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Best Dog Training Books

Aside from training classes, an educational dog training book can help you learn how to teach your dog a new trick or correct behavioral issues.

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Our Top Pick
Amazon
Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love
What Dogs Love:

YouTube star and Animal Planet personality Zak George provides dog and puppy owners with step-by-step guides for tailoring dog training to your dog's unique needs.

What Humans Love:

With a 4.5-star rating from more than 6,500 reviews, reviewers say the book provides practical and humane advice for how to teach new puppies utilizing positive reinforcement training methodologies.

What You'll Love:
  • makes training fun
  • relationship-focused
  • clear instruction
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More Info
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What Dogs Love:

YouTube star and Animal Planet personality Zak George provides dog and puppy owners with step-by-step guides for tailoring dog training to your dog's unique needs.

What Humans Love:

With a 4.5-star rating from more than 6,500 reviews, reviewers say the book provides practical and humane advice for how to teach new puppies utilizing positive reinforcement training methodologies.

    What You'll Love:
  • makes training fun
  • relationship-focused
  • clear instruction
2
Our Budget Pick
Chewy
101 Dog Tricks: Step by Step Activities to Engage, Challenge, and Bond with Your Dog
What Dogs Love:

With 101 tricks to learn, this book uses step-by-step activities to engage, challenge, and support in order for owners to bond with their dogs, it's earned a 4.5-star rating on Chewy.

What Humans Love:

Previous readers said this book provides support for troubleshooting handling issues they have faced when training their dogs and that it was useful for bonding with their dogs.

What You'll Love:
  • easy to follow instructions
  • photo descriptions
  • tips for practical applications
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More Info
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What Dogs Love:

With 101 tricks to learn, this book uses step-by-step activities to engage, challenge, and support in order for owners to bond with their dogs, it's earned a 4.5-star rating on Chewy.

What Humans Love:

Previous readers said this book provides support for troubleshooting handling issues they have faced when training their dogs and that it was useful for bonding with their dogs.

    What You'll Love:
  • easy to follow instructions
  • photo descriptions
  • tips for practical applications
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Our Most-Durable Pick
Chewy
Train Your Dog Positively: The Ultimate Guide To Understanding Your Dog and Solving Behavior Problems Like Separation Anxiety, Excessive Barking, Aggression, Housetraining, Leash Pulling, and More!
What Dogs Love:

Dogs will particularly love the emphasis on the importance of positive reinforcement-based dog training approaches — aka getting a lot of treats for good behavior.

What Humans Love:

Victoria Stilwell, star of the Animal Planet hit TV series "It's Me or the Dog", gives readers step-by-step advice for teaching dogs basic manners and tips for understanding canine body language.

What You'll Love:
  • helps eliminate problematic behavior
  • step-by-step instructions
  • helps humans understand body language
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More Info
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What Dogs Love:

Dogs will particularly love the emphasis on the importance of positive reinforcement-based dog training approaches — aka getting a lot of treats for good behavior.

What Humans Love:

Victoria Stilwell, star of the Animal Planet hit TV series "It's Me or the Dog", gives readers step-by-step advice for teaching dogs basic manners and tips for understanding canine body language.

    What You'll Love:
  • helps eliminate problematic behavior
  • step-by-step instructions
  • helps humans understand body language
The Bottom Line on Dog Training Books

Although books can’t take the place of attending dog training classes, they can provide invaluable insight into your dog’s behavior and how to communicate more clearly with your pet. Dog training books can give you ideas for how to understand the fundamentals of canine behavior, troubleshoot problems you might be having, or help you get off on the right foot with a new puppy.

The Bottom Line on Dog Training Books

Although books can’t take the place of attending dog training classes, they can provide invaluable insight into your dog’s behavior and how to communicate more clearly with your pet. Dog training books can give you ideas for how to understand the fundamentals of canine behavior, troubleshoot problems you might be having, or help you get off on the right foot with a new puppy.

Best Dog Training Clickers

Click training is gaining popularity as a kind of positive reinforcement training. But to do so you'll need a dog training clicker.

Our Top Pick
Chewy
PetSafe Clik-R Dog Training Tool
What Dogs Love:

This clicker makes a soft clicking noise, which can be helpful for shy and sensitive dogs, and it can be attached to a keychain.

What Humans Love:

It provides a secure grip on the clicker even in more active environments, like hiking or sports training. Reviewed love that they don't need to worry about losing the clicker, especially outside.

