The Ultimate Canine Collection: Must-Read Books for Dog Lovers
Here is curated a list of the absolute best books for dog lovers. If you find yourself enchanted by the wagging tails, wet noses, and unwavering loyalty of our furry friends, then this collection is tailor-made for you. From heartwarming tales that tug at your heartstrings to informative guides that deepen your understanding of canine behavior, these books have been handpicked to delight and engage all dog enthusiasts.
These books offer a glimpse into the profound impact dogs have on our lives, reminding us of the joy, comfort, and adventure they bring to our world.
So, grab a cup of tea, snuggle up with your furry friend, and let these remarkable books transport you to a world where the bonds between humans and dogs are celebrated and cherished. Get ready to discover the finest literary gems that will warm your heart, broaden your knowledge, and reaffirm your love for all things canine.
You’ll get a short description of the book’s content, and there is also an intro about the people who reviewed the book. So you can have a better idea of the reviewer’s background wether its a good fit for you.
This is a growing list, and as we read, we’ll add books and more reviews to it. Let me know in comments if there’s something we should add.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, Yellow Lab will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain writers’ own.
Devon
Hiya! My name is Devon and my dog Ajax and I compete in scentwork, soon to be Obedience and also are looking at getting our CGC certificates later in the year. My love for dog nutrition started when we adopted Ajax as a rescue pup found in the gutter at 4 weeks old. He didn’t have a good start at part of the most crucial life for nutrition, and he has a lot of breeds in him that can be prone to issues like hip dysplasia. Without knowing the full extent of his breeding history I’m making sure I can do everything possible to have my own forever dog by making smart choices with food.
Devon started the dog book club on Instagram, so if you’d love to join, message her to be added.
The Forever Dog
#1 International best seller surprising new science to help your dog live younger, healthier, and longer by Rodney Habib and Veterinarian Karen Shaw Becker.
Devon’s thoughts about The forever dog
The forever dog was an excellent read, I’ve read it twice over the last year and every time I walk away with something new; be it a new fresh topper I should be adding to help balance out ingredients in our regular food, reminding me that I can use tea or mushroom broth instead of goat milk or bone broth for hydration or even just the reminder that making these choices for our dogs SHOULD help grow their quality of life for the continuation of their life. The forever dog breaks down a lot of scientific jargon and puts it into clear actionables of easy ways you can spruce up your dogs bowl to help them live longer. It’s not all about going full raw, or having to fundamentally change everything you do, some small changes are as simple as remembering to hydrate your dry food, or adding a slice of whatever dog-safe veg you’re having with your dinner. I recommend the Forever Dog to all pet parents who want to know how they can feed their pets better.The forever dog was an excellent read, I’ve read it twice over the last year and every time I walk away with something new; be it a new fresh topper I should be adding to help balance out ingredients in our regular food, reminding me that I can use tea or mushroom broth instead of goat milk or bone broth for hydration or even just the reminder that making these choices for our dogs SHOULD help grow their quality of life for the continuation of their life. The forever dog breaks down a lot of scientific jargon and puts it into clear actionables of easy ways you can spruce up your dogs bowl to help them live longer. It’s not all about going full raw, or having to fundamentally change everything you do, some small changes are as simple as remembering to hydrate your dry food, or adding a slice of whatever dog-safe veg you’re having with your dinner. I recommend the Forever Dog to all pet parents who want to know how they can feed their pets better.
Salomé
Salomé is the photographer behind Yellow Lab Dog & Family Photography and the owner of this blog. She photographs different dogs on a daily basis and have her own little doggy Max. They like to have the occasional class at casual dog training to be able to do cute things together & have a well behaved pup. Mostly, Max is her shadow while she works from home when the kids are at school. She wants to give Max the best life, but also don’t have the patience (or time/ priority) to prepare insta worthy meals & finds raw feeding completely overwhelming.
Instagram @yellowlabpetphoto
Salomé says
The forever dog talks about something all dog owners want and how we can change our dogs’ lifestyle for them to have healthier lives. We don’t just want to increase their life span but want to increase their health span. There are many stories of dogs who lived very long (and healthy!) lives and reasons behind it. Forever dog helps you identify where your dogs’ lives can be better.
It showed me quite a few point of views that I’d never consider, like seeing the world from your dog’s eyes and all the things in our modern lives that could be bad for them. It’s not just steering us to natural cleaning products, but open our eyes to taking our dogs on a sniffari and not just a walk. Or take him on a walk where he decides where to go because we make all the decisions for our dogs. It teaches us which foods we can work into our dogs’ diets while we’re cooking for our family. Can you imagine eating the same thing every single day? Forever dog talks about raw, fresh food and more variety. Telling you how you can feed your dog without going full raw for personal reasons.
There’s so much good advice on desexing, over supplementing, dogparks, enrichment etc.
