5 Essential Dog Training Books Reviewed

If you’re shopping for practical, friendly guides to raise, train, or entertain a new pup, this group of titles has you covered: Puppy Training in 7 Easy Steps: Everything You Need to Know to Raise the Perfect Dog; Easy Peasy Awesome Pawsome: Dog Training for Kids (Puppy Training, Obedience Training, and Much More); 1 Minute Dog Fun, Fast & Easy Dog Training for Kids: Super Dog Training Academy (1 Minute Dog Training Academy); The Big Book of Tricks for the Best Dog Ever: A Step-by-Step Guide to 118 Amazing Tricks and Stunts; and Dog Science Unleashed: Fun Activities to do with your Canine Companion. Each one approaches training from a slightly different angle—quick lessons for busy families, kid-friendly step-by-steps, a huge catalog of tricks, or hands-on science experiments—so you can find the style that fits your schedule, your dog’s energy, and your family’s learning style.

Books and activity guides like these have evolved from simple obedience manuals into more varied, engaging resources over the past few decades. Early training books focused mostly on commands and discipline, while modern offerings emphasize positive reinforcement, short attention-span lessons, enrichment, and involving kids in safe, effective ways. Owning one or more of these titles gives you consistent techniques to practice at home, boosts your confidence as a trainer, provides ideas to keep your dog mentally stimulated, and helps build a stronger bond between you and your pet. In the rest of this article you’ll get a closer look at each title—what makes it unique, who it’s best for, and how it can fit into your everyday routine.

Puppy Training in 7 Easy Steps: A Simple Guide to Raising Your Dog — Paperback, April 2, 2019

If you’re bringing home a new pup or want to refresh your basics with a young dog, Puppy Training in 7 Easy Steps (Paperback – April 2, 2019) is built for you. You’ll use this guide as a step-by-step roadmap for puppy training, covering daily routines, basic obedience, and solving common behavior problems. It’s practical enough to use during the first intense weeks at home and handy as a quick reference when specific issues — like housebreaking or crate training — crop up later.

You’ll appreciate how the book breaks everything down into manageable, actionable steps. The writing is clear and encouraging, handing you both the “why” and the “how.” The structure helps you focus on one important area at a time, so you won’t get overwhelmed trying to teach everything at once. The emphasis on positive reinforcement and consistent routines is something you can implement immediately, which makes real progress more likely and training more enjoyable for both you and your pup.

The purpose of Puppy Training in 7 Easy Steps is to give you a complete yet simple plan to raise a well-adjusted, obedient dog. Key features include:

• A clear, seven-step training program that progresses from basics like sit, stay, and recall to more advanced house manners.
• Practical chapters on crate training, potty training, leash walking, and early socialization.
• Troubleshooting sections that address biting, chewing, separation anxiety, and other common puppy behaviors.
• Real-world tips for integrating training into daily life: meal time, walks, play, and handling veterinary visits.
• Encouraging tone with realistic timelines so you know what to expect week by week.

These features make the book a functional manual rather than abstract theory — you’ll find exercises you can do in short sessions and clear advice on how to reward progress.

The book delivers solid, user-friendly guidance. The writing is approachable and avoids technical jargon, meaning you’ll be able to follow along even if this is your first puppy. The methods promote humane, science-backed techniques like reward-based training, which tend to be effective and build a strong bond between you and your dog. While it’s not a deep dive into canine psychology, it’s high-quality for everyday puppy owners who want fast, practical results. The paperback format (April 2, 2019) makes it easy to keep by your door or stash in a training bag for quick reference during walks.

Pros:

• Step-by-step plan that reduces overwhelm and gives clear milestones.
• Emphasis on positive reinforcement and humane training techniques.
• Practical, bite-sized exercises you can use daily.
• Covers essential topics like housebreaking, leash manners, and early socialization.
• Friendly tone that motivates you to stick with training.

