Top Positive Dog Training Books Reviewed

If you’re hunting for the right training guide for your dog, you’ve picked an interesting mix: from The Big Book of Tricks for the Best Dog Ever (a fun, illustrated tricks book) to The Only Positive Training Book You’ll Ever Need for High-Energy Dogs (a targeted plan for hyper pups), Training the Best Dog Ever (a structured 5-week positive-reinforcement program), Awesome Obedience (competition-focused positive training), and The Practical Positive Dog Training Bible (step-by-step solutions for reactive or anxious dogs). Each title promises something a bit different—tricks, calmness, competition polish, or behavior rehabilitation—so you’ll want to match the book’s focus to your dog’s personality and your goals. I’ll help you compare their approaches, time commitments, and real-world usefulness so you can pick the best fit for your household.

Books like these grew out of decades of practical experience and a major shift in how trainers think about behavior: away from punishment and toward positive reinforcement, clear structure, and incremental skill-building. Early obedience manuals were often prescriptive and dominance-focused, but modern guides emphasize science-based techniques, consistency, and the human–dog bond. The benefits of owning well-written training books are clear: you can learn at your own pace, revisit troubleshooting steps, practice consistently with your dog, and save money compared with private lessons. These guides also let you target specific needs—building a repertoire of tricks, calming a high-energy dog, following a compact 5-week curriculum, preparing for competition, or managing anxiety and reactivity—so you and your dog get practical, repeatable steps to make training enjoyable and effective. In the article that follows, you’ll get a closer look at each book’s style, structure, and who it’s best for, so you can decide which one will help you and your dog succeed.

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

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You’ll reach for The Big Book of Tricks for the Best Dog Ever when you want a fun, structured way to teach your dog new behaviors that boost obedience, confidence, and your bond. This book is designed primarily for trick training, but it also supports basic manners and mental stimulation—perfect if you want to turn training sessions into engaging playtimes that reinforce positive reinforcement techniques.

You’ll appreciate how accessible this guide is—each trick is broken down into clear, step-by-step instructions that let you move at your dog’s pace. The friendly, encouraging tone helps you stay patient and consistent, and the illustrated format makes it easier to visualize the sequences. Whether you’re teaching a puppy a first trick or helping an older dog learn new stunts, the emphasis on reward-based methods means you’re using kinder, more effective training practices that strengthen your relationship.

This book’s purpose is to turn ordinary training into playful, achievable challenges. Key features include:

• Clear, progressive instructions for 118 tricks, from basic to advanced, letting you plan a long-term training roadmap.
• Illustrations and stepwise cues so you can see posture, hand signals, and timing.
• Tips on shaping behaviors, using lures, and fading cues to create reliable responses without force.
• Variations that adapt tricks for different breeds, sizes, and skill levels, making the content relevant whether you have a tiny terrier or a large retriever.
• Troubleshooting sections that help you identify why a trick might be stalling and how to adjust rewards or steps.

You’ll find tricks that teach practical skills—like targeting and retrieving—that double as building blocks for more complex behaviors and everyday manners. The structure makes it easy to pick a trick, plan a short training session, and track progress.

The production quality feels solid: the illustrations are clear, and the layout is user-friendly so you can flip to a trick and start right away. The writing balances technical accuracy with approachable language, so you’re not bogged down in jargon. The emphasis on positive reinforcement and shaping means the methods are modern and humane. You’ll likely notice faster, more reliable results because the book encourages short, frequent sessions that respect your dog’s attention span and motivation.

If you’re looking for a single resource that mixes entertainment with meaningful training outcomes, this book gives you depth (118 tricks) without overwhelming you. It’s also a great tool if you enjoy celebrating small wins—many tricks can be taught in minutes and combined into longer routines that showcase your dog’s skills.