For me it was a hard read because it gives you ALL the science behind their reasons for saying something. If that’s the case with you, you can choose to only read the junkie takeaways at the end of each chapter.
There are recipes like diy pet spritz, pest collars and other helpful recipes.
Cosy Critters Training and Behaviour
I’m a dog trainer based in Wellington, with an online school and virtual options available too. I love a challenging dog and the dogs that make you think outside the box. Our girl Cookie was the original dog that made me think outside the box and from there I caught the training bug and then Daiquiri and Edamame joined our crew. I train my own dogs in agility, scentwork, tracking and gundog work. If I’m not training my dogs, I’m coaching other owners and their dogs or adventuring out in nature with the dogs.
Find Cosy Critters Canine Training & Behaviour Instagram @cosycrittersnz
Don’t Shoot The Dog book about how to train and teach your animals and family members.
Don’t shoot the dog
Karen Pryor's clear and entertaining explanation of behavioral training methods made Don't Shoot the Dog! a bestselling classic.
Cosy Critter’s thoughts on Don’t shoot the dog
Don’t shoot the dog has all the foundational information you need to understand your dog in a short concise book. I enjoy this read and each time I pick it up something different catches my attention or resonates in particular. I always enjoy analogies and breaking down information to digestible chunks and that’s exactly what this book does. A good read for owners and professionals.
Salomé says
Don’t shoot the Dog teaches you principles of training with reinforcement that can be used to modify behavior in humans and animals. The author is an animal trainer who has worked with dolphins, dogs, horses, cats, etc. It’s so interesting to read how different animals were worked with for a desired outcome. The quirks of what animals performed for which treats are fascinating.
Don’t shoot the dog tells us in order to train a person or animal, unwanted behavior must be replaced with acceptable behavior. Acceptable behavior is positively reinforced while unacceptable behavior receives negative reinforcement, or no attention. There is a clear distinction between rewards and positive reinforcement, and negative reinforcement and punishment. Some examples of situations where reinforcement therapy can be used successfully include self-improvement, outsmarting tantrums in children, dealing with family members or training pets. It’s an interesting read about the science of why creatures do what they do and how to change it. Fantastic book for dog owners and trainers.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, Yellow Lab will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain writers’ own.
Other highly recommended books for dog lovers
These books provide valuable insights into dog training techniques, nutrition, and overall well-being, empowering dog owners to raise happy, healthy, and well-behaved companions. Remember to consult with a veterinarian or professional dog trainer for specific dietary and training advice tailored to your dog's individual needs.
The Dog Listener by Jan Fennell is an insightful guide that offers practical techniques and a deep understanding of canine behavior, helping dog owners establish effective communication and build a harmonious relationship with their furry friends. Fennell's empathetic approach and step-by-step instructions make this book a valuable resource for anyone seeking to better understand and connect with their dogs.
The Art of Raising a Puppy by The Monks of New Skete: This comprehensive guide covers everything from choosing a puppy to training, socialization, and nutrition, providing invaluable advice for raising a well-behaved and healthy dog.
The Genius of Dogs: How Dogs Are Smarter Than You Think by Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods: Explore the fascinating intelligence and cognitive abilities of dogs, backed by scientific research and real-life stories that showcase their remarkable skills.
BAT 2.0: The Practical Guide to Behavior Adjustment Training by Grisha Stewart is an invaluable resource for dog owners and trainers looking to address fear, aggression, and reactivity in their canine companions. Stewart's approach empowers readers with a comprehensive framework and practical exercises, offering a compassionate and effective way to help dogs overcome their challenges and thrive in the world. <—-review coming soon
Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know by Alexandra Horowitz: Delve into the fascinating world of a dog's perception and cognition through this enlightening exploration of canine behavior and sensory experiences.
Being a Dog: Following the Dog Into a World of Smell by Alexandra Horowitz: Discover the incredible olfactory world of dogs and learn how their sense of smell shapes their perception of the world around them.
"The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein: This poignant novel is narrated by a wise and philosophical dog named Enzo, who shares his unique perspective on life, love, and the human condition.
"The Call of the Wild" by Jack London: A classic adventure novel that follows the journey of Buck, a domesticated dog, as he adapts to the harsh realities of life in the wild, showcasing the indomitable spirit of dogs.
Canine Enrichment for the Real World by Allie Bender. It is a practical guide that delves into creative ways to stimulate your dog's mind and senses. It has lots of actionable tips and activities so dog owners can easily provide a fulfilling environment for their furry friend.
Whether you're seeking emotional stories, scientific insights, or practical guidance, these books for dog lovers are sure to captivate, educate, and warm your heart. So, pick up a copy, snuggle up with your furry friend, and embark on a literary adventure that celebrates the incredible world of dogs.
Let me know in comments if there’s a book you’ve read we should add.
Join dog book club on Instagram, message Devon and she’ll add your name.
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