Cons:

• Not a deep academic text — you may need more advanced resources for complex behavioral issues.
• Limited troubleshooting depth for severe problems (e.g., extreme aggression or chronic anxiety).
• Some owners may prefer more visuals or video demonstrations alongside the written steps.

If you want a friendly, practical guide to get your puppy started on the right paw, this paperback is likely to become one of your go-to resources. It gives you clear steps, useful techniques, and the encouragement you need to make training part of your daily life with your dog.

[Dog Training for Kids: Puppy and Obedience Training

Other short variations:

• Easy Dog Training for Kids — Puppy & Obedience
• Kids’ Guide to Puppy and Obedience Training](https://www.amazon.com/dp/1684815169?tag=thespencerzoo-20)

This book is built primarily for kids and families who want to teach a puppy or young dog basic manners and fun tricks. If you’re a parent, guardian, or young handler looking to create a safe, positive learning environment, this guide turns puppy training and obedience training into approachable, bite-sized lessons. You’ll use it as a daily activity planner, a quick-reference for common behavior problems, and a way to turn training into fun, family-focused bonding time.

You’ll appreciate how the author speaks directly to children and adults in a warm, encouraging way. The standout is the focus on making lessons engaging and age-appropriate—you don’t need to be an expert to get great results. The tone is playful yet practical, so your child feels empowered and your dog gets consistent, clear cues. The book also emphasizes safety, simple rewards, and short sessions that fit into busy family life.

The purpose is to give your family a clear roadmap for raising a well-behaved, confident dog using positive, kid-friendly methods. Key features include:

• Step-by-step chapters on basic obedience (sit, stay, come), leash walking, and crate training.
• Simple games and exercises that double as socialization and impulse control practice.
• Visual cues and easy-to-follow instructions so your child can lead training with minimal adult help.
• Tips on using rewards effectively—treats, toys, praise—and how to fade them so behaviors stick.
• Guidance on handling common issues like chewing, barking, and potty training with patience and positive reinforcement.

You’ll find short session plans that keep practice under 10 minutes—perfect for young attention spans. There’s also content on reading canine body language so your child learns to respect boundaries and avoid unsafe situations.

The quality is high for its target audience. The writing is clear, friendly, and encouraging, which helps kids stay motivated and prevents frustration for parents. The structure is logical: start with foundations, then build toward more complex skills. Practical examples and “try this now” activities make learning immediate. Illustrations or diagrams (if included) are likely simple and instructional, supporting kids who learn visually. You’ll find the methods align with modern, humane training philosophies rather than outdated dominance-based approaches, which is reassuring if you care about ethical, science-based dog care.

Pros:

• Kid-friendly approach that makes training fun and accessible for families.
• Emphasizes positive reinforcement and safety.
• Short, practical lessons fit into daily life and keep kids engaged.
• Covers a wide range of topics from basic obedience to behavioral problem prevention.
• Encourages responsible pet ownership through understanding dog body language.

Cons:

• May oversimplify complex behavior issues that require professional help; you’ll need a trainer or vet for serious problems.
• If you prefer highly technical or science-heavy manuals, the approachable tone might feel light on depth.
• Some families may want more advanced progressions or troubleshooting sections for stubborn behaviors.

If you’re looking to involve your child in raising a well-mannered, happy dog, this title gives you an upbeat, practical toolkit. It makes training feel less like a chore and more like a shared family adventure, helping your child build confidence while your dog learns essential skills.

1-Minute Dog Training for Kids — Fast, Easy & Fun (Super Dog Training Academy) — Kindle Edition

This Kindle edition of 1 Minute Dog Fun is designed so you and your kids can fit training into busy days. The primary use is to teach quick, engaging skills and basic manners through fast, bite-sized sessions that are perfect for short attention spans. If you want a resource that helps turn everyday moments into training opportunities — walks, mealtimes, or five-minute play breaks — this book gives you step-by-step mini-lessons you can apply immediately.

