10 Best Puppy Training Books UK 2026: Expert Picks for First-Time Owners
- Sam Phillips
- May 18
- 10 min read
What is the best puppy training book?
When it comes to selecting an ideal puppy training book, the task can be quite daunting. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which books are truly worth investing in. However, fret not! We have done extensive research for you. Not only have we thoroughly explored the world of puppy training literature, but we have taken it a step further by purchasing and utilising some of the following books ourselves. To ensure the best options are presented, we have carefully reviewed the top 10 books currently available.
Now that you've decided to welcome a puppy into your home, educating yourself on proper training techniques is of utmost importance. Equipping yourself with knowledge will result in a more enjoyable experience for both you and your furry friend. The training process forms the foundation for a strong and everlasting bond between you and your companion.
It's crucial to note that both you and your puppy are embarking on a learning journey, and the more knowledge you possess beforehand, the smoother the transition will be. However, beware! There are no quick fixes when it comes to effectively training your dog.
Out of the 10 books we have reviewed below, we highly recommend acquiring the first two books, as they complement each other beautifully.
Below are the Top 10 best Puppy and Dog training books out there today.
This book was the first book we bought and we are still using it today, we still find this to be the best training book out there at the moment. The book is called 'Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy' by Steve Mann. Steve is a professional dog trainer and behaviourist for over 30 years. He is the founder of the 'Institute of Modern Dog Trainers', the leading body for trainers and behaviourists worldwide.
Steve has appeared on Lorraine Kelly’s morning show several times and helped her and many other stars train up her new pooch.
This is an excellent book that takes you from the very basics of how to look after and train your puppy. It is written so everyone from novices to an expert will understand - taking you through all the training tips you will need, step by step. Steve backs this up with stories and humour we can all relate to when it comes to the bad behaviour of our puppy.
The book includes colour photographs to explain some of the main points. This is a must-read for all new dog owners.
Our second book is called the 'Puppy Bible' by Claire Arrowsmith & Alison Smith. This book complements the ‘Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy’ book and is split into two parts. These two Canadian authors make raising a puppy easy with this week-by-week guide which tells you what to do when to do it and what to look out for in the first six months of your dog's life.
There is also a weekly countdown before your puppy is born as well as information on caring for older puppies from 6 months onwards.
The second part of the book is the ‘Puppy Encyclopedia’ and provides detailed information that will help you answer any question you might have about looking after your puppy. It features in-depth insight into every aspect of puppy care, including first aid.
A fun, modern puppy training guide that uses games-based learning to build confidence, focus, and a stronger bond with your dog.
Game On, Puppy! by Tom Mitchell and Lauren Langman offers a fresh and enjoyable approach to puppy training using positive reinforcement and interactive games. Instead of relying on punishment or strict obedience methods, the book focuses on building confidence, engagement, and good decision-making through fun exercises.
The authors explain everything clearly, making it ideal for first-time puppy owners as well as more experienced dog handlers. Topics such as recall, socialisation, lead walking, and preventing unwanted behaviours are covered in an easy-to-follow and encouraging style.
If you’re looking for a modern puppy training book that makes learning enjoyable for both you and your dog, Game On, Puppy! is an excellent choice.
Gwen Bailey’s Perfect Puppy has long been a go-to guide for new dog owners, and the newly revised edition only strengthens its reputation. The book is clear, practical, and full of reassuring advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of raising a puppy. Bailey covers everything from housetraining and socialisation to preventing common behaviour problems, all explained in a calm and approachable way. What really stands out is how easy it is to follow—the step-by-step plans and helpful illustrations make it simple to put the guidance into practice straight away. While no book can replace hands-on training and patience, Perfect Puppy provides a solid foundation and plenty of confidence for first-time owners. It’s a classic for a reason: supportive, sensible, and rooted in understanding how puppies think and learn. A must-have on any new puppy owner’s bookshelf.
