Favorite Training Books
People often ask what some of my favorite animal training books are. Here is a list of some of my favorite training books.
Dog Sport Specific
Barn Hunt - A Game of Hide & Seek for Dogs by Eva Fowler Raczka and Deb M. Eldredge, DVM - This is a fantastic book if you are getting into the sport of barn hunt. Some elements are outdated but it is a very helpful read.
The Dog-Driven Search: Handling Our Nose Work Dogs to Promote Independence, Joy, and Enthusiasm by Sue Sternberg and Dana Zinn - This is a fantastic book about the handler end of nosework and how you can help your dog in searches.
Awesome Obedience: A Positive Training Plan for Competition Success by Hannah Branigan - This book is a modern dog training book for AKC obedience.
Beyond Basic Dog Training by Diane L. Bauman - This book is slightly dated but has good information on the actual trialing side.
Dog Training Books
Let’s Speak Dog by Mia Skogster - Mia Skogster is a Finnish dog trainer who has competed at the world level. She uses emotional communication in dog training and changes her voice to aid her training.
The Culture Clash: A Revolutionary New Way to Understanding the Relationship Between Humans and Domestic Dogs by Jean Donaldson - A book that explains the clash between dog behavior and human behavior.
Don’t Shoot The Dog: The Art of Teaching and Training by Karen Pryor - Karen Pryor was one of the first people to advocate for training more positively. This book started a training revolution and was originally published in 1985.
The Power of Positive Dog Training by Pat Miller -Pat Miller published her step-by-step six-week basic training program utilizing positive reinforcement.
Advanced Schutzhund by Ivan Balabanov and Karen Duet - This book is slightly dated but is written by one of the great trainers in our time.
For The Professional Trainer
These books are very technical training books and are recommended for training professionals. They are quite dense for the non professional.
Animal Training 101: The complete and Practical Guide to the Art and Science of Behavior Modification by Dr. Jenifer A. Zeligs - This is a wonderful book that goes over all the science we use in dog training and learning theory.
How Dogs Learn by Mary R. Burch PHD and Jon S. Bailey PHD - This is another wonderful book that goes in depth with learning theory.
Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Volume 1: Adaptation and Learning by Steven R. Lindsay - This book has been out of print but Seven R. Lindsay is the founder of the LIMA (Least Invasive Minimally Aversive) training ideology. You can get it as a kindle book or possibly used at various sources.
Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Volume 2: Etiology and Assessment of Behavior Problems by Steven R. Lindsay - Volume 2 from Steven R. Lindsay. This book has been out of print but you can get it as a kindle book or possibly used at various sources.
Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Volume 3: Procedures and Protocols by Steven R. Lindsay - Volume 3 from Steven R. Lindsay. This book has been out of print but you can get it as a kindle book or possibly used at various sources.
Dog Body Language
Doggie Language: A Dog Lover’s Guide To Understanding Your Best Friend by Lili Chin - This book is a wonderful guide to canine body language and is very easy for anyone to understand.
General Books
Being A Dog: Following the Dog Into a World of Smell by Alexandra Horowitz - This book explores how dogs utilize their noses for various tasks and the amazing power of their nose.
Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know by Alexandra Horowitz - This is a very interesting book and has new science in there.
Our Dogs, Ourselves: The Story of a Singular Bond by Alexandra Horowitz - Another Alexandra Horowitz book.
Animals In Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decide Animal Behavior by Temple Grandin - Temple sees the world differently and has done a lot for welfare for livestock.
The Forever Dog: Surprising New Science to Help Your Canine Companion Live Younger, Healthier and Longer by Rodney Habib and Dr. Karen Shaw Becker - This book incorporates different studies and talks about how to help your dog have longevity in their life.
The Forever Dog Life by Rodney Habib and Dr. Karen Shaw Becker - This is a cookbook for dog food, treats etc that combines with the Forever Dog book listed above.
Historical Reference Books: I do not recommend the methods in these books but I feel we should know the history of the dog training profession and how it evolved over time.
The Complete Book of Dog Obedience by Blanche Saunders - Blanche Saunders was one of the first people to get competitive obedience started with the AKC. This book was originally published in 1967.
The Koehler Method of Dog Training by Willam R. Koehler - Old book originally published in 1962. The dog has learns that its choices result in comfort or discomfort and it can be taught to make the correct decisions.
The Wonderful World of Disney Animals by Willam R. Koehler - Old book originally published in 1979. This book is similar to the above Koehler book.
Training Dogs, A Manual by Konrad Most - Originally published in 1955.