EDITOR ' S REVIEW | BOOKS , DVDs AND MORE
Editor ' s Review
Top Trainer-Recommended Books
By Jennifer Berg , BEAD , CPDT-KA
The dog training industry is a bit of a Wild West and without regulations guiding education or professional standards of practice , it can be a challenge to find reputable dog training information and instruction . For example , libraries , stores , and online lists of “ best dog training books ” provide a wide range of titles that vary in approach and content — from positive and empowering to coercive and inhumane , and from science-supported to fabricated . It ’ s no wonder many dog caregivers and trainers are confused .
One day , after reading a social media post by a highly experienced , reputable trainer who was promoting a book written by a different trainer , this question popped into my head : What would a “ Recommended Dog Training Book ” list look like if it were created by a group of dog trainers ?
I asked several reputable , experienced dog trainers educated in positive reinforcement dog training — professionals whose methods are supported by current , peer-reviewed science — what book they would recommend for dog caregivers and what book they would recommend for dog trainers . The question was well-received and they were happy to share their recommendations . A common response was that it was very difficult to choose just one book because there are so many good ones and a lot depends upon what information the reader is looking for ( or needs to know but just doesn ’ t realize it yet ), so I suggested they choose a title that would be helpful for a wide audience of dog caregivers and dog trainers .
I am very grateful to the dog trainers who were able to share their time and knowledge to help create this list and to those who gave me the names of more trainers I could contact . I ended up with a varied list : some names are well-known and some are not ; some have decades of experience and some are relatively new to the profession . Their names are listed at the end . I hope you find the two book lists interesting and helpful . The titles are listed in alphabetical order , and some were recommended by multiple trainers . This is just a sample of the quality dog training books out there ; if a title is not listed , it does not mean it is lesser than those on the list .
Top Trainer-Recommended Books for Dog Caregivers ( in alphabetical order )
• Ahimsa Dog Training : A Practical , Force-Free Guide to Problem Solving and Training by Grisha Stewart . “ This book is meant for anybody with a dog , especially a puppy or new rescue . It ’ s got all sorts of specific exercises to solve problems .”
• Before and After Getting Your Puppy by Ian Dunbar . “ A great book to help owners lay the right foundation for success and prevent , rather than fix , behavior issues .”
• Being a Dog : Following the Dog Into a World of Smell by Alexandra Horowitz . “ A playful yet interesting read and encourages readers to sniff the world through their dogs nose .”
• Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook by Linda Michaels . “ For the average pet parent . It includes easy-to- understand and easy-to-apply foundational principles , basic skills and problem solving for the more difficult problems as well .”
• Doggie Language : A Dog Lover ’ s Guide to Understanding Your Best Friend by Lili Chin . “ A must-have for learning how to read dogs .”
“ Perhaps the book of 2020 , Lili Chin ’ s masterpiece is informative and spot on as well as beautiful . The drawings are exquisite .” “ A pocket-sized illustrated book about dog body language . Perfect for parents teaching their children about dog body language .”
• Don ’ t Shoot the Dog : The Art of Teaching and Training by Karen Pryor . “ This is a book that all dog owners should have on their shelves . It ’ s not a step-by-step guide to teaching behaviors . It ’ s a thorough and easy to understand overview of the science of modern training and what makes it so effective .”
The APDT Chronicle of the Dog | Winter 2021 51