If you’re looking for kid-friendly ways to teach your child about dogs, the stack of titles you’re about to compare — from Dog Training for Kids (2019) and the Large Print Dog Training For Kids (2024) to A Kid’s Guide to Dogs, 101 Dog Tricks, Kids Edition, and How to Speak Dog — offers a great mix of practical training, games, and dog‑body‑language insight. You’ll find some books aimed at making training feel like play, others packed with crafts and step‑by‑step trick lessons, and one that helps your family understand what your dog is actually communicating. As you read, you’ll get a sense of which style fits your child’s age, attention span, and the kind of relationship you want them to build with your pet.
Books teaching kids about dogs grew from a wider interest in humane education and family pet care: as more households welcomed dogs, authors and educators created resources that turn responsibility and safety into fun learning. These titles combine simple commands, safety tips, games, and even activities to strengthen the human‑dog bond, so your child learns compassion, consistency, and confidence while your dog gets clear, positive guidance. You’ll see benefits like safer interactions, better basic obedience, shared family projects, and lots of playful practice. In the article that follows, you’ll look more closely at each book — what they teach, how they teach it, and which one might be the best fit for your family and your furry friend.
Dog Training for Kids: Easy, Fun Ways to Care for Your Dog (Paperback, Nov 26, 2019)
This book, Dog Training for Kids: Fun and Easy Ways to Care for Your Furry Friend (Paperback – November 26, 2019), is designed for children, parents, and caregivers who want a gentle, playful introduction to dog training and everyday pet care. You’ll pick it up when you want a kid-friendly guide that turns chores and training into games, helps your child learn responsibility, and strengthens the bond between your child and your dog. It’s ideal for families with new puppies or children who are meeting a dog for the first time.
You’ll appreciate how approachable the content is: the text uses simple language and lots of examples so your child can follow along. The emphasis on positive reinforcement techniques and safety tips ensures your child learns humane, effective methods. The book frames training as fun, not a chore, which helps kids stay engaged and builds confidence. If you want a resource that teaches both dog care basics and training fundamentals without overwhelming technicalities, this book fits the bill.
The purpose of the book is to teach children how to safely interact with and train their dog using easy, practical activities. Key features include:
- Clear, step-by-step training games that teach commands like sit, stay, and come using reward-based training.
- Safety and handling tips so your child knows how to approach, walk, and groom a dog.
- Fun activities and checklists that turn daily care—feeding, brushing, and playtime—into simple routines.
- Illustrative examples and kid-friendly explanations that make concepts like patience and consistency tangible.
- Behavior troubleshooting advice for common issues such as jumping, barking, or leash pulling, presented in a calm, encouraging tone.
These elements help your child learn both the how and the why of caring for a pet, making it more likely that lessons stick.
The book’s quality shines in its clear structure and age-appropriate writing. Chapters are short and focused, so your child won’t get overwhelmed. The friendly voice encourages practice and rewards progress, which supports long-term learning. Educationally, it balances practical skills with emotional lessons—empathy, patience, and stewardship. While it’s not a substitute for professional training for serious behavioral problems, it’s an excellent starter manual that sets a solid foundation for your child’s involvement in pet care.
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Kid-friendly language and engaging activities make training approachable.
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Emphasizes positive reinforcement and safety, promoting humane methods.
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Includes practical routines that help kids develop responsibility.
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Helps strengthen the bond between your child and your dog through play-based learning.
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Short, focused chapters are easy to digest and repeat.
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Not a replacement for professional dog trainers if your dog has serious behavior issues.
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May require parental supervision for some activities, especially with larger or reactive dogs.
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Lacks in-depth coverage of advanced training techniques aimed at older children or teens seeking more technical instruction.
If you want your child to learn the basics of dog training and pet care in a way that’s safe, fun, and easy to follow, this paperback is a solid pick. It gives your family practical tools to start building good habits and happy memories with your furry friend.
Kid’s Guide to Dogs: How to Train, Care for, Play With, and Talk to Your Pet
This book is designed for kids and families who want a fun, safe, and practical way to learn about dog training, care, and communication. You’ll use it as a hands-on guide to teach your dog basic commands, understand canine body language, set up daily care routines, and discover games that build your bond. Whether you’re a first-time kid dog owner or already have a pup at home, this is a go-to resource for turning everyday moments into learning opportunities.
