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7 best books under $16 dog lovers won’t be able to put down

Literature lovers, prepare to get reading! Grab your Kindle, put on some tea, and help your dog get cozy — these are some of the best books for dog lovers.

Before you read any of these books with dogs in them, though, there’s one tool you need to know about. Does The Dog Die is a bluntly named website of “crowdsourced emotional spoilers for movies, tv, books, and more.” If you want, you can look up any book to find out, well, if the dog dies. Other categories you can search for include “animal abuse,” “eating disorders,” and “hospital scenes.” Don’t worry, though; you won’t be exposed to any spoilers other than what you search for on this site, so the plot always stays safe!

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a blonde labrador retriever mix lies on the bed next to a book and a pair of glasses
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Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

You may have seen the beloved movie adaptation of this classic children’s book, but you haven’t read it like this before. The newly updated edition includes an afterword by the author, who reflects on the success of her story.

Although it’s a children’s book, everyone will love this story of newfound friendship and self-confidence. Readers will find themselves inspired by Opal and Winn-Dixie’s unbreakable bond — maybe you’ll be reminded of your own cherished pup.

Chaser: Unlocking the Genius of the Dog Who Knows a Thousand Words by John W. Pilley Jr., Ph.D., Hilary Hinzmann

As part science and part story, this book will leave you in awe of the species you thought you knew. When retired Dr. Pilley adopted Chaser, a border collie puppy, he became fascinated with her intelligence and began an experiment that would forever change the way we communicate with our furry friends.

Travels with Charley in Search of America by John Steinbeck

In this American nonfiction classic, author John Steinbeck packs up his van and departs for a tour across the U.S. — with his beloved poodle, Charley, of course. As Steinbeck discovers the heart of 1960s America, his dog isn’t only his company; he’s also the icebreaker, conversation starter, and even friend to those the author meets throughout his trip (via SJSU). Good boy, Charley!

I Could Chew on This: And Other Poems by Dogs by Francesco Marciuliano

This whimsical poetry collection will have you smiling from cover to cover with its sweet imagery and totally relatable anecdotes. With poems like “Wingman” and “I Lose My Mind When You Leave The House,” you can already tell what kind of clever canine humor awaits you. It’s the perfect lighthearted read for anyone, anytime, whether you read one poem at a time or the whole book in one sitting.

Our Dogs, Ourselves: The Story of a Singular Bond by Alexandra Horowitz

Let animal behavior expert Alexandra Horowitz show you a side of the canine-human relationship you’ve never seen before. In 13 chapters, she explores the complexities of life with man’s best friend: the contradictory ways we communicate, how we interpret each other’s behavior, and, of course, how so many pet parents consider their fur babies, well, their babies!

My Dog Tulip by J.R. Ackerley

It’s a tale as old as time: The love you’ve always been looking for comes into your life with four paws and a wagging tail. British author J.R. Ackerley recounts, in somewhat humorous detail, the daily ins and outs of his relationship with Tulip, a rescued German shepherd who turns into the writer’s “ideal friend.” Once you finish the book, you can watch its movie version, too!

Huck: The Remarkable True Story of How One Lost Puppy Taught a Family—and a Whole Town—About Hope and Happy Endings by Janet Elder

If you’re looking for a heartwarming story that will leave you with hope in humanity and an even larger appreciation for our four-legged friends, this is the one. The title says all you need to know, but how exactly did Huck change his family’s life? You’ll enjoy finding out!

Whether you prefer fiction, nonfiction, or even poetry, there’s a book on this list for you. Better yet, read it to your pup! He’ll love spending time with you, and you’ll love any of these canine-centered literary masterpieces.

Editors' Recommendations

How to train a dog to stop barking so your neighbors won’t hate you
train dog to stop barking

Expecting a dog never to bark is unrealistic—it’s in their nature, after all—but you shouldn’t have to deal with nonstop barking either. Whether your neighbors, your roommates, or your own ears have complained, we certainly understand why training a dog to stop barking can feel daunting.
Try not to worry; we’re here to help! We’ve turned to veterinarians and renowned canine organizations to bring you an easy-to-understand explanation of barking. We’ll teach you which canine breeds are known for their quietness, how to help your own pup overcome excessive barking, and whether it’s possible to train a dog to stop barking in the first place. If this sounds like it’ll be helpful for your furry friend, get ready to take notes.

Can dogs be trained to be quiet?
Though you shouldn’t expect any huge changes overnight, you can absolutely train your dog to be quiet. Even the noisiest of pups can learn to understand a command to stop barking, though you’ll also need to remove any other rewards your dog gets from vocalizing. The act of barking itself can cause an adrenaline rush that your pup is likely to enjoy, so offering a bigger reward, like a treat, might be your best bet, according to The Humane Society.

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If your dog won’t stop dragging his butt across the floor, you should be worried
A Shepherd dog lies on the bed and puts a paw over their face

There’s no doubt we love our dogs, but there are a few behaviors no pet parent wants to see. Butt scooting is likely at the top of everyone’s list, but did you know it’s more than an unsanitary way to scratch a doggy itch?
When a dog drags their butt along the floor, it’s likely an indicator of a problem you can’t see, like impacted anal glands. Looking for a few telltale signs might help you narrow down the issue, but you may have to consult a medical professional to get your fur baby the proper treatment.
In this article we’ll answer the following questions:

Does butt scooting indicate a problem?
Why do dogs drag their butts?
When should you contact your vet?

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5 small-dog coats under $50 that you won’t be able to resist
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What’s better than cozy, warm dog coats for winter? Ones that are just as cute as they are useful, of course! From vests to puffy coats and even a vintage fleece jacket — your pup really can be that stylish.
You’re sure to fall in love with these fun small-dog coats for winter, especially since they have so many positive reviews. These already-loved dog clothes have everything you’re looking for, from cold-weather protection to cozy fabrics that will leave your dog in heaven. These are our favorites.

Frisco Portland Insulated Dog Parka 
If your pint-sized pup needs full-body protection from the cold, an insulated parka like this will do the trick. With its removable faux-fur hood and water-resistant lining, your dog will be as snug as can be. You’ll love this coat’s trendy style and three bright color options, while your dog will go crazy for winter warmth that doesn’t restrict their movement. It even has extra snaps and a covered leash port for maximum security while out on walks. It has everything you and your adventurous pooch could need!

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