You’ll appreciate how the book makes training feel achievable. It’s written with a focus on dog training for kids, so the language is simple, the exercises are fun, and the structure encourages repetition and positive reinforcement. That makes it easier for kids to feel confident while they learn to lead and care for a dog. The fast & easy dog training approach reduces overwhelm and builds momentum with small, consistent wins, which keeps both kids and dogs engaged.

The main purpose of Super Dog Training Academy’s Kindle edition is to provide an accessible toolkit for families who want to involve children in pet training safely and effectively. Key features include:

• A focus on 1-minute training drills that are simple enough for children to follow and repeat.
• Emphasis on positive reinforcement: treats, praise, and play are highlighted instead of punishment.
• Clear, child-friendly instructions and cues to standardize commands so your whole family is consistent.
• Short modules that teach basic obedience (sit, stay, come), leash manners, polite greeting behavior, and fun tricks.
• Tips for building a training routine and tracking progress without complicated equipment.

You’ll find it’s structured to encourage micro-practice: pick one short exercise, do it several times a day, and gradually increase challenge as your dog improves. This organization helps you keep training sessions purposeful but not time-consuming.

The quality is solid for its intended audience. The Kindle format makes it handy to open on a phone or tablet during a quick break, and the writing style is supportive and clear. The content quality shines when it comes to making training approachable for kids and novice owners — you’ll get practical advice rather than heavy theory. However, if you’re looking for advanced behavior modification techniques or detailed troubleshooting for serious issues, you may need to consult more comprehensive manuals or a professional trainer. For everyday manners and family-friendly lessons, this delivers consistent, usable guidance.

Pros:

• Perfect for kids: simple steps and clear cues that encourage participation and confidence.
• Time-friendly: focuses on short, repeatable sessions that fit into a busy schedule.
• Positive approach: reinforces kindly, which strengthens your bond with your dog.
• Portable format: Kindle edition makes it easy to access wherever you train.

Cons:

• Not a substitute for professional help if your dog has serious behavioral problems.
• May be too basic if you’re seeking advanced training methods or competitive sport preparation.
• Relies on parents/adults to supervise and reinforce lessons consistently for best results.

If your goal is to involve children in training, build everyday manners, and keep practice short and fun, this book is a friendly, practical choice. It helps you turn tiny pockets of time into meaningful training sessions that add up quickly — and keeps the experience enjoyable for the whole family.

Big Book of Dog Tricks: 118 Step-by-Step Illustrated Tricks and Stunts (Paperback)

You’ll find this book ideal if you want to turn everyday training into a fun, enriching activity. Whether you’re teaching basic manners, showing off party tricks, or building your dog’s confidence, this title delivers a wide range of dog training options. It’s especially useful for owners who prefer hands-on, visual guidance.

You’ll use this book as a step-by-step manual that takes you from simple behaviors to more advanced tricks and stunts. Flip to a trick, study the illustrated sequence, practice in short sessions, and progress at your dog’s pace. It’s a go-to reference you can return to for new ideas or structured practice sessions.

You’ll appreciate the combination of quantity and clarity: 118 tricks packed into one convenient volume. The book balances playful tricks with practical training techniques, so you’re not just teaching cute behaviors—you’re reinforcing your dog’s focus, impulse control, and obedience. The friendly, encouraging tone makes training approachable for beginners while still offering value to more experienced handlers.

You’ll enjoy a resource that helps strengthen your bond. The book emphasizes short, positive sessions that keep your dog motivated. Many tricks can be tailored to different skill levels and sizes, so you won’t feel limited by breed or age. Overall, it’s a confidence-builder for both you and your dog.

The primary purpose is to provide a comprehensive, illustrated guide for teaching a wide variety of tricks—from basics like shake and spin to more advanced stunts that impress at the park or a dog sport. It’s designed to make training fun, consistent, and accessible.