Pros:

• Comprehensive: 118 tricks offer long-term variety and progression.
• Step-by-step: Easy-to-follow instructions suited for beginners and experienced trainers.
• Illustrated: Visual guides speed learning and clarify body mechanics and cues.
• Positive methods: Focus on reward-based training that supports confidence and a strong bond.
• Adaptable: Tricks include variations for different sizes, temperaments, and energy levels.

Cons:

• Some advanced tricks may require patience and incremental shaping—if you prefer instant results, you might find certain stages slow.
• Illustrations are helpful but not a substitute for video; you may occasionally want supplemental video demonstrations for timing and movement.
• Because it covers so many tricks, you might not get exhaustive depth on specialized behaviors (e.g., sport-specific training).

This book is a practical, friendly resource that helps you make training enjoyable and effective. You’ll come away with a toolbox of trick training techniques that promote good behavior, mental enrichment, and a joyful partnership with your dog.

Positive Training for High‑Energy Dogs: Step‑by‑Step Guide to Calm Hyper Dogs and Stop Destructive Behavior — Paperback (Aug 13, 2025)

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This book is designed primarily for owners of high-energy dogs—think Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and any pup that seems to have a motor inside. You’ll use it as a practical, step-by-step guide to calm your animal without resorting to punishment. If your dog is chewing furniture, barking excessively, or zooming around the house, this book gives actionable routines and tools to redirect that energy.

You can follow the book as a daily program or cherry-pick chapters that address specific problems. Expect to use its positive reinforcement exercises, structured play ideas, and consistency tips to build better habits. The book is intended to slot into your daily life—short sessions, clear goals, and a focus on preventing destructive behaviors before they start.

You’ll appreciate how the author writes with the busy owner in mind. Complex behavior science is translated into plain language and simple exercises. The approach is relentlessly positive dog training focused, so you won’t have to guess when to reward or how to structure sessions.

Beyond training commands, the book addresses nutrition and enrichment—helping you see how food, exercise, and mental stimulation work together. That makes it more than a tricks manual; it’s a roadmap to a calmer household.

The book aims to help you calm your hyper dog, reduce unwanted behaviors, and establish a predictable daily routine using humane methods. It’s both corrective and preventative: you’ll learn how to stop bad habits and replace them with durable, positive ones.

• Step-by-step training plans you can follow across days or weeks.
• Clear explanations of positive reinforcement principles and how to apply them.
• Practical exercises for impulse control, recall, and settling behaviors.
• Strategies to stop destructive behaviors like chewing, digging, and obsessive barking.
• Suggestions on nutrition and enrichment to address root causes of hyperactivity.
• Real-world examples and troubleshooting tips so you can adapt methods to your dog’s personality.

The writing is friendly and organized. Each chapter builds logically from basic skills to more complex routines, so you’ll feel confident progressing. The book balances theory and practice well—enough science to understand “why,” but mostly focused on “how.”

The methods are firmly within the positive training camp: reward-based, force-free, and humane. Advice is practical for multi-dog households, apartment living, and owners with limited time. You won’t find gimmicks—just reproducible steps that emphasize consistency and patience.

• Comprehensive: Covers behavior, exercise, and nutrition for a complete approach.

• Actionable: Daily exercises and bite-sized sessions you can realistically do.

• Positive-focused: Emphasizes positive reinforcement, reducing fear and stress.

• Adaptable: Works for puppies through adult dogs and various energy levels.

• Friendly tone: Encouraging language makes training less intimidating for beginners.

• Less emphasis on advanced competitive sports or specialized service training—if you need elite-level performance drills, you may need supplemental texts.

• If your dog has severe medical or trauma-related behaviors, you’ll still need professional vet or behaviorist support alongside the book.

• Some owners may want more photos or video links for visual learners; the book relies primarily on clear descriptions.

If you want a single, humane, and hands-on resource to tackle the whirlwind energy of your dog while building a calmer, happier home, this book gives you a focused plan and plenty of encouragement to get there.

