If you’re reading this website, then the chances are that you are interested in learning more about how to train your dog.
Whilst the internet contains a wealth of information, it is usually presented in the form of relatively short articles.
For really getting stuck into a topic, nothing beats a good old traditional format. The book.
Below are a few books which you might find helpful and enjoyable, as you carry along on your dog training journey.
Whether you’re a total novice or a seasoned pro, there is always something new to learn from other people’s experience.
The Happy Puppy Handbook
This puppy guide was written by Totally Dog Training’s founder and editor, Pippa Mattinson.
Her latest book, The Happy Puppy Handbook, is a comprehensive guide to welcoming a new puppy into your life.
It was inspired by countless questions that Pippa has received from new puppy owners over the years.
This book helps to enable you to raise a happy and healthy puppy, and to prevent and solve any problems that might crop up along the way.
All without turning your life upside down in the process!
It is available on Amazon here.
Total Recall
Released in 2012, Pippa’s first published training guide has continued to grow in popularity and is a best seller on Amazon.
It covers an extensive recall training program, for puppies and adult dogs.
The methods used are structured, clear and totally force-free.
It even includes and extensive problem solving section, for those who are having trouble with their dog’s recall.
It is available on Amazon here.
Don’t Shoot the Dog
Karen Pryor has been hugely influential in the movement to train dogs more humanely.
Don’t Shoot the Dog is far more than a reference book for budding dog trainers.
This book has influenced hundreds of dog trainers, and stands the test of time incredibly well.
It has taught generations about motivating both people and animals.
Providing a brilliant explanation of how behavioural science works, in modern, everyday language.
It is available on Amazon here.
Clicker Training For Dogs
Karen Pryor is an author, animal trainer, and the original mind behind Clicker Training.
Her methods are based on behaviour science, and work entirely without force.
In this book she shows how clicker training can be made to work successfully for any dog or handler.
It is available on Amazon here.
The Culture Clash
Focussing on better understanding the relationship between dogs and humans, Jean Donaldson’s book has been very well received.
It clearly describes ways in which you can help rehabilitate aggressive behaviour in dogs.
Her methods involve the correctly timed and delivered use of food and other reinforcers.
It is available on Amazon here.
The Other End of the Leash
Patricia McConnell’s book gives a fascinating new perspective on our relationship with dogs.
Using her experience as an animal behaviourist and dog trainer, the author studies why we behave in certain ways around our dogs, and how they understand this behaviour.
She teaches the readers how to alter their behaviour around our dogs, to bring out a better relationship between us.
It is available on Amazon here
When Pigs Fly
If you have ever struggled with training your dog, then this book is worth a read.
Jane Killion puts her own experiences with difficult dogs onto paper, describing how she overcame some common but tricky problems.
From over excitement, to lethargy and running off, the issues covered are those which hundreds of dog owners struggle with every day.
This highly regarded book will help you to renew your enthusiasm for working with even the most stubborn of canines.
It is also available on Amazon, here.
Are there any dog training books you own that you would recommend? Why not let us know in the comments section below!
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