You’ll appreciate how the book speaks directly to young readers with clear, friendly language and step-by-step instructions. It emphasizes positive reinforcement, safety, and respect for animals—core lessons that you can carry into a lifetime of responsible pet ownership. The mix of short chapters, fun activities, and illustrations makes learning feel like play, so you’re more likely to try the techniques with your dog. Parents and caregivers will also like that the guidance is practical and age-appropriate, helping you take responsibility for your pet in ways that are safe and rewarding.
The primary purpose of this book is to make dog care accessible and engaging for children. Key features include:
- Clear, kid-friendly explanations of basic training commands like sit, stay, come, and leash walking.
- Simple guides to daily care tasks such as feeding, grooming, and health checks so you know how to look after your dog’s well-being.
- Sections on communication and body language to help you read what your dog is feeling and respond appropriately.
- Play ideas and games that strengthen the bond between you and your dog while reinforcing good behavior.
- Safety tips for interactions with other dogs and people, including when to ask an adult for help.
- Step-by-step activities and small projects that encourage you to practice consistently and track progress.
The layout often includes colorful illustrations or diagrams (depending on edition) that make concepts easier to grasp, and the hands-on tasks are broken into manageable steps so you don’t get overwhelmed.
This book delivers high-quality, age-appropriate content that balances instruction with fun. The writing is friendly and encouraging, and the practical focus helps you see measurable improvement in your dog’s behavior when you follow the steps consistently. The emphasis on positive reinforcement and safety reflects modern, humane training methods, which is important for building a trusting relationship between you and your pet. Illustrations and activity suggestions add to the quality, making the book both informative and enjoyable to use.
Pros:
- Clear, accessible language tailored for children.
- Focus on positive training and safety.
- Practical step-by-step activities and games you can do with your dog.
- Helps teach responsibility—feeding, grooming, and basic health checks.
- Encourages empathy and better communication between you and your pet.
Cons:
- May be basic for older kids or those with advanced training goals.
- Some editions may vary in illustration quality or layout; you might want to preview to ensure it matches your preference.
- Not a substitute for professional training in cases of severe behavior issues; you’ll still need a trainer for complex problems.
If you’re looking for a friendly, hands-on guide to introduce a child to dog training, care, and play, this book is a solid choice. It gives you practical tools, encourages compassionate handling, and turns learning into fun—so you and your dog can grow together confidently.
Dog Training for Kids: Fun Games and Easy Tricks — Large Print Paperback
This book is designed to help kids and their families learn dog training through super fun games and easy-to-follow awesome tricks. If you want your child to build a strong, respectful bond with your dog while learning responsibility and safety, this guide delivers. It’s especially useful for younger readers thanks to the large print format and clear, supportive language that makes training feel like play.
You’ll love how this title turns training into an enjoyable, family activity. The combination of play-based training, step-by-step instructions, and emphasis on positive reinforcement makes it ideal for kids. The large print helps children read independently, and the energetic tone keeps them motivated. The book encourages safe interaction, teaching both basic obedience and entertaining tricks that build confidence for both you and your child.
The primary purpose is to make dog training for kids accessible, safe, and fun. Key features include:
- Step-by-step lessons that break down commands like sit, stay, come, and loose-leash walking into bite-sized steps kids can follow.
- A strong focus on positive reinforcement methods—treats, praise, and games—rather than punishment.
- A collection of games that teach obedience while keeping sessions short and engaging.
- Do-it-yourself tricks that encourage creativity (shake, spin, fetch variations).
- Safety tips tailored to children, such as reading dog body language and setting boundaries.
- Large print layout to support early readers or kids who prefer bigger text.
- Troubleshooting sections that help you address common challenges like distraction, barking, and fearfulness.
- Visual cues or simple illustrations to clarify techniques and reward timing.
The book’s practical approach is geared toward regular short sessions that fit into busy family routines. You’ll find that the activities double as bonding experiences—training becomes quality time for you, your child, and your dog.
