A dog training book is a great tool for training your dog to become the perfect pet. Apart from dog training courses, you always have the option of home dog training. This will take more time and patience on your part but it will also be more rewarding knowing that all the positive things your dog does is because of you.
Once you have decided on the wonderful breed of dog that you are going to bring into your home and life, you’ll need to start preparing for the dog training. This is something that is going to be a critical aspect in both the dog’s life, as well as your own. Nothing can disrupt a happy home more than a disobedient dog, not to mention incredibly frustrating!
Depending on what breed you have chosen, will dictate just how much training and the type of dog training and obedience that will be required. Some breads, such as Golden Retrievers are easier to train than Great Danes. The level of intelligence, brain development, or just “train-ability” are major factors in how well your dog will take to your training. The right book will tell you everything you need to know.
Much like people, dogs have a personality of their own, and while some may in fact be easy to work with there are others that are simple difficult and stubborn. Patience is the key. It will be tempting to give up and just let the dog do whatever he or she wants.. but hang in there.
A great book, and one recommended to me, is from Cesar Millan (aka The Dog Whisperer). It’s a great book and very inexpensive. If you’re looking for a great book for understanding and correcting common dog problems, this is the book for you! Over 750 people who have purchased this book wrote reviews for it. Don’t take my word for it, see what they said.
In Cesar’s Way, Cesar Millan—nationally recognized dog expert and star of National Geographic Channel’s hit show Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan—helps you see the world through the eyes of your dog so you can finally eliminate problem behaviors. You’ll learn:
- What your dog really needs may not be what you’re giving him
- Why a dog’s natural pack instincts are the key to your happy relationship
- How to relate to your dog on a canine level
- There are no “problem breeds,” just problem owners
- Why every dog needs a job
- How to choose a dog who’s right for you and your family
- The difference between discipline and punishment
- And much more!
Another book by Cesar Millan (he really is great at what he does), is How to Raise the Perfect Dog. This is a newer book with over 55 very positive reviews.
Packed with new information aimed specifically at the particular needs of puppies and adolescents, and written in Cesar’s friendly, accessible style, How to Raise the Perfect Dog answers all the most commonly asked questions and guides you towards a loving, satisfying life-long relationship with your best friend.
#1 New York Times bestselling author, Cesar Millan shows you how to raise the perfect dog and prevent behavior issues before they start, including:
- what to expect from each stage of your puppy’s development
- quick and easy housebreaking
- the essentials of proper nutrition
- the importance of vaccinating–and of not over-vaccinating
- creating perfect obedience from day one through rules, boundaries, and calm-assertive leadership
- how to avoid the most common mistakes owners make raising puppies and young dogs
- how to correct any issue before it becomes a problem
- unique exercises and play to bring out the best in every breed
A great book for when you’ve covered the basics or you just want to do something fun with your dog is 101 Dog Tricks. I have run out of fun tricks to teach my dog several times and spent hours surfing the internet for other things to teach my dog… if I only had this book earlier! At the time of writing this, 135 people gave it 4-5 star reviews. 101 Dog Tricks is the largest trick book on the market and the only one presenting full-color photos of each trick and its training steps? The step-by-step approach, difficulty rating, and prerequisites, allow readers to start training immediately. Tips and trouble-shooting boxes cover common problems, while “build-on” ideas suggest more complicated tricks which build on each new skill. No special tools (such as clickers) or knowledge of specific training methods are required. Trick training is a great way to bond with your dog and help him integrate into your family. It keeps him mentally and physically challenged and helps to establish paths of communication between you. Many tricks build skills needed for common dog sports, dog dancing, and dog therapy work. It’s every dog lover’s privilege that Kyra and Chalcy took time from their performing schedule to share their secrets in 101 Dog Tricks.
One last book to recommend looking at is Dog Training for Dummies. I know… for dummies? I didn’t even want to pick up the book based on the fact that it said for dummies… and I am not dummy! That being said, this book has amazing tips and tricks, and is written very well. It’s easy to understand and covers all the basic stuff you need to know.
Dog Training for Dummies, 2nd Edition, shows you how to select the right training method for your puppy or adult dog, based on his unique personality, to reach your desired goals. Whether you want to teach Spike to sit, or want to help Rover master retrieving, this book gives training for you and your dog—to ensure a mutually respectful relationship with your four-legged family member.
Discover how to:
- Understand your dog’s mind
- Recognize why positive reinforcement training is key
- Master basic training
- Survive the puppy period
- Deal with doggie don’ts
- Seek expert outside help
- And much more