Train the Best Dog Ever — 5-Week Positive Reinforcement Program (Paperback, Sept 25, 2012)

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This book is designed to help you teach reliable obedience and good manners using gentle, science-based methods. The primary use is to guide owners through a structured 5-week program that builds essential behaviors — from sit and stay to loose-leash walking — using positive reinforcement techniques. Whether you’re starting a new puppy or refreshing an adult dog’s skills, this book gives you a step-by-step plan to shape behavior without punishment.

You’ll appreciate how approachable the authors make training. The tone is encouraging, not intimidating, so you’re more likely to stick with the plan. The program breaks training into short, manageable sessions so you and your dog feel successful quickly. The focus on rewarding what you want — rather than punishing mistakes — helps create a strong, trusting bond between you and your dog while producing reliable results.

The purpose of the book is to teach a complete training foundation using positive techniques. Key features include:

• A structured 5-week program with daily exercises that progressively build skills.
• Emphasis on positive reinforcement and clear criteria for when to reward.
• Practical tips for common issues like house training, chewing, jumping, and leash pulling.
• Guidance for turning short sessions into lifelong habits and real-world reliability.
• Strategies that work for puppies and many adult dogs, making the program versatile for different ages and breeds.

You’ll find that lessons are organized so each week introduces new challenges while reinforcing earlier behaviors. This approach helps prevent you from getting overwhelmed and keeps training consistent and effective.

The writing is clear and encouraging, with a tone that makes training feel doable even if you’re a beginner. The methods are grounded in modern, reward-based training philosophy, and the program’s pacing reflects real-life constraints — short sessions, frequent repetition, and practical reinforcement schedules. Production quality is solid: instructions are easy to follow and the layout supports quick reference when you’re working with your dog. Overall, the book delivers a high-quality training resource that aligns with humane, evidence-backed approaches to behavior change.

Pros:

• Positive reinforcement–focused: Encourages trust and cooperation rather than fear.
• Structured 5-week plan: Makes progress measurable and manageable.
• Practical for both puppies and many adult dogs: You can adapt exercises to fit your dog’s pace.
• Short, realistic training sessions: Fits into a busy schedule.
• Emphasizes building a strong owner-dog relationship alongside obedience.

Cons:

• Not a quick fix: The program requires commitment and consistency from you to see lasting results.
• May need supplementation for severe behavioral issues: Dogs with aggression, intense anxiety, or complex medical causes might require a professional trainer or behaviorist in addition to the book.
• Some readers may prefer more visuals or step-by-step photos: If you’re a visual learner, you might pair the book with video resources or a class.

If you follow the plan with patience and consistency, this book gives you tools to create a well-behaved, happy dog using humane, effective methods. The emphasis on small, achievable wins makes training enjoyable for both you and your dog, and the 5-week framework keeps your progress focused and measurable.

[Simplified title:

Awesome Obedience: Positive Training to Succeed in Competitions

Short alternatives:

• Awesome Obedience — Positive Training for Competition
• Positive Training Plan for Competition Success](https://www.amazon.com/dp/1890948853?tag=thespencerzoo-20)

You’ll reach for Awesome Obedience: A Positive Training Plan for Competition Success when your goal is to take your dog from solid everyday manners to ring-ready performance using reward-based methods. This book is primarily designed for handlers preparing for obedience competitions, rally, or performance events who prefer humane, positive training techniques. If you want a clear, organized training plan that builds confidence, precision, and consistency, this is a go-to resource.

You’ll appreciate how the author blends practical advice with an encouraging tone. The strength of this book is its emphasis on positive reinforcement, clear progression from basics to advanced exercises, and a focus on building a trusting partnership between you and your dog. The writing is accessible whether you’re a seasoned competitor or new to ring work, and the stepwise approach makes it easy to track progress. The emphasis on ethical, force-free methods and measurable goals is something we particularly like.

