From Socialization to Enrichment: The Best Books for Raising Your Puppy
At Dogged Pursuits, we know that raising a happy, well-adjusted puppy takes patience, consistency, and the right resources. Whether you’re preparing for your first dog or adding another four-legged friend to your family, the right reading can make all the difference. We’ve rounded up some of the best dog training and puppy care books—covering everything from puppy brain development and socialization to behavior management and canine enrichment. Each of these titles offers practical, science-based guidance to help you and your pup thrive together here in the Delaware beaches and beyond.
Puppy Brain: How Our Dogs Learn, Think, and Love
by Kerry Nichols
Kerry Nichols is one of the foremost expert breeders of Golden Retrievers. In this book, she guides you through the journey of raising a litter, exploring puppy brain development through the lens of a breeder using the most up-to-date and scientifically sound techniques. From early neurological stimulation and socialization to basic training, Kerry covers it all. Have questions about spay/neuter options, potty training, or getting your puppy to sleep through the night? She has the answers!
Puppy Socialization: What It Is and How to Do It
by Marge Rogers and Eileen Anderson
Socialization is a term that's often thrown around but rarely fully understood. This book provides comprehensive guidance on the do’s and don’ts, with excellent written, visual, and video instruction. The authors present a clear plan, offering tips for troubleshooting during fear periods, navigating puppy vaccinations, and managing unexpected challenges as you support your pup through this delicate process.
Manage It!: Hacks for Improving Your Dog’s Behavior
by Juliana DeWillems
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! This book focuses on modifying your home and environment to set your puppy up for success. By creating the right setup, you can prevent your puppy from practicing undesirable behaviors, ensuring that mischief doesn’t become a regular part of their routine.
Canine Enrichment for the Real World
by Allie Bender and Emily Strong
Let’s face it: the modern, human-dominated world is not an easy place for dogs to navigate, especially since we’ve bred them for tasks that no longer have a place in contemporary society. The gap between natural, species-specific behaviors and those that help dogs thrive in our world is wide, often leading to conflicts when dogs engage in their instinctual "dog-stuff." This book guides you in creating simple and accessible enrichment outlets, ensuring that those natural behaviors are expressed in controlled ways and don’t turn into undesirable habits. With the insights from this book, you’ll have a happy, satisfied, and easygoing dog at any age.
No matter where you are in your dog parenting journey—house-training a new puppy, socializing a shy adolescent, or keeping an adult dog engaged—these books can give you a strong foundation. Pair that knowledge with hands-on support from a professional, and you’ll set your dog up for lifelong success.
At Dogged Pursuits, we specialize in dog walking, dog training, and pet sitting in Eastern Sussex County, Delaware, helping dogs and their families build skills, confidence, and joyful routines. If you’re ready to put these insights into practice, contact us today to learn how we can support you and your pup.