Training your dog is one of the most important aspects of dog ownership. Finding the right resources and tools to properly teach not only your dog, but yourself, how to behave and obey commands, can be daunting. I know as I have gone through this myself many years ago.
In my years as a dog owner, and especially the year leading up to getting my Staffy, I learned everything I could. Online courses were only just beginning and no where near the level they are at now. Books I read were vital in my learning on how to be a leader, teach my puppy basics, and trouble shoot problem behaviors.
Lucky for you I have gathered all the information I have learned over the years and provided some of the best training resources and tools available. Once your puppy has completed their kindergarten classes, doesn’t mean they are good to go for life. Education and training is a lifelong journey, and should be fun for everyone.
The Best Online Dog Training Courses
Online courses are an amazing way to have trainers and valuable resources right at your finger tips. In person personal trainers can be very expensive when learning just some of the basics, or even advanced obedience commands.
Consulting a professional for 1-1 training is recommended for extreme behavior problems, but to learn the basics and keep your learning going for a fraction of the price these courses are the best options available.
Dunbar Academy
The world famous Dr. Ian Dunbar is a legend in the dog training community. Achieving tremendous success with his Sirius Puppy Training program that launched in 1982, Dr Ian Dunbar revolutionized the dog training world.
Dr. Ian Dunbar founded the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, the world’s largest association of dog trainers, has authored numerous books and videos. Following in their father’s footsteps, Kelly and Jamie Dunbar now run the Dunbar Academy.
In their Top Dog Training program you will get
- 100s of hours of Dog Training Videos
- Dozens of Dog Training Handouts and Worksheets
- Dozens of Recorded Seminars and Workshops
- 13 hours of dog training podcasts
The low monthly subscription is worth every penny and makes training your dog Easy, Effective & Enjoyable.
Learn more at the Dunbar Academy.
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Pupford Academy
Pupford Academy is an online based training academy with a huge selection of courses. The Pupford Academy has real certified CPDT-KA trainers with 10-20 years of professional dog training experience.
With their step-by-step instructions, video based training modules, and specific behavior type problems sections, you are well equipped to raise the well behaved puppy of your dreams.
Pupford Academy offers a very simple, easy to use app and website platform to make training easy and convenient. You have full access to the courses anywhere and anytime, with three available subscription options that are very affordable.
The Pupford Academy offers a huge assortment of courses.
- At Home Grooming Course
- Dog Body Language Course
- Crate Training Course (course to teach your dog to love the crate)
- Separation Anxiety Course
- Reactive Dog Course
- TrIck Training Part 2
- Leash Walking
- Enrichment Activities
- Potty Training Course
- TrIck Training
- 21 Impulse Control Games
- Barking Solutions
- Recall Mastery
Learn more over at Pupford Academy!
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The Best Dog Training Books
Cesar Milan
When I first was looking into getting my Staffordshire Bull Terrier, I was tuned in to Cesar Milan’s show the Dog Whisperer all day, everyday. His approach to dog behavior from a calm and assertive pack leader approach intrigued me.
I used Cesar’s techniques as a professional dog walker before I even had my own dog, and they worked! I was able to calmly walk a pack of 6 dogs at a time no problem. My clients were amazed I was able to do this, and thought I had a gift, when in fact it was the simple techniques I learned in Cesar’s books.
These 3 books were absolutely essential in my own training on how to raise a perfect dog. The books were more than instruction manuals on how to teach a dog sit, stay and come. They are so much more. You learn how to present yourself as a confident leader, how to learn from your dog, and better provide them with their needs.
Grab these books and thank me later.
How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond
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Cesar’s Way: The Natural, Everyday Guide to Understanding and Correcting Common Dog Problems
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Be The Pack Leader
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Dr. Ian Dunbar
Dr. Ian Dunbar revolutionized the dog training world. Gone are the days of harsh leash corrections, and fear based intimidation techniques.
Dr. Ian Dunbar introduced the world to positive reinforcement training by teaching basic manners, preventing behavior problems, and modifying temperament with games, rewards, and toys.
His book “Before and After Getting Your Puppy: The Positive Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, and Well-Behaved Dog” is an absolute must read for any dog owner. Dr. Ian Dunbar has helped countless dog owners in the 30 years of his work, and his book will get you well on your way to raising a tremendous dog.
Before and After Getting Your Puppy: The Positive Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, and Well-Behaved Dog
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Zak George
Zak George may be the new guy in town when it comes to the dog training community, but he has quickly risen as a star because of his approach. Endorsed by the likes of Dr. Ian Dunbar as having “a wealth of practical tips, tricks, and fun games that will enrich the lives of many dogs and their human companions”
His bestselling, and highly rated book “Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love” is a fresh, easy to read, and fun book to learn everything from the basics to the more advanced training techniques.
This book will walk you through everything from how to choose the right breed of dog, to puppy training, addressing behavioral problems, health care, and cool tips and tricks. Add this book to your library to help raise the perfect pet.
Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love
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Brandon McMillan
Brandon McMillan is an emmy award winning star of the TV show “Lucky Dog”. In his book Brandon shares his unique approach to training your dog the 7 commands to mastery in 7 days. His book Lucky Dog Lessons: Train Your Dog in 7 Days is a fantastic addition to your learning library.
In his book Brandon will guide you through the basics of puppy training, managing and correcting behavioral problems, and building trust with your dog. Easy-to-follow steps, illustrative examples, tried-and-true tips and tricks, and photographs to demonstrate each technique.
Lucky Dog Lessons: Train Your Dog in 7 Days
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Patricia McConnell
Dr. Patricia McConnell has been one of the leading experts in canine behavior and training for decades. A legend amongst the dog training community. Her book “The Puppy Primer” should be in every new dog owners collection.
Her positive reinforcement based approach has proved easy, and effective for years. The fun and humorous approach of her step by step guides and instructions makes training a blast. From basic commands to troubleshooting unwanted behaviors, this book has it all.
The Puppy Primer
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The Best Dog Training Tools
Hi Kiss Dog/Puppy Obedience Recall Training Agility Lead
Hi Kiss makes a fantastic recall training and agility lead. The durable nylon material and swivel clasp makes recall and obedience training a breeze. The wide variety of lengths available from 15-100 feet gives you the options to best suit your training needs. It’s also available in 14 colors, and the top rated training lead on Amazon.
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The Best Dog Crates & Gates
Keeping your dog safe and comfortable while you are unable to watch them is a priority. Whether crate training or safe guarding a room from your dog, a proper crate and gate setup will come in handy. These are the toughest, easy to assemble and transport crates and gates on the market.
iCrate Dog Crate
The iCrate is the top rated dog crate on Amazon, and for very good reason. iCrate has a top quality, secure, easy to assemble and fold up dog crate that can be adjusted as your puppy grows to an adult. The iCrate divider panels make it easy to adjust the space for your dog, and the easy to use, heavy duty latches will keep them safe and secure.
Features:
- Easy assemble, and portable design
- Roller wheels to get your floors scratch free
- Divider panel to adjust the size of your crate as your dog grows
- Available in 7 different sizes to accomodate any breed of dog
- Double and Single door options available with heavy duty, easy to use latches.
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Diggs Revol Dog Crate
For the more fashion oriented, home decor style of owner, the Diggs Revol Dog Crate is perfect. The sleek and aesthetic design does not sacrifice the easy to use, and safe function features. The Revol Dog Crate is portable, safe, and beautifully crafted. Available in 3 different sizes
Features:
- High quality diamond wire mesh
- Divider panel to adjust space as your puppy grows
- Easy to remove and clean floor panel
- Convenient foldable and portable design
- 3 easy access doors
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FANZ Ultrasonic Dog Whistles with Clickers, Training Guide
Clicker training is a very popular method in the dog training world, and Fanz has put together a great package with their Ultrasonic dog whistle and click training pack. Complete with sleek dog clicker, two whistles, and lanyards for easy carry. A top rated product on Amazon at a super affordable price.
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Paw Lifestyles – Dog Treat Training Pouch
Keeping treats handy while training is essential. The Paw Lifestyles dog treat training pouch is an amazing product that keeps your hands free for high fives, and quick on the draw to reward.
With the 3 easy to attach options of shoulder strap, adjustable waist band, and metal belt clip, the Paw Lifestyle is a great fit for all dog owners. Storing your treats, poop bags, keys and cell phone all at once, with easy access at any time.
The Paw Lifestyles Dog Treat Training Pouch is a bestselling and top rated product on Amazon at an amazing price point.
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Doggie Lawn Potty Training For Puppies
Teaching your puppy to potty is a seemingly endless process. At times you are not always proactive or prepared for household accidents and need to rely on potty pads. To better strengthen the association between outside potty spots, and inside potty spots, a natural grass puppy pad is the way to go.
The Doggie Lawn is my most highly recommended potty training “pad” on the market. Doggie Lawn grass potty patches do not require maintenance and are biodegradable. Making them incredibly eco-friendly. Additionally, they have less odor and most importantly – your pup will love them!
Doggie Lawn will deliver right to your door with free shipping on all subscriptions. Perfect for any puppy learning to potty, and ideal for apartment dogs. Learn more over at Doggie Lawn.
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Glad for Pets Black Charcoal Puppy Pads
If you are going for a more convenient and less eco-friendly approach to potty training, using a plastic potty pad is the more popular method. There are a lot of products to choose from.
For quick and easy clean up, Glad Puppy Pads make potty training a breeze.
The black charcoal puppy pads help eliminate odor with their ultra absorbent material. Leaks will be a thing of the past with the leak proof liner built in for extra protection. A best seller and top rated product on Amazon.
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