The primary purpose of Awesome Obedience is to give you a structured, repeatable plan that moves your dog through foundations, troubleshooting, and competition-ready skills. Key features include:

• A step-by-step training plan that breaks complex behaviors into manageable increments, so you can shape performance reliably.
• Clear explanations of reinforcement strategies, including timing, rewarding, and how to escalate difficulty without confusing your dog.
• Practical chapters on heelwork, stays, recalls, and precision exercises, with variations tailored for different skill levels.
• Troubleshooting tips for common problems like distraction, boisterousness, or hesitation in high-pressure settings.
• Guidance on creating practice routines that mimic competition conditions, helping you desensitize your dog to ringside noise, handlers, and stress.
• Checklists and progress trackers to help you measure readiness for competition.

You’ll find the structure encourages consistency: each lesson builds on the previous one and includes clear markers for when to advance or return to foundation work. The tone reinforces compassionate training and long-term success.

The book is well-organized and reader-friendly. The chapters are logically ordered and include plenty of real-world examples and mini case studies that make the methods feel practicable. The language is approachable—no dense jargon—so you can apply lessons right away. Layout and step sequencing make the book suitable both as a cover-to-cover read and as a reference manual you’ll revisit.

Materials are presented with a focus on reliability and consistency, and you’ll notice the author values repetition and clear signaling over quick fixes. That approach enhances lasting obedience and reduces handler frustration. If you like visual learning, the book often points to supplemental media or exercises you can try with your dog.

Pros

• Strong emphasis on positive reinforcement and humane training.
• Clear, progressive step-by-step plan for competition preparation.
• Practical troubleshooting and real-world examples.
• Suitable for both beginners and more experienced handlers.
• Includes checklists and measurable goals for tracking progress.

Cons

• If you prefer concise, “quick tip” formats, some chapters may feel detailed and require time to implement.
• Limited advanced technical biomechanics or sport-specific minutiae that elite competitors might seek.
• May reference supplemental media that is not included in every edition.

You’ll find Awesome Obedience a valuable addition to your training library if you prioritize clear, ethical, and effective methods for turning everyday obedience into competition success. The balance of instruction, encouragement, and practical tools gives you a solid roadmap to elevate your dog’s performance while preserving the joy of training.

Practical Positive Dog Training: Step-by-Step Guide to Calm, Manage, and Rehabilitate Aggressive, Reactive, and Anxious Dogs — No Expensive Trainer Needed. Paperback (Apr 15, 2025)

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You’ll reach for The Practical Positive Dog Training Bible when you want a hands-on, step-by-step guide to help an aggressive, reactive, or anxious dog feel safer and more reliable at home and in public. This paperback (released April 15, 2025) is designed for owners who prefer positive dog training methods and want to calm, manage, and rehabilitate behavioral issues themselves — without paying for frequent sessions with a professional trainer. If you’re motivated, patient, and want practical plans you can follow day-to-day, this book is built for you.

What stands out is how the book empowers you to take clear action. You’ll find approachable language, realistic timelines, and checklists that transform theory into practice. The tone is encouraging rather than judgmental, which helps you stay consistent — a key ingredient for success with anxious or reactive dogs. The emphasis on positive reinforcement and humane techniques means you’re learning methods that build trust and long-term confidence in your dog.

The book’s purpose is to give you a compact yet thorough toolkit to address serious behavior issues using science-backed, gentle methods. Key features include:

• Clear, progressive step-by-step plans for common problems like leash reactivity, fear-based aggression, separation anxiety, and over-excitement.
• Practical exercises you can do at home with minimal gear, focusing on building confidence and predictable routines.
• Troubleshooting sections that help you adapt strategies when things don’t go exactly as planned.
• Easy-to-follow case studies showing real dogs’ transformations, which help you apply techniques to your own situation.
• Tips on safety and when to seek professional help, so you won’t push situations beyond what’s safe for you or your dog.

These features make it a strong resource if you want to learn how to manage triggers, reduce reactivity, and gradually rehabilitate challenging behaviors.