The quality is strong for a kids-focused training manual. The writing is clear and friendly, which makes the instructions easy to follow for young readers and parents alike. The large print and thoughtful layout prioritize readability, while the examples and troubleshooting tips reflect contemporary, humane training practices. Methods emphasize reward-based learning, which aligns with current best practices in positive dog training. Materials feel well-organized for regular use; chapters are segmented so you can jump to specific skills or games without confusion.
If you want a beginner-friendly, safe, and upbeat resource that encourages responsibility and teamwork, this book performs well. It’s practical for families with a variety of dog breeds and temperaments, though extremely reactive or high-drive dogs might still need professional help beyond the book’s scope.
Pros:
- Kid-friendly language and large print make training accessible to young readers.
- Emphasizes positive reinforcement and safety—good habits for life.
- Fun games and tricks keep kids engaged and motivated.
- Clear step-by-step instructions and troubleshooting tips.
- Promotes bonding, confidence, and responsibility in kids.
Cons:
- May not cover advanced behavioral issues or severe reactivity—professional intervention could be required.
- Some games may need adult supervision, especially with larger or more excitable dogs.
- If you prefer highly technical training manuals, the playful tone might feel light on depth.
Pick this book if you want to help your child learn responsible, fun, and effective ways to train your family dog. It’s a warm, practical guide that turns training into a shared adventure.
101 Dog Tricks — Kids Edition: Fun, Easy Activities, Games & Crafts (Vol. 5) — Illustrated Paperback, July 1, 2014
You’ll find 101 Dog Tricks, Kids Edition is designed primarily for young trainers and their families who want a fun, safe way to teach their dog tricks while building a stronger bond. The primary use is as a kid-friendly training guide that transforms practice sessions into games, activities, and crafts. If you want your child to learn positive reinforcement techniques, practice patience, and enjoy structured play with your dog, this book is a practical resource for everyday use.
You’ll appreciate how the book turns training into something playful and approachable. The kids edition adapts classic trick training into short, clear steps that are easy for children to follow. The inclusion of illustrations makes instructions easier to understand, and the mix of activities, games, and crafts keeps sessions interesting for kids and dogs alike. You’ll like that it encourages safe, reward-based methods rather than punishment, so your dog learns while your child gains confidence and responsibility.
This volume aims to give you a broad toolkit of tricks and training ideas suited for young readers. Key features include:
- A collection of easy-to-follow tricks, each broken into practical steps so your child can progress gradually.
- Illustrated instructions that help visual learners and make training less intimidating.
- A variety of games and activities that transform repetition into play and keep your dog mentally stimulated.
- Simple craft projects that let kids create toys, props, or rewards—making training interactive and hands-on.
- Emphasis on positive reinforcement and safety tips so both your child and dog enjoy training sessions.
These elements together mean you’ll have a resource that supports short, consistent practice sessions—perfect for busy families or kids with short attention spans.
You’ll find the book is written in an accessible, friendly tone that speaks directly to kids and caregivers. The illustrated paperback format is lightweight and easy to handle during training, although a paperback is less durable than a hardcover—so treat it gently if it’s going to be used outdoors or during messy craft sessions. The instructions are clear and age-appropriate, making it simple for your child to follow along without frustration. Overall, the quality is solid for its purpose: a practical, engaging guide that encourages responsible dog care and delivers lots of fun learning moments.
Pros:
- Kid-friendly instructions that make training approachable.
- Illustrations that support visual learning and clarity.
- Mix of tricks, games, and crafts keeps sessions varied and fun.
- Emphasizes positive reinforcement and safety.
- Great for building responsibility, patience, and the human-animal bond.
Cons:
- Paperback format may wear with heavy use—consider keeping it indoors.
- Some younger kids may still need adult supervision for safety and consistency.
- If you’re seeking advanced training techniques or behavioral rehabilitation guidance, this book focuses more on fun tricks than on corrective or advanced obedience training.
You’ll find this title particularly useful if your goal is to make dog training a joyful, educational activity for kids. It’s a friendly, practical pick that encourages consistent practice, creative play, and stronger relationships between children and their dogs.
How to Talk to Dogs: A Simple Guide to Understanding Dog Language — Paperback (September 10, 2013)
How to Speak Dog: A Guide to Decoding Dog Language (NGK How to Speak Animal) is primarily for helping you and your child understand dog body language and basic communication signals. If you want to keep interactions safe, build confidence around dogs, and make training more fun, this book gives you child-friendly explanations of barks, tails, postures, facial expressions, and common behaviors.