• 118 tricks organized with clear instructions so you can pick and choose based on time and interest.
• Illustrated, step-by-step sequences that show both you and your dog exactly what to do.
• Emphasis on positive reinforcement methods that prioritize your dog’s well-being and willingness to learn.
• Progressions and troubleshooting tips that help you move from luring to shaping, and from simple cues to polished performances.
• A variety of trick categories—mental challenges, physical stunts, and cooperative behaviors—that keep training sessions varied and stimulating.

You’ll notice the book excels at breaking down complex behaviors into small, manageable steps. The illustrations and photos are clear and purposeful, making it easy to visualize each phase of the trick. The pacing encourages steady progress without rushing you or your dog.

The paperback format makes it easy to carry to training sessions or keep on your shelf for quick reference. Instructions are practical for real-world use; you’ll find suggestions for common pitfalls, rewarding strategies, and timing of cues. Overall, you get a thoughtfully organized, user-friendly guide that delivers both breadth and depth.

• Comprehensive: 118 tricks provide endless variety.

• Step-by-step illustrations make learning straightforward.

• Focus on positive reinforcement supports humane training.

• Suitable for a wide range of skill levels and dog types.

• Encourages enrichment, mental stimulation, and bonding.

• The sheer number of tricks can feel overwhelming if you’re new to training—you’ll want to pick a few to start.

• Some advanced stunts may require additional gear or space that not every owner has.

• Paperback layout means flipping between sections if you’re building a multi-step routine.

If you’re looking for a friendly, illustrated, and practical guide to expand your dog’s repertoire and keep training fun, this book is a strong pick for your collection of dog training resources. It’s designed to help you teach reliably, reward wisely, and enjoy the process with your furry companion.

Dog Science Unleashed: Hands-On Science Activities to Do with Your Dog — Paperback (Aug 7, 2018)

You’ll use Dog Science Unleashed: Fun Activities to do with your Canine Companion (Hands-On Science) as a practical guide to turn playtime into learning time. The primary use is to provide hands-on science activities that build your dog’s cognitive skills, strengthen your bond, and introduce basic training concepts through engaging experiments and games. If you want to make training feel like play rather than work, this book shows you how.

This book is ideal if you’re a pet parent, teacher, or volunteer looking for enrichment activities, interactive projects, and safe ways to explore canine behavior. It’s especially helpful for those who prefer a science-based approach to understanding how your dog learns.

You’ll appreciate how the author turns scientific concepts into fun, approachable activities that you can do in your living room or backyard. The tone is warm and encouraging, so you’ll feel confident trying out experiments even if you’ve never done pet-centered science before.

What stands out is the book’s emphasis on building a stronger relationship with your dog. Every activity is designed to promote mental stimulation, problem-solving, and communication—so you’re not just teaching tricks, you’re deepening your connection.

The purpose of this paperback is to make canine cognition accessible. It translates research into simple, replicable activities that demonstrate how dogs think, learn, and perceive the world. You’ll learn by doing—observing your dog’s reactions, gathering simple data, and tweaking methods to match your pet’s personality.

• A collection of step-by-step hands-on activities geared toward different skill levels and ages of dogs.
• Explanations of the science behind each experiment so you understand why an activity works.
• Clear safety tips and alternatives for dogs with special needs or low mobility.
• Creative use of household items, making most projects low-cost and easy to set up.
• Suggestions for tracking progress and recording observations to build a mini “science journal” with your pup.

The book is well organized and easy to follow. Instructions are concise, and illustrations or photos (where included) assist in setup and execution. You’ll find the pacing thoughtful: quick wins to build confidence, plus longer experiments that explore deeper cognitive skills.

The content balances entertainment with a respect for scientific method. While this is not an academic textbook, the experiments are grounded in behavioral science and common-sense training principles. That makes it a trustworthy resource for everyday enrichment and informal learning.

• Engaging activities that promote mental stimulation and bonding.

• Science-based explanations that help you understand canine behavior.

• Uses common household items, so you can start immediately.

