To help you find good literature, we have compiled a list of the best dog books currently available.
5 dog books:
Raising and Training Dogs for Dummies
‘Raising and Training Dogs for Dummies’ is a perfect book for beginner dog owners. The book does not rely on a specific training method, but discusses various ways of raising dogs. This makes the book ideal in many situations.
Whether you are getting a puppy or adopting an adult dog, the book teaches you how to raise them.
A Puppy in the House – Martin Gaus
Martin Gaus is probably the best-known Dutch-speaking dog trainer in the Benelux. He has a wealth of experience, and it shows in the book.
The book is written specifically for the first months after you buy a puppy.
It actually starts from the moment you drive your puppy home from the breeder. Of course, house training your dog is also covered.
Crate training is not only recommended by us; Martin also explains why the crate is an important place for your puppy.
Every puppy will also chew on things. How do you handle this so your puppy learns to stop? You will find this in the book as well.
He also teaches you how to build a good relationship with your dog so that he sees you as his best friend.
Finally, he discusses how to prepare a puppy for the big wide world and lays the foundations for a well-behaved dog later in life.
In short, a must-read if you are getting a puppy.
Through the Eyes of the Dog – Jos Oosting
This bestseller teaches you how to break your dog’s bad habits.
The book goes into great detail about (re)training your dog. From basics to specific problems, everything is covered.
A very important chapter is the one on leadership. Most behavioural problems in dogs are caused by poor leadership or none at all. This book helps you a great deal with this.
Jos created the unique Relaxed Dog Method ©. This is a punishment-free method that doesn’t rely heavily on treats as rewards. By training according to the dog’s instinct, you get a happy and relaxed dog who knows what is expected of him.
But do you really know what your dog expects from you? The dog uses its own language, and if you don’t understand it, it will be difficult. That’s why Jos also explains this extensively.
The last 150 pages of this 432-page book deal with specific behavioural problems in your dog. Very useful.
Training and Raising Your Dog – Geert de Bolster
Geert de Bolster is one of Belgium’s best-known dog trainers.
The book starts from the psychology of a dog. It often explains why a dog does something, and what its instincts and basic needs are.
Geert can explain better than anyone how a dog’s behaviour develops. It is important to know what inherited behaviour and learned behaviour are. Geert explains the difference in great detail.
The second chapter is about raising your dog. The first part covers basic training. Further on in this chapter, he begins discussing obedience training.
De Bolster also devotes an entire chapter to behavioural problems. He discusses their causes as well as how to get rid of them. Usually, the solution is linked to the cause. If you really cannot find a solution, you can also read the section on behaviour therapy.
A recommended read for all dog owners in Belgium as well as in the Netherlands.
Practical Guide for a Happy Dog – Cesar Millan
We’ve all watched “The Dog Whisperer” at some point and immediately recognise Cesar Millan. This American dog therapist has a different approach to training than, for example, Martin Gaus.
Cesar will both reward and discipline if necessary. In our experience, this is the fastest and easiest way to train your dog…
The author had 22 years of experience in dog therapy when he wrote this book. So he knows how to raise a dog.
The method Cesar uses can be applied to almost every (problem) dog.
A dog breed with a gentle character, like a Maltese, should naturally be disciplined more gently as well.
With these 98 tips and training sessions, you will be able to give your dog the perfect upbringing.