The writing is clear and warm, which keeps you engaged while you work through often-frustrating problems. The book balances practical advice with enough explanation of why techniques work, so you understand the science behind the training. Layout and chapter organization favor quick reference — you can jump to a problem area and start practicing within minutes. The overall production quality (paperback format, diagrams, and checklists) supports regular use: it feels like a workbook you’ll keep on hand. For owners committed to positive dog training, this is a high-quality, user-friendly manual.

Pros:

• Strong focus on positive reinforcement and humane techniques that build trust.
• Detailed, actionable step-by-step plans for aggression, reactivity, and anxiety-related issues.
• Encouraging tone and real-life examples that help you stay motivated.
• Cost-effective alternative if you want to work with your dog without hiring expensive trainers for every session.
• Safety advice and clear indicators for when professional help is needed.

Cons:

• Requires time and consistency; if you need instant fixes, this isn’t a quick-fix guide.
• Some cases of severe aggression may still require in-person professional intervention; the book can’t replace all clinical or emergency support.
• You’ll need patience to adapt techniques to your dog’s unique pace and comfort level.

If you’re ready to invest effort and consistency, The Practical Positive Dog Training Bible gives you a compassionate, structured path to help your dog become calmer, more confident, and more cooperative — all while using humane, positive methods.

Comparison — At a glance

Below is a friendly, side-by-side look at the main specifications and practical differences between the five books so you can quickly decide which one fits your needs.

What each specification means

• Format: the physical form noted in the title/metadata (if unspecified, marked as “unspecified”).
• Pub date: publication or listed release date.
• Focus/topics: the main training problems or goals the book addresses.
• Training approach: the general method used (from the title/description).
• Structure/Length: explicit program structure in the title (e.g., number of tricks, weeks) or inferred organization.
• Best for you if: the kind of owner/dog who will get the most value.
• Strengths: the book’s main selling points.
• Limitations: what it likely does not emphasize.

Comparison table

Title (short)	Format	Pub date	Focus / topics	Training approach	Structure / length (from title)	Best for you if…	Strengths	Limitations
The Big Book of Tricks for the Best Dog Ever	Paperback, Illustrated	Mar 19, 2019	Tricks, stunts, fun skills (118 tricks)	Step‑by‑step, positive (implied)	118 tricks / illustrated how‑tos	You want fun, mental enrichment, party tricks	Huge variety (118 tricks), illustrated steps, great for building engagement and bonding	Not focused on serious behavior problems or competition obedience
The Only Positive Training Book You’ll Ever Need for High‑Energy Dogs	Paperback	Aug 13, 2025	High‑energy / hyper dogs, destructive behavior, nutrition (series)	Positive, step‑by‑step	“Complete” guide — likely daily/behavior plans	You have a hyper or very active dog and need practical plans to calm destructive energy	Specialized for high‑energy dogs; likely includes behavior plans and nutrition tips	Narrow focus — less about tricks or competition; newer release (verify availability)
Training the Best Dog Ever: A 5‑Week Program Using the Power of Positive Reinforcement	Paperback	Sep 25, 2012	Core obedience and manners using positive reinforcement	Positive reinforcement, structured program	5‑week program	You want a clear, time‑boxed training plan (new dog/puppy owners)	Clear 5‑week timeline; beginner‑friendly; proven positive methods	May be basic for advanced or reactive behavior cases
Awesome Obedience: A Positive Training Plan for Competition Success	Unspecified (book)	Unspecified	Competition obedience — precision and performance	Positive training plan	Plan geared to competition standards (exact format not stated)	You’re aiming for obedience trials or competitive performance	Targets competition standards; performance‑oriented drills	Narrow: not focused on casual pet issues, behavior rehab, or tricks
The Practical Positive Dog Training Bible	Paperback	Apr 15, 2025	Aggressive, reactive, anxious dogs; rehabilitation	Positive, step‑by‑step, behavior rehab focus	“Proven step‑by‑step solutions” (rehab focus)	You have a reactive/aggressive/anxious dog and want practical rehab tools	Focuses on serious behavior problems; practical rehab without costly trainers	Requires time, patience, and consistency; less about tricks/competition

