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The best-selling guide on positive dog training is back, fully revised to include up-to-date information on canine agency and cognition, new training tips and games, and updated resources for your training success. That’s The Power of Positive Dog Training.
Renowned dog trainer Pat Miller gives you the positive training tools you need to ensure that you and your dog share a lifetime of fun, companionship, and respect. Following her step-by-step, six-week basic training program, you’ll learn how to develop a relationship with your dog based on friendship and positive reinforcement, not fear and punishment. Plus, you’ll get:
- Information on the importance of observing, understanding, and reacting appropriately to your dog’s body language
- Instructions on how to phase out the use of a clicker and treats to introduce more advanced training concepts
- A helpful diary to track progress, suggestions for delicious treats your dog will respond to, and a glossary of training terms
The third edition of The Power of Positive Dog Training includes updated studies and statistics on canine behavior, updated resources for positive dog training, new chapters on dogs’ agency and cognition, and new images.
Whether you’ve never trained a dog or are just switching over to positive training, Pat Miller’s proven method makes training your four-legged friend easy, fun, and effective. That’s The Power of Positive Dog Training.
The Power of Positive Dog Training, 2nd Edition named Best Overall Dog Training Book of 2025 by The Spruce Pets
Acknowledgments
Foreword
Pat’s Positive Training Principles
PART I: Partners in Training: Laying the Relationship Foundation
Chapter 1: Dogs Just Want to Have Fun
Chapter 2: Train with Your Brain, Not Pain
Chapter 3: How Can I Answer If I Don’t Understand the Question?
Chapter 4: Let Me Hear Your Body Talk
Chapter 5: I Read You Loud and Clear
Chapter 6: A New Leash on Life
Chapter 7: The Shape of Things to Come
Chapter 8: Should You Ever Punish?
PART II: The Trick Is in the Training: Basic Exercises
Chapter 9: It’s All Tricks
Chapter 10: The First Week—Sit Happens
Chapter 11: The Second Week—On Target
Chapter 12: The Third Week—Take It to the Limit
Chapter 13: The Fourth Week—Everyone Needs Her Own Spot
Chapter 14: The Fifth Week—Up and Over!
Chapter 15: The Sixth Week—Well, Excuse Me!
Chapter 16: Click! and Jackpot!
PART III: Ain’t Misbehavin’: Addressing Behavior Challenges
Chapter 17: The Poisoned Cue (And Other Important Training Concepts)
Chapter 18: Pees on Earth: Happy Housetraining!
Chapter 19: Canine Social Misfits
Chapter 20: Don’t Worry, Be Happy
Chapter 21: One Is the Loneliest Number
Chapter 22: A Biting Commentary
Chapter 23: The Green-Eyed Monster
Chapter 24: And Baby Makes Three
Epilogue: Choosing Your Animal-Care Professionals
Appendix I: Doggy Day Planners
Appendix II: Delicious Treats and Delightful Rewards
Appendix III: Canine Activity Contact Information
Appendix IV: Resources
Appendix V: Glossary of Training Cues and Terms
Index