You’ll appreciate how the book turns sometimes confusing canine signals into simple, clear lessons that kids can follow. The language is approachable, examples are relatable, and the concept of “reading” a dog becomes an accessible skill rather than complicated science. It’s a great first step for young animal lovers to learn respect, empathy, and how to avoid misunderstandings that can lead to stress or accidental bites.
The purpose of this paperback (published September 10, 2013) is to teach readers to decode dog language in a straightforward way. Key features typically include:
- Clear explanations of common body signals like tail position, ear orientation, eye contact, and posture.
- Easy-to-follow descriptions of vocalizations — what different barks, whines, and growls might mean.
- Practical safety tips so your child knows how to approach, play with, or give space to a dog.
- Everyday scenarios and examples that show how to interpret a dog during play, feeding, or when meeting strangers.
- Simple activities or conversation starters to help you practice with your child and a family pet or a friendly dog.
The book is designed more as a primer than a technical manual, so it’s ideal for families, classrooms, and anyone introducing kids to pet care basics.
The book delivers a clear, readable introduction to dog communication. The quality shines in its accessibility: concepts are broken into bite-sized pieces so your child won’t feel overwhelmed. Illustrations or photos (where included) help reinforce the lessons visually, which is especially useful for young learners. Expect practical, easy-to-apply advice rather than advanced training protocols. If you’re searching for a gentle, educational resource that encourages safe interaction and empathy, this book performs well.
Pros:
- Kid-friendly explanations make complex behavior easy to grasp.
- Encourages safety and empathy, teaching kids to respect dog boundaries.
- Practical examples and scenarios that you can practice together.
- Compact paperback format makes it easy to keep in a family room or classroom.
- Good starting point before moving on to more advanced dog training materials.
Cons:
- Not a comprehensive training manual — you won’t find step-by-step obedience drills or advanced behavior modification techniques.
- If your child needs very detailed guidance (e.g., for dealing with a reactive dog), you’ll need supplementary resources or professional help.
- Depending on edition, illustrations or depth may be basic compared with more in-depth books targeted at older readers or professionals.
If you want a friendly, approachable book to help your child read a dog’s signals and interact safely, this title is a solid pick. It builds the foundation for respect and understanding, which makes future training and bonding with your dog much easier and more enjoyable for everyone.
Comparison overview
Here’s a friendly, side-by-side look at the five kid-focused dog books you asked about. I’ve pulled together the key specifications you provided (format and publication date) and added clear, honest recommendations about each title’s focus, visual style, reading accessibility, and who it’s best for. Where details weren’t provided, I note that explicitly so you know what’s confirmed and what’s an informed suggestion.
Use this comparison to decide which book best fits your child’s age, reading level, and what you want them to learn (basic care, tricks and games, or dog body language).
How to read the specifications
- Format and publication date are taken directly from the product information you gave.
- “Target age,” “Difficulty,” and “Best for” are recommended guidance based on each book’s stated focus (e.g., tricks, care, communication) and presentation (e.g., illustrated, large print).
- “Visuals” flags if the edition is illustrated or large-print — useful for younger readers or those who prefer pictures.
- “Notes” highlights any missing info or extra context.
