Bringing a dog into your home is a big responsibility. That is why it is important to inform yourself well by reading dog books or doing research on the internet.
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 most well-known Dutch-speaking dog trainer in the Benelux. This man is full of experience, which you will also notice in the book.
The book is specifically written for the first months after purchasing 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 recommended not only by us, but Martin also teaches you 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 world and explains the basics for a well-behaved dog in later 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 stop your dog’s bad behavior.
The book goes into great detail about (re)training your dog. From basics to specific problems, everything is covered.
A very important chapter focuses on leadership. Most behavioral problems in dogs are caused by poor or no leadership. This book guides you well in this area.
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 focus on specific behavioral problems in your dog. Very useful.
Training and Raising Your Dog – Geert de Bolster
Geert de Bolster is one of Belgium’s most well-known dog trainers.
The book starts from the psychology of a dog. It often explains why a dog will do this or that. What its instincts and basic needs are.
Geert can explain like no other how a dog’s behavior develops. It is important to know what inherited behavior and learned behavior are. Geert teaches you the difference in all necessary 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 dedicates an entire chapter to behavioral problems. He discusses their causes as well as how to get rid of them. Usually, the solution is related to the cause. If you really can’t find a solution, you can also read the section on behavior therapy.
This is a recommendation 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” and immediately recognize Cesar Millan. This American dog therapist uses a different training approach than, for example, Martin Gaus.
Cesar will both reward and discipline if necessary. According to 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.