A highly visual, step-by-step puppy training guide by veterinary behaviourist Dr Sophia Yin focused on early socialisation, house training, and positive reinforcement.
Perfect Puppy in 7 Days by Dr. Sophia Yin is a clear, highly practical guide designed to help new puppy owners get off to the best possible start. Despite the title, it isn’t about creating a “perfect” puppy in a week, but rather setting up strong foundations through early socialisation, routine, and positive reinforcement training.
What makes this book stand out is its visual, step-by-step approach. With hundreds of photos and simple instructions, it breaks down essential early-life skills such as toilet training, handling, bite inhibition, and introducing puppies safely to the world around them.
It’s especially useful for first-time owners who want a structured plan without overwhelming jargon. While some readers may find it quite basic if they already have experience, it remains one of the most trusted early puppy development guides available and a strong foundation for raising a confident, well-adjusted dog.
A realistic, stress-free puppy training guide focused on building a happy, well-adjusted dog through understanding, routine, and positive reinforcement.
Perfectly Imperfect Puppy by Graeme Hall is a reassuring and practical guide that helps new puppy owners focus on progress rather than perfection. Graeme Hall, a favourite dog trainer known for his calm, no-nonsense approach, brings real-world experience to every chapter, making the advice feel both trustworthy and achievable.
The book covers everything from choosing the right puppy and early socialisation to training foundations and preventing common behaviour problems. It’s written in a friendly, easy-to-understand style that encourages owners to relax and enjoy the process of raising a dog, rather than feeling overwhelmed by it.
Overall, it’s an excellent choice for first-time owners who want clear guidance from a respected trainer, with a strong emphasis on building a happy relationship with their puppy rather than chasing perfection.
In at 7, is the first of two written by the world-renowned gun dog trainer and author Pippa Mattinson. The book is called ‘Total Recall’. This book is the definitive dog and puppy training manual - easy to read and designed to help all dog owners with one simple but overwhelming problem: their dog won't come back when they call him or her! If this sounds like you, then this is the best book currently out there to get your pooch back every time.
The book is divided into three parts starting with the Preparation. It is packed with all the information you will need to prepare and support you and your dog as you work through the training programme. It details how your dog learns, practical training with rewards and beyond training.
The second part of the book is the Recall Training Programme. It walks you through the exercises, of which there are many, but there are no shortcuts and each step needs to be completed before moving on to the next exercise.
Word of warning, you are going to need your ‘Acme Whistle’ for this section of the book.
The third section is the Problem Solving section, where you can discover why you got into difficulties in the past and learn how to avoid making the same mistakes again in the future.
Enjoy your training journey, improve your relationship and have fun with your dog!
The second by Pippa Mattinson is ‘The Happy Puppy’. Pippa is a dog training specialist and is the founder of the UK’s national gundog graded training scheme, and a director of the Gundog Trust. The book is well laid out, easy to follow and is split into three parts. It starts with preparing the house and garden before the puppy arrives, to introducing your new friend to all the family, including children and other animals.
The second section is all about living with your puppy and tells you everything you need to know about training and caring for your new puppy. From preparing, and solving problems like crying, night waking, feeding, upset stomachs, biting, chewing and jumping up, this book is packed with all you need to know as a puppy owner.
A very popular book by a trusted trainer and author Pippa Mattinson.
Zak George’s Puppy Training Revolution by Zak George is one of the most popular modern puppy training resources, combining clear step-by-step guidance with a completely positive reinforcement approach. Zak George is a well-known contemporary dog trainer, especially recognised for his accessible, real-life training videos, often seen on YouTube with practical advice.
The book walks you through every stage of puppy development, from early socialisation and toilet training to lead walking, recall, and solving common behaviour challenges like biting and jumping up. It’s written in a friendly, easy-to-understand style, making it ideal for first-time puppy owners who want straightforward, no-punishment training methods.
What makes this book stand out is its focus on consistency and real-world application, helping owners build good habits through patience and reward-based learning rather than correction-based techniques.
