He provides workshops and dvds, as well as this book, to help people within the sport. He and his dogs have performed entertaining routines at the famous Crufts Dog Show. For more information or to buy, click here.
Dog On It by Spencer Quinn
I’m a mystery lover and obviously a dog nut. What could be better than putting the two together? The Chet and Bernie series are great fun. Dog On It is the first in the series and made me an instant fan. I do a lot of driving and listen to audiobooks while I’m on the road. The Chet and Bernie series are among my favorites.
The story is told from the dog, Chet’s point of view. Spencer Quinn captured the humor and personality of the dog beautifully. To check out the book and series or to buy, click here.
Did you find any of these books particularly helpful? Do you have a suggestion for a book to add to the list? If so, feel free to leave a comment. Or you can email me directly at keith@goodtimesdogtraining.com. Happy reading!
I miss having a dog around. I always had dogs and loved training them. Your books and tips are food for thought, I do think that everyone should train their dogs. They are so much happier if they know what you want from them.