Finding the perfect gift for a loved one can be difficult, especially around the holidays when you have so many gifts to give. Luckily, it’s very easy to find a great present for a dog lover, and everyone has at least one dog person in their life!
You can’t ever go wrong with a book when it comes to thoughtful gifts! Whether they’re a cover to cover reader, or just a visitor looking for occasional wisdom within the pages, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to find out the perfect book for each kind of dog lover in your life!
For the trainer
We all know someone who is OBSESSED with training their dog, whether by necessity or pleasure. For this person, get them Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution: The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love”. George is a reputable name in the dog training world, with a massive audience coming from YouTube and Animal Planet.
In his book, he pulls out all the stops, covering almost every topic in dog training. From basic training guidelines to advice on difficult and dangerous behaviors, George will help your loved one be that much more effective in helping their dog be the best they can be!The book even has corresponding YouTube videos on Zak’s channel to help even the most visual of learners!
For the Expecting Puppy Parent
It takes a village to raise a puppy…and a few good books! If you have a friend or loved one that is looking to adopt a puppy, give them a copy of Puppy Training in 7 Easy Steps: Everything You Need to Know to Raise the Perfect Dog by Mark Van Wye.
This book helps readers get into the mind of their puppy to understand why they do what they do. Then, it builds off that knowledge, showing how you can train your puppy by meeting their needs and working with their desires instead of against them! It is written with the beginner in mind, so it covers everything from training to puppy proofing the home.

For the Academic
Sometimes, dog lovers really want to get into the nitty gritty details of animal behavior and dog history. Patricia B McConnell’s The Other End of the Leash: Why We Do What We Do Around Dogs is sure to scratch the academic itch of even the most erudite of dog scholars.
McConnell’s book takes a scientific approach to dog handling, focusing on the differences between dogs and humans as separate species. By understanding these differences, we can grow closer to our dogs, allowing us to more effectively relate to and care for them! We spend so much time trying to understand our dogs’ behaviors, we forget to take time to understand how they interpret us.

For the Bookworm
Just about everyone, dog lover or not, has read at least one novel about dogs. But, for the true bookworm dog enthusiast, they want to read them all! Get them a copy of Garth Stein’s The Art of Racing in the Rain.
This New York Times Bestseller tells the story of a dog reflecting on life, love, and family. We don’t want to spoil too much of this amazing story though. We’ll leave it at this: it will have your loved one burning the midnight oil to get to the end of this captivating tale.

For the Children
You probably have a child, niece, or nephew that can be regularly seen toting around their favorite dog plush. If they’re in need of a new favorite bedtime story, get them a copy of Belly Rubbins for Bubbins by Jason Kraus.
Written by Bubbin’s rescuer, Belly Rubbins for Bubbins follows the story of a rescue dog on a quest to find the perfect family who will give him all the belly rubs his previous owners denied him. On top of getting an amazing children’s book, you’ll also be helping animals in need! 51% of the profits go to rescues. Whoever opens this book is sure to fall in love with Bubbins, and maybe even want to know more about animal rescue!

Honorable Mentions
While these are our top pics, there are so many good books out there for dog lovers! If you didn’t see the perfect fit for your loved one in the earlier 5, try checking out these titles.
- The Art of Raising a Puppy
- Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know
- Our Dogs, Ourselves: The Story of a Singular Bond
- Doggie Language: A Dog Lover’s Guide to Understanding Your Best Friend
- The Genius of Dogs: How Dogs Are Smarter Than You Think
- Lily and the Octopus
- E.B. White on Dogs