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4 dog-training books under $20 every new owner needs

Whether or not this is your first time bringing home a new pup, a course in Dog Training 101 never hurts. Many dog owners like to take obedience and training into their own hands, making resources like a book especially helpful. These four books are all highly recommended online, by pet parents and canine professionals alike, so you know you’ll be learning from a trustworthy source. From basic training to advanced tricks for show, these publications cover everything. It’s all about whatever resonates with you! Read on, pet parents:                                                    

Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love

As Amazon’s No. 1 Best Seller in dog-training books, this guide has a lot to offer. It’s written by dog trainer and television star Zak George, who also owns the most popular YouTube channel for dog training.

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In this book, he uses his own journey with his border collie, Venus, to highlight the importance of creating a healthy and loving relationship with your dog. By prioritizing this relationship, he notes, training becomes easy. As listed in the description: “I’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from picking out your dog and house training to feeding, basic training, socialization, grooming, and health issues. This book includes a shopping list, a guide to dog-proofing your home, what to do in case of an emergency, and other checklists.” Consider this a must-have for new pup owners.

51 Puppy Tricks: Step-by-Step Activities to Engage, Challenge, and Bond with Your Puppy

This book is the ideal starting place for families with new canine additions, as it’s meant for dogs under the age of one year. Not only will you learn how a puppy’s brain works, but you’ll also be taught how to apply this knowledge in incremental training — starting with the basics, of course!

As one of the best puppy-training books, this publication is also the most reviewed on Chewy.com. One review by user Pompup praises the book’s diversity in content, with both beginner obedience and more advanced tricks, as well as the helpful troubleshooting tips and photographic examples.

Dog Training for Kids: Fun and Easy Ways to Care for Your Furry Friend

For homes with children ready to help care for a dog, this book will teach them everything they need to know, including potty training, obedience, and games. This book goes above and beyond training, too — your child will learn how to understand their dog, respect their pet’s boundaries, and maintain a long-lasting friendship.

Author Vanessa Estrada Marin has experience working with children and dogs, so you know your child is learning from the best. “This book is written in a way that my child could follow along with the tutorials easily, especially when paired with the detailed illustrations,” writes Celeste A. Ramirez in the Editorial Reviews. “As a parent, I appreciate the positive language the author used to encourage children to be kind and patient with dogs as well as themselves.”

How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond

There’s a reason you’ve quite likely seen and heard of National Geographic’s The Dog Whisperer Cesar Milan: His methods are effective, and his teaching style is friendly and approachable. In his puppy-focused book How to Raise the Perfect Dog, he explains what makes a home a supportive place for a pup, how to help your puppy learn basic obedience, and the best methods for correcting unwanted behaviors.

According to the book’s description, some of the topics covered include:

• What to expect from each stage of your puppy’s development

• Quick and easy housebreaking

• How to correct any issue before it becomes a problem

• Unique exercises and play to bring out the best in every breed

Whether this is your first time training a dog or you just need a refresher, these top-rated, knowledge-filled books are your one-stop shops for all you need to know. With some patience, time, and one of these books, you and your dog will be bonding and showing off all your new tricks in no time.

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Sometimes, a dog simply falls into your life with no notice. Other times, however, you have the opportunity to plan for welcoming your new furry friend. You might even want to research different dog breeds to decide the kind of pet you're looking for. Do you want an athletic canine bestie? Or would you prefer a buddy who wants to hang out on the couch?
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Great Dane
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As a small dog owner, you might gaze longingly at the humans who can play endless games of fetch with their shepherds and go for 5-hour walks accompanied by their collies. But you can have all sorts of good times with your little guy. Don't let their size stop you from planning outings together. While, of course, you'll need to work within your beastie's physical constraints, there are lots of things you can do while accommodating their diminutive size.

Hang at the dog park
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One of the biggest benefits of having a little dog is they can go on planes and trains. If your pooch seems to enjoy exploring new places, take them with you on vacation. The fees to travel by air can be a little high and there are some rules (you need them to lie down quietly under the seat for the duration of the flight). But for many doggies, they prefer the flight to staying behind with a sitter.

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When you think about an apartment-dwelling dog, you likely think of a toy or small breed. Chihuahuas, French bulldogs, Maltese, and Pomeranians are often seen walking out of high-rises and suburban rentals. There are valid reasons for this stereotype. Unlike big dog breeds, smaller pups typically don’t need as much exercise (physical activity is important for dogs, regardless of their size, though). Practically, smaller dogs take up less room.

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