HSD Library
Resources We Recommend
We believe great dog training starts with great education.
Over the years, we've read, studied, tested, and learned from many different trainers, behaviorists, researchers, and authors. The books below are resources that we believe offer valuable information for dog owners, trainers, service dog handlers, and anyone who wants to better understand dogs.
These aren't the only good books available—and you won't agree with every philosophy or training method in every book.
Our goal is to encourage you to keep learning.
Dog Training & Behavior
A resource for understanding the foundations of effective dog training.
Monks of New Skete - How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend
A classic resource on puppy development, raising, and training.
Koehler Method of Dog Training
A foundational training resource that has influenced generations of dog trainers.
Dog Sports Skills by Denise Fenzi
A valuable resource for understanding training, engagement, motivation, and developing performance behaviors.
Training resources from Kyra Sundance covering practical dog training and behavior.
Lee Alan Dungatkin - How to Tame a Fox (And Build a Dog)
An exploration of the science and history behind domestication and the relationship between humans and dogs.
Temple Grandin - Animals Make Us Human
An exploration of animal behavior, emotions, and the ways humans interact with animals.
Temple Grandin - Animals In Translation
A look at animal behavior and communication from a scientific perspective.
Deborah A Jones - Cooperative Care
A practical resource for teaching dogs to participate willingly in grooming, veterinary care, handling, and other necessary procedures.
Dog Structure & Movement
Rachel Page Elliott - Dogsteps: A New Look
A classic resource for understanding canine structure, movement, and gait.
Dog Nutrition
Wendy Volhard - Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog
A resource covering canine nutrition, health, and wellness.
Rodney Habib & Dr Karen Shaw Becker - The Forever Dog
A resource focused on canine health, longevity, nutrition, and lifestyle.
Rodney Habib & Dr Karen Shaw Becker - The Forever Dog Life Recipes
A companion resource focused on nutrition and recipes for supporting canine health.
Learning Beyond Dog Training
Some of the best resources for dog trainers aren't necessarily books about dogs.
Understanding learning, behavior, resilience, communication, and human psychology can make us better trainers and better teachers.
Bessel Van Der Kolk - The Body Keeps The Score
A resource for understanding trauma and its effects on the body and behavior.
Daniel Coyle - The Talent Code
An exploration of how skill and expertise are developed through practice, coaching, and learning.
Keep Learning
The best trainers never stop learning.
We encourage our clients, handlers, volunteers, and fellow trainers to explore different perspectives, ask questions, and continue developing their understanding of dogs.
Knowledge creates better trainers—and better relationships between people and dogs.
EXPLORE SERVICE DOG SUCCESS ONLINE COURSE
LISTEN TO SERVICE DOG SUCCESS PODCAST
Changing Lives. Providing Hope for Tomorrow.
A Note About Our Recommendations
Some links on this page may take you to third-party websites where you can purchase or learn more about a resource.
If HSD receives compensation from a purchase made through one of these links, that relationship will be disclosed appropriately.
Our recommendations are based on the usefulness of the resource—not on whether we receive compensation.
We recommend what we believe is worth reading.