Quick guidance to help you pick

• If you want to teach lots of fun behaviors and keep your dog mentally stimulated, go with The Big Book of Tricks.
• If your dog is constantly wired or destroying things, the High‑Energy Dogs book is aimed specifically at calming and managing that energy (and may include nutrition tips).
• If you prefer a clear, weekly syllabus to follow, Training the Best Dog Ever gives you a 5‑week roadmap.
• If your goal is competition obedience and precise performance, Awesome Obedience is tailored for that path.
• If your dog struggles with reactivity, anxiety, or aggression, The Practical Positive Dog Training Bible focuses on rehabilitation strategies you can apply at home.

If you’d like, I can fetch exact details (authors, page counts, ISBNs, table of contents, or sample chapters) for any of these so you can compare even deeper. Which book would you like more details on?

Conclusion — Summary and Recommendations

You’ve looked at five solid, positive-training books that cover a wide range of needs: from teaching fun tricks to rehabbing serious reactive or anxious behavior. Overall, these titles share a humane, step-by-step approach and give you practical tools you can use at home. Which one is best for you depends on your dog’s temperament and your goals.

Key strengths across the five books

• They emphasize positive reinforcement, clear steps, and constructive progress.
• They cover a broad spectrum: fun trick training, structured beginner programs, sport-level obedience, high-energy management, and rehabilitation for reactive/anxious dogs.
• Most give actionable exercises you can start using right away, helping you build consistency and better communication with your dog.

Common drawbacks to watch for

• Time and consistency: these methods work best when you commit to regular practice — results aren’t instant.
• Limits of self-help: dogs with severe aggression, major anxiety, or medical issues often need in-person help (trainer, behaviorist, or vet) in addition to a book.
• Skill assumptions: some titles (especially competition-focused ones) assume you already have basic handling skills or access to practice space/classes.
• One-size limits: no single book covers every situation perfectly — you may need to combine resources or seek tailored guidance.

Which book is right for you?

• The Big Book of Tricks for the Best Dog Ever (2019)
  If you want fun, variety, and bonding exercises, this is your go-to. Great for families and owners who want to teach lots of tricks. Not designed for solving behavior or reactivity issues.

• The Only Positive Training Book You’ll Ever Need for High-Energy Dogs (2025)
  Choose this if your dog is constantly under-stimulated or hyperactive and you want positive strategies (and nutrition tips) to channel that energy. Good for active owners — but be prepared to combine book guidance with ample exercise and, when needed, professional help.

• Training the Best Dog Ever: A 5-Week Program (2012)
  Ideal if you prefer a clear, time-boxed plan (beginner-friendly). This is the best pick for new owners who want a sensible, paced program to build foundational skills. May be too basic if you need solutions for complex behavior.

• Awesome Obedience: A Positive Training Plan for Competition Success
  Go here if you’re aiming for competition-level precision and performance. It’s for serious hobbyists or handlers who want advanced routines and conditioning. Not the first choice if you just want casual pet manners.

• The Practical Positive Dog Training Bible (2025)
  Best for owners dealing with reactivity, aggression, or anxiety who want step-by-step rehab strategies without immediate professional costs. Very useful, but be cautious: dangerous aggression or deep-rooted issues often require an experienced, in-person behaviorist and safety plans.

Final tip

If you’re unsure, start with the book that matches your main goal (fun tricks, beginner training, high-energy management, competition, or rehab). Pair reading with short daily practice sessions, and don’t hesitate to consult a veterinarian or certified trainer when behavior or safety are at stake. Combining one practical how-to book with occasional in-person guidance gives you the best chance of lasting success — and a happier dog.

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