What You'll Love:
  • soft click noise
  • durable design
  • ring attachment
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

This clicker makes a soft clicking noise, which can be helpful for shy and sensitive dogs, and it can be attached to a keychain.

What Humans Love:

It provides a secure grip on the clicker even in more active environments, like hiking or sports training. Reviewed love that they don't need to worry about losing the clicker, especially outside.

    What You'll Love:
  • soft click noise
  • durable design
  • ring attachment
Our Budget Pick
Amazon
Oyefly Dog Training Clicker with Wrist Strap
What Dogs Love:

A quick press of the button emits a loud click to encourage positive behavior while training for some positive reinforcement.

What Humans Love:

The teardrop ergonomic design of this plastic clicker sits comfortably in your hand for easy use while training and it comes with an elastic wrist band.

What You'll Love:
  • clear communication
  • loud
  • consistent sound
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

A quick press of the button emits a loud click to encourage positive behavior while training for some positive reinforcement.

What Humans Love:

The teardrop ergonomic design of this plastic clicker sits comfortably in your hand for easy use while training and it comes with an elastic wrist band.

    What You'll Love:
  • clear communication
  • loud
  • consistent sound
Our Most-Durable Pick
Amazon
CRMADA Training Clicker 2 Pack
What Dogs Love:

Press down on the metal sheet inside the clicker box with your thumb to create a clear, loud "clicking" noise that will be recognizable to your dog.

What Humans Love:

Reviewers compare these clickers to ones a certified trainer would use and like the that metal materials of this clicker mean it will last through years of training.

What You'll Love:
  • loud sound
  • keychain attachment
  • sturdy
Our Most-Durable Pick
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

Press down on the metal sheet inside the clicker box with your thumb to create a clear, loud "clicking" noise that will be recognizable to your dog.

What Humans Love:

Reviewers compare these clickers to ones a certified trainer would use and like the that metal materials of this clicker mean it will last through years of training.

    What You'll Love:
  • loud sound
  • keychain attachment
  • sturdy
The Bottom Line on Dog Training Clickers

Clicker training is a form of positive reinforcement dog training that you can do at home. With the clicking sound, owners can quickly, easily, and effectively mark a specific movement or behavior and follow up with a reward. This builds a positive association with the noise. In order to do so, though, you’ll need a dog training clicker.

The Bottom Line on Dog Training Clickers

Clicker training is a form of positive reinforcement dog training that you can do at home. With the clicking sound, owners can quickly, easily, and effectively mark a specific movement or behavior and follow up with a reward. This builds a positive association with the noise. In order to do so, though, you’ll need a dog training clicker.

Best Dog Training Leashes

These dog training leashes are good for anyone preparing their dog for their first stroll and for other training purposes.

Our Top Pick
Amazon
Hi Kiss Dog/Puppy Obedience Recall Training Agility Lead – 15ft 20ft 30ft 50ft 100ft Training Leash – Great for Training, Play, Camping, or Backyard – Black 15ft
What Dogs Love:

This durable nylon lead features reinforced stitching and a nickel-plated clip that swivels to avoid twisting the line and can be coordinated with your dog's collar.

What Humans Love:

With multiple length options, this leash can be used to teach your dog recalls or when training in outdoor environments. Reviewers praise the durability of the leash even for large dogs.

What You'll Love:
  • long length
  • resists tangling
  • washable
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What Dogs Love:

This durable nylon lead features reinforced stitching and a nickel-plated clip that swivels to avoid twisting the line and can be coordinated with your dog's collar.

What Humans Love:

With multiple length options, this leash can be used to teach your dog recalls or when training in outdoor environments. Reviewers praise the durability of the leash even for large dogs.

    What You'll Love:
  • long length
  • resists tangling
  • washable
Our Budget Pick
Chewy
PetSafe Premier Nylon Dog Leash, Royal Blue, 6-ft, 1-in
What Dogs Love:

Dogs like that it doesn't tug and you'll also find multiple color options, including black, pink, green, red, purple, and blue, to match their collar or harness.

What Humans Love:

Customers praise this leash for being the "perfect length, strength, and flexibility." As a more affordable option, it's available in 4-foot and 6-foot lengths and 3/8-inch, 3/4-inch, and 1-inch widths.

What You'll Love:
  • lightweight
  • comfortable
  • affordable
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

Dogs like that it doesn't tug and you'll also find multiple color options, including black, pink, green, red, purple, and blue, to match their collar or harness.

What Humans Love:

Customers praise this leash for being the "perfect length, strength, and flexibility." As a more affordable option, it's available in 4-foot and 6-foot lengths and 3/8-inch, 3/4-inch, and 1-inch widths.