Overall, it’s a strong modern addition for 2026 and a great fit for owners looking for a practical, science-led approach to raising a happy, well-behaved puppy.
And finally, if you have children, it is good to let your children train your family's new puppy. This step-by-step guide to exercises and tricks is a great book for engaging your children.
This book will help build up your puppy's confidence, obedience, and intelligence and strengthen its bond with your household. 'Ultimate Puppy Training for Kids' is the perfect way to engage kids ages 8 to 12 in raising a puppy with only minor help from adults.
This straightforward training guide will show your kids how to work with their puppy on everything from toilet training to playing fetch. Watch your child develop a deep understanding of their puppy and become an extra set of eyes and ears to help you take care of your family's new friend.
The Ultimate Puppy Training for Kids includes: What it's like to be a puppy? Teach kids what makes puppies bark, chew, jump, and get into all sorts of trouble, and use exercises and games to help them behave. How to puppy-proof and identify things that could be unsafe for puppies, or just fun to chew on and give kids easy step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips to help puppies stay out of trouble in your puppy's first year.
Break down important puppy milestones and engage children to follow a training path from crate training, to feeding, walking, and socialising.
Involve the whole family with puppy training, thanks to this ultimate guide for kids.
Book | Author(s) | Best For | Training Style | Amazon UK Link |
Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy | Steve Mann | Best overall puppy training | Positive reinforcement, practical step-by-step | |
Puppy Bible | Claire Arrowsmith & Alison Smith | Complete puppy care guide | Structured + reference style | |
The Perfect Puppy | Gwen Bailey | First-time puppy owners | Calm, reward-based training | |
Total Recall | Pippa Mattinson | Reliable recall & off-lead control | Reward-based, gundog-inspired training | |
The Happy Puppy Handbook | Pippa Mattinson | Early puppy foundations | Practical, real-world training advice | |
Perfect Puppy in 7 Days | Dr Sophia Yin | Early socialisation & structure | Science-based, visual step-by-step | |
Game On, Puppy! | Tom Mitchell & Lauren Langman | Engagement & focus training | Games-based positive reinforcement | |
Perfectly Imperfect Puppy | Graeme Hall | Realistic everyday puppy training | Calm, practical, no-nonsense positive training | |
Ultimate Puppy Training for Kids | Mark Van Wye | Getting Children involved in training | Helps build up your puppy's confidence, obedience, and intelligence | |
Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution | Zak George | Modern online-style training approach | Force-free, reward-based training |
5 FAQ's Why Should I Train My Dog
Why is dog training necessary?
Training is vital for teaching your dog basic obedience commands, ensuring their safety, and strengthening the bond between you and your furry companion. It also helps manage their behaviour and avert potential problems in the future.
2. At what age should I start training my dog?
Ideally, training should commence at an early age since young puppies possess a greater capacity for learning and developing habits. However, initiating training later on can still yield favourable outcomes. Whether you have a puppy or an adult dog, maintaining consistent training can bring about positive results.
3. What are the benefits of training my dog?
Training offers a myriad of advantages, including enhanced behaviour, improved communication between you and your canine friend, heightened safety, and enhanced socialization skills. Additionally, it provides mental stimulation, warding off boredom and promoting the happiness of your well-adjusted pet.
4. Can I train my dog on my own, or do I need professional help?
While basic training can be conducted at home with appropriate guidance and resources, seeking professional help can be advantageous, particularly for intricate behaviours or specific issues. Professional trainers possess expert knowledge in comprehending canine behaviour and can provide personalised training plans tailored to your dog's needs.
5. How much time do I need to dedicate to training my dog?
Consistency is of utmost importance in dog training. Regular, short training sessions, ideally lasting 10 to 15 minutes, conducted multiple times a day, produce better results compared to sporadic or lengthy sessions. However, the necessary time commitment varies depending on the individual dog, their age, breed, and learning pace. It's imperative to stay patient and persistent throughout the training process.
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