• Friendly tone that makes you feel supported and encouraged.

• Good for a variety of dogs, ages, and skill levels.

• Not a substitute for professional obedience training or behavior modification for serious issues—you may still need a qualified trainer for complex problems.

• Some activities may require patience and repetition; if you prefer instant results, this approach could feel slow.

• The paperback format means limited space for in-depth scientific citations; you’ll get practical guidance rather than exhaustive research references.

You’ll find Dog Science Unleashed a delightful toolkit for turning curiosity into constructive play. It encourages you to observe your dog with fresh eyes and to experiment responsibly, helping both of you learn and have fun together. If you want to mix training, science, and play, this book gives you plenty of ideas to try.

Comparison overview

You’ve got five very different dog books here — some are training primers for new puppy parents, some are kid-friendly activity guides, one is a tricks encyclopedia, and another mixes canine play with hands-on science. Below I break down the key specifications, explain what each column in the table means, and give a compact comparison so you can pick the one that fits your needs.

What the specifications mean

• Format: paperback, Kindle, illustrated paperback, etc.
• Publication date: when the edition you listed was released.
• Target audience: who will get the most from the book (new owners, kids, families, hobby trainers).
• Main focus: the primary topic (basic puppy training, kid-friendly lessons, quick games, tricks, or science activities).
• Difficulty: approximate skill/knowledge level required (Beginner, Kids-friendly, Intermediate).
• Best for: the most likely use-case (potty/obedience, kid interaction, quick fun, building a trick repertoire, science projects).
• Notable features: quick bullets like “step-by-step,” “illustrated,” or “hands-on activities.”
• Notes: I’ve flagged where specific metadata (page count, author, or some formatting) wasn’t provided in your list.

Comparison table

Book (short)	Format	Pub date	Target audience	Main focus	Difficulty	Best for	Notable features	Notes
Puppy Training in 7 Easy Steps	Paperback	April 2, 2019	New puppy owners / adults	Core puppy training (housebreaking, basic obedience, routines)	Beginner	Raising a well-behaved puppy from day one	Step-by-step plan, practical daily routine guidance	Page count/author not specified
Easy Peasy Awesome Pawsome (Dog Training for Kids)	Not specified	Not specified	Kids & families	Puppy/obedience basics and kid-friendly training activities	Kids-friendly / Beginner	Teaching kids to train and bond with a dog	Kid-focused language and activities, simple steps	Format & pub date not specified
1 Minute Dog Fun (Super Dog Training Academy)	Kindle Edition	Not specified	Kids & busy parents	Very short training games/exercises (1-minute sessions)	Kids-friendly / Beginner	Quick sessions to hold a child’s attention; micro-training	Extremely short exercises, game-style lessons	Pub date/author not specified
The Big Book of Tricks for the Best Dog Ever	Paperback (Illustrated)	March 19, 2019	Owners who want tricks / hobby trainers	118 tricks and stunts, step-by-step instructions	Beginner → Intermediate (trick progression)	Building a large repertoire of tricks and performances	Illustrated, step-by-step for many tricks	Good for dogs that already have basic obedience
Dog Science Unleashed (Hands-On Science)	Paperback	August 7, 2018	Families, older kids, STEM-minded owners	Science-based activities you can do with dogs (experiments, projects)	Beginner → Intermediate	Educational, hands-on projects combining dog play and science learning	Hands-on activities, educational framing	Ideal for classrooms or family projects

Quick comparisons and how to choose

If you want a practical puppy plan

• Choose Puppy Training in 7 Easy Steps. It’s organized around a clear stepwise routine to help you manage housebreaking, manners, and early socialization.

If you want something that gets kids involved

• Choose Easy Peasy Awesome Pawsome or 1 Minute Dog Fun. Easy Peasy is more of a kid-friendly training manual; 1 Minute Dog Fun is for very short, attention-friendly mini-lessons you can do multiple times per day.