    What You'll Love:
  • lightweight
  • comfortable
  • affordable
Our Most-Durable Pick
Amazon
FAIRWIN Braided Leather Dog Leash 6 Foot
What Dogs Love:

Strong dogs are no match for this leather leash, which can withstand 500 pounds of pulling force.

What Humans Love:

Made of imported Italian leather, this military-grade training leash is meant for some serious training. Reviewers love the craftsmanship of the leash and its durability.

What You'll Love:
  • strong
  • stylish
  • comfortable to hold
Our Most-Durable Pick
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

Strong dogs are no match for this leather leash, which can withstand 500 pounds of pulling force.

What Humans Love:

Made of imported Italian leather, this military-grade training leash is meant for some serious training. Reviewers love the craftsmanship of the leash and its durability.

    What You'll Love:
  • strong
  • stylish
  • comfortable to hold
The Bottom Line on Dog Training Leashes

When leash training your dog, you naturally need a comfortable and sturdy leash. When looking for a training leash for everyday walks and teaching new skills, you want one that’s short enough so that your dog can remain close, though longer-lined leashes are beneficial for recall training.

The Bottom Line on Dog Training Leashes

When leash training your dog, you naturally need a comfortable and sturdy leash. When looking for a training leash for everyday walks and teaching new skills, you want one that’s short enough so that your dog can remain close, though longer-lined leashes are beneficial for recall training.

Best Dog Whistles

You can teach your dog to respond to an individual blow of the whistle or different cues to different whistle sounds.

Our Top Pick
Amazon
SportDOG Brand Roy Gonia Special Orange Whistle Without Pea
What Dogs Love:

Designed with a lower-pitched "trill" sound, this whistle claims to carry sound further than other higher-pitched whistles.

What Humans Love:

Meant for Field Dog training, the easy-to-blow whistle has reviewers of all breeds recommending it for traditional training, as it's loud and easy to hear.

What You'll Love:
  • consistent sound
  • lightweight
  • easy to use
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

Designed with a lower-pitched "trill" sound, this whistle claims to carry sound further than other higher-pitched whistles.

What Humans Love:

Meant for Field Dog training, the easy-to-blow whistle has reviewers of all breeds recommending it for traditional training, as it's loud and easy to hear.

    What You'll Love:
  • consistent sound
  • lightweight
  • easy to use
Our Budget Pick
Amazon
Weewooday 5 Pieces High Pitch Plastic Dog Whistles for Recall Training
What Dogs Love:

This training whistle can be heard from up to 25 meters away and it comes with a lanyard and keyring that make it harder to lose.

What Humans Love:

Coming down to about $2 a whistle, this 5-pack is an affordable option and you can keep one in your pocket, your car, and your training bag so you always have one ready.

What You'll Love:
  • good frequency
  • affordable
  • multi-pack
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

This training whistle can be heard from up to 25 meters away and it comes with a lanyard and keyring that make it harder to lose.

What Humans Love:

Coming down to about $2 a whistle, this 5-pack is an affordable option and you can keep one in your pocket, your car, and your training bag so you always have one ready.

    What You'll Love:
  • good frequency
  • affordable
  • multi-pack
Our Most-Durable Pick
Amazon
Acme Silent Dog Whistle
What Dogs Love:

While you may barely hear anything, your dog definitely will. This whistle works at an adjustable frequency that can be heard by dogs up to 400 yards away.

What Humans Love:

With a solid brass construction and nickel plating, this whistle is manufactured in England and built to last.

What You'll Love:
  • Different frequency levels
  • metal
  • quality sound
Our Most-Durable Pick
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

While you may barely hear anything, your dog definitely will. This whistle works at an adjustable frequency that can be heard by dogs up to 400 yards away.

What Humans Love:

With a solid brass construction and nickel plating, this whistle is manufactured in England and built to last.

    What You'll Love:
  • Different frequency levels
  • metal
  • quality sound
The Bottom Line on Dog Whistles

If you are working with your dog at a distance, it can be challenging for your dog to hear your cues to properly respond. That’s where a dog whistle comes in. Whistle training is commonly used by those working with hunting dogs, but it is also a great way to alert your dog to return at a farther range.

The Bottom Line on Dog Whistles

If you are working with your dog at a distance, it can be challenging for your dog to hear your cues to properly respond. That’s where a dog whistle comes in. Whistle training is commonly used by those working with hunting dogs, but it is also a great way to alert your dog to return at a farther range.