Comparison table
| Title | Format | Publication Date | Target age (recommended) | Focus / Strength | Visuals | Difficulty | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog Training for Kids: Fun and Easy Ways to Care for Your Furry Friend | Paperback | November 26, 2019 | 6–12 years | Basic care, simple training, responsibility | Likely illustrated or child-friendly layout (not specified) | Beginner | Kids who are new to dog care and learning daily responsibilities | Author / page count not specified in your info |
| A Kid’s Guide to Dogs: How to Train, Care for, and Play and Communicate with Your Amazing Pet! | (format not specified) | (date not specified) | 6–13 years | Broad — training, care, play, communication | Unknown | Beginner to low-intermediate | Families wanting an all-in-one guide covering care + play | Format and publication details not provided in your list |
| Dog Training For Kids: The Ultimate Guide to Training Your Furry Best Friend with Super Fun Games and Awesome Tricks (Large Print) | Paperback (Large Print) | September 11, 2024 | 5–12 years | Tricks, games, training through play | Large print — easier reading for younger/visually sensitive kids | Beginner to intermediate (trick-focused) | Kids who want lots of games and tricks; children who benefit from large type | Large-print edition emphasizes readability |
| 101 Dog Tricks, Kids Edition: Fun and Easy Activities, Games, and Crafts (Volume 5) | Paperback (Illustrated) | July 1, 2014 | 6–14 years | Tricks, activities, crafts, step-by-step fun | Illustrated — step photos or drawings likely | Beginner to intermediate | Kids who love step-by-step projects, older kids who want many tricks | Based on the “101 Tricks” franchise; likely many stepwise photos |
| How to Speak Dog: A Guide to Decoding Dog Language (NGK How to Speak Animal) | Paperback | September 10, 2013 | 9–15+ years | Canine body language and communication | Likely illustrated/diagrams (not specified) | Intermediate (conceptual) | Kids who want to understand dog behavior and safer interactions | More conceptual than trick-focused; good for safety and empathy |
Quick recommendations (pick by what you want)
- If your child wants hands-on games and lots of tricks: choose 101 Dog Tricks, Kids Edition or the 2024 “Ultimate Guide” (large print). 101 Tricks probably gives the biggest variety; the large-print edition makes reading easier.
- For everyday care and being a responsible pet owner: Dog Training for Kids (2019) or A Kid’s Guide to Dogs are likely best — they focus on care and routines.
- For learning dog body language and safer interactions: How to Speak Dog is the clear choice — it’s aimed at decoding how dogs communicate (great for older kids and safety-minded parents).
- If readability is a concern (younger kids or visual needs): pick the Large Print edition (Sept 11, 2024) or an illustrated copy (101 Dog Tricks).
Final note
Some details (authors, exact page counts, ISBNs, and whether illustrations are full-color photos or drawings) weren’t in the product descriptions you gave. If you want, I can look up each book’s author, page count, sample pages, or cover images and update the table with exact bibliographic specs and examples of the interior layout. Which book should I pull full details for first?
Conclusion
Overall summary
You’re looking at five kid-focused dog books that together cover a lot of ground: basic care, safety, hands-on games and tricks, and understanding canine body language. Each title is written to make learning fun and approachable for children (with adult guidance): some emphasize step-by-step activities and crafts, others focus on practical care and communication, and one gives a more behavior-focused look at how dogs “speak.” Taken together, these books provide a balanced mix of playful training, responsible pet care, and insight into canine behavior.
Drawbacks to be aware of
- Many of these books are introductory and intentionally simplified for kids — they may not cover complex or serious behavioral issues in depth.
- You’ll want to supervise any training or play described to ensure safety for both the child and the dog.
- If you already own a standard edition, the large-print version is useful only if you need easier reading; it’s not a different curriculum.
- A couple of titles are older and may not reflect the very latest research in animal behavior; for longstanding or severe problems, a certified trainer or veterinarian is still the best resource.
- Some books focus more on tricks and games than on foundational obedience or problem-solving skills, so you might need to combine resources.
Recommendations — pick the best for you
- If your main goal is fun, hands-on learning that keeps kids engaged: choose 101 Dog Tricks, Kids Edition and the “Dog Training For Kids: The Ultimate Guide” (Large Print) — both emphasize games, tricks, and activities.
- If you want a rounded primer on care, safety, and everyday training for younger children: go with Dog Training for Kids (2019) or A Kid’s Guide to Dogs — they balance care basics with simple training.
- If you or an older child are curious about body language and understanding why dogs behave the way they do: pick How to Speak Dog — it gives insight into canine signals that helps prevent misunderstandings.
- If you need an edition that’s easier to read (vision needs or older readers helping kids): the Large Print paperback is the practical choice.
Final thought
You’ll get the most value by matching the book to your immediate goal: fun activities and tricks, everyday care and safety, or learning canine communication. For general family use, a combination—one practical care/training book plus one tricks/activity book—gives you both structure and play. And whenever behavior issues go beyond the basics, bring in a professional so your dog and your family stay safe and happy.
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