If you want tricks and performance

• Choose The Big Book of Tricks for the Best Dog Ever. It’s specifically built to teach dozens of tricks with illustrated, stepwise guidance — great once your dog has basic obedience down.

If you want educational activities and experiments

• Choose Dog Science Unleashed. It’s geared toward hands-on science projects and activities that teach concepts while you bond with your dog.

Short recommendations for different needs

• You’re a new puppy parent who needs structure: Puppy Training in 7 Easy Steps.
• You’re raising kids who want to train the family dog: Easy Peasy Awesome Pawsome.
• You need quick, 1-minute games to keep a child engaged: 1 Minute Dog Fun.
• You want a big collection of tricks to teach your dog: The Big Book of Tricks.
• You want STEM-style activities and experiments to do with your dog: Dog Science Unleashed.

If you’d like, I can add exact author names, page counts, or ISBNs for each title — just tell me if you want those details and I’ll look them up.

Conclusion — Quick wrap-up of all five books

You’ve looked at a nice mix of practical training guides, kid-friendly primers, trick compendia, and science-based activities. Each book has a clear strength and a few limitations, so here’s a friendly summary to help you pick the one (or ones) that fit your needs.

Puppy Training in 7 Easy Steps

• Summary: A clear, step-by-step starter guide that walks you through core puppyhood basics—potty training, socialization, bite inhibition, and foundational obedience.
• Drawbacks: It can feel a bit general if you’re facing a specific behavior problem or have a challenging breed; you may need deeper resources or a trainer for complex issues.
• Recommended for: New puppy owners who want a structured, no-nonsense roadmap to get started quickly.

Easy Peasy Awesome Pawsome: Dog Training for Kids

• Summary: Fun, simple explanations and activities that let kids participate in training, with age-appropriate language and engaging ideas.
• Drawbacks: It can oversimplify certain techniques; younger kids will still need adult supervision and consistent follow-through.
• Recommended for: Families who want to involve children in caring for and training the family dog—great for building responsibility and bonding.

1 Minute Dog Fun, Fast & Easy Dog Training for Kids

• Summary: Very short, high-energy training games and exercises designed for quick wins and to hold a child’s attention.
• Drawbacks: Short sessions are great for engagement but aren’t enough for teaching complex behaviors; results require regular repetition.
• Recommended for: Busy families and kids with short attention spans who want simple, daily activities to stimulate and reward their dog.

The Big Book of Tricks for the Best Dog Ever

• Summary: Extensive collection of 118 tricks, presented step-by-step with progression ideas—perfect if you want variety and creativity.
• Drawbacks: Can be overwhelming for absolute beginners; many tricks assume basic obedience is already in place, and some require patience and time.
• Recommended for: Owners who already have basic control and want to expand into fun, impressive tricks and advanced bonding activities.

Dog Science Unleashed: Fun Activities to do with your Canine Companion

• Summary: Hands-on, science-themed activities and experiments that combine enrichment with learning—excellent for curious minds and interactive play.
• Drawbacks: Some activities need materials, prep time, or careful supervision; it’s more enrichment/science than a strict training manual.
• Recommended for: Educators, families interested in STEM, and owners who want meaningful enrichment and mental stimulation beyond obedience training.

Final recommendation

If you want a single place to start training basics, pick Puppy Training in 7 Easy Steps. If you’re aiming to involve kids, choose Easy Peasy Awesome Pawsome or 1 Minute Dog Fun depending on your child’s attention span. If your goal is lots of tricks and creative challenges, The Big Book of Tricks is your go‑to. For enrichment, experiments, and playful learning, Dog Science Unleashed shines.

You’ll get the best results by combining resources: start with a foundational guide (like the 7-step book), add kid-friendly short activities to keep everyone involved, then expand into tricks and science projects for variety. And if you hit stubborn behavior problems, don’t hesitate to consult a certified trainer or behaviorist. Enjoy training—you and your dog will have a lot of fun learning together!

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.