Best Dog Muzzles

Basket style muzzles are generally the most comfortable for dogs and allow them to be fed treats, pant, and drink with it on.

Our Top Pick
Chewy
Baskerville Ultra Dog Muzzle
What Dogs Love:

With a flexible ergonomic fit, the Baskerville muzzle will work on mouths of all shapes and sizes, and it can be molded for an even better fit.

What Humans Love:

The muzzle also features an opening to make it possible to feed and reward your dog while they are wearing it, and it has an over-the-head strap to prevent slipping.

What You'll Love:
  • customized fit
  • comfortable
  • prevents biting
Our Top Pick
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

With a flexible ergonomic fit, the Baskerville muzzle will work on mouths of all shapes and sizes, and it can be molded for an even better fit.

What Humans Love:

The muzzle also features an opening to make it possible to feed and reward your dog while they are wearing it, and it has an over-the-head strap to prevent slipping.

    What You'll Love:
  • customized fit
  • comfortable
  • prevents biting
Our Budget Pick
Amazon
Mayerzon Dog Muzzle, Breathable Basket Muzzles for Small, Medium, Large and X-Large Dogs
What Dogs Love:

Designed with wide holes so your dog can pant, drink, and be fed treats, this muzzle is good for comfortably preventing your dog from being able to lick wounds or bite themselves or others.

What Humans Love:

The ergonomic design also has a neck strap and an over-the-head safety strap to prevent your dog from slipping out of the muzzle.

What You'll Love:
  • ergonomic design
  • slip-proof
  • washable
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

Designed with wide holes so your dog can pant, drink, and be fed treats, this muzzle is good for comfortably preventing your dog from being able to lick wounds or bite themselves or others.

What Humans Love:

The ergonomic design also has a neck strap and an over-the-head safety strap to prevent your dog from slipping out of the muzzle.

    What You'll Love:
  • ergonomic design
  • slip-proof
  • washable
Our Most-Durable Pick
Amazon
Barkless Dog Muzzle, Soft Silicone Basket Muzzle for Dogs
What Dogs Love:

Available in three fun colors, this silicone basket muzzle prevents the dog from biting but still lets them eat or drink through the wide openings.

What Humans Love:

The muzzle also includes safety straps with two points of attachment, which makes it easy to put on your dog and prevents the muzzle from slipping off.

What You'll Love:
  • flexible
  • multi-point attachment
  • safety straps
More Info
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What Dogs Love:

Available in three fun colors, this silicone basket muzzle prevents the dog from biting but still lets them eat or drink through the wide openings.

What Humans Love:

The muzzle also includes safety straps with two points of attachment, which makes it easy to put on your dog and prevents the muzzle from slipping off.

    What You'll Love:
  • flexible
  • multi-point attachment
  • safety straps
The Bottom Line on Dog Muzzles

Although none of us like to think that our dog could bite, all dogs under the right circumstance are capable of doing so. Although dog muzzles look scary to some people, muzzles are a great way to keep your dog — and others — safe in stressful situations. But you should consult a vet or trainer before employing one.

The Bottom Line on Dog Muzzles

Although none of us like to think that our dog could bite, all dogs under the right circumstance are capable of doing so. Although dog muzzles look scary to some people, muzzles are a great way to keep your dog — and others — safe in stressful situations. But you should consult a vet or trainer before employing one.

Finding The Best Dog Training Tools

Getting a dog also means getting a lot of supplies to care for them, and that includes training tools. To teach good behavior through positive reinforcement, you're going to want things like dog training books, dog clickers, and dog whistles. A trainer may recommend some products, but we've done the research for the best training tools you'll want to have in your home and on the go.

Expert Tips

To ensure your dog has proper socialization and expert training, we suggest exploring the options for group classes in your area or searching for private trainers nearby.

Things to Know

While training tools might not feel completely necessary if you’re taking classes, they’re good to have to expand your training at home. Make sure you’re investing in the best for good behavior.

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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best method to train a dog?

Positive reinforcement is one of the best training techniques, as dogs will repeat good behavior when it’s followed by a reward instead of reprimanding for bad behavior. Rather, bad behavior does not get a reward or acknowledgment and if behavior needs to be corrected, rewards should be removed.

What are the seven basic dog commands?

There are a few commends every dog should know. The seven most common are sit, stay, down, come, off, heel, and no.

What is the easiest trick to teach a dog?

Depending on your dog's current training, you can easily teach them to roll over, shake hands, high five, speak, or dance.

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