Frankie-approved reads to help raise your pup with confidence and care. Contains affiliate links.
Welcoming a new puppy into your life is exciting, messy, adorable—and let’s be honest—a little overwhelming. At Frankie’s Finds, we believe a little prep goes a long way. That’s why we asked Frankie’s own veterinarian to share their top book recommendations for new puppy parents. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or just need a refresher, these reads are packed with expert advice and practical tips.
Here are the must-reads every new pup parent should have on their shelf (or Kindle):
🐾 1. Before and After Getting Your Puppy by Dr. Ian Dunbar
*Recommended by Frankie’s vet*
This book is a classic for a reason. Dr. Ian Dunbar, one of the pioneers of positive puppy training, breaks down the puppy journey into two key phases: what to do before you bring your puppy home and what to do after.
✅ What you’ll learn:
- Puppy-proofing your space
- Creating a socialization plan
- House training basics
- Preventing common behavioral issues before they start
💬 Why we love it: Dunbar keeps things simple and science-based. It’s a game plan, not a guilt trip.
🐶 2. Perfect Puppy in 7 Days by Dr. Sophia Yin
*Also recommended by Frankie’s vet*
If you’re craving a step-by-step training plan with visual guidance, this is your book. Dr. Sophia Yin, a beloved veterinarian and animal behaviorist, gives you an easy-to-follow, positive reinforcement–based system for starting your puppy off right in just one week.
✅ What you’ll learn:
- Crate training
- Name recognition and recall
- Socialization strategies
- Bite inhibition and leash skills
📸 Bonus: This book is filled with photos and diagrams that make training easy, even if you’re sleep-deprived and covered in puppy fur.
📚 3. The Art of Raising a Puppy by The Monks of New Skete
This beautifully written book offers a more reflective, spiritual approach to puppy raising. The Monks combine decades of dog training wisdom with heartwarming stories, emphasizing patience, trust, and a deep bond with your dog.
✅ Ideal for:
- Pet parents who want to understand the emotional side of puppyhood
- Those who love storytelling mixed with practical advice
🐕 4. Puppy Start Right by Kenneth M. Martin and Debbie Martin
This guide is excellent for families or first-time owners who want a clear, science-backed roadmap. It focuses on the importance of early socialization and helps you build a confident, well-adjusted dog from day one.
✅ Topics include:
- Introducing your pup to new people, places, and sounds
- Handling and grooming training
- Reducing fear and anxiety in new situations
🦴 5. How to Raise the Perfect Dog by Cesar Millan
While not everyone agrees with all of Cesar’s methods, this book includes insights on calm energy, structure, and the human-dog connection. If you’re looking to understand your puppy’s behavior from a more instinctual standpoint, this can be a useful perspective—just be sure to balance it with force-free training techniques.
🎧 Bonus Tip: Listen While You Train — Try Audible for Puppy Parenting on the Go
Don’t have time to sit and read between potty breaks, teething, and all those wiggly walks? We get it.
That’s why so many new puppy parents swear by Audible. With an Audible subscription, you can listen to expert training books hands-free—whether you’re doing dishes, crate training, or heading out for a stroll with your pup.
Some of the titles mentioned above, like Before and After Getting Your Puppy and The Art of Raising a Puppy, are available in audiobook format—making it easier to absorb life-changing dog training wisdom while juggling your busy life.
✅ Train while you listen
✅ Turn your walks into learning time
✅ Great for multitaskers, commuters, or tired pet parents with full hands and full hearts
Puppy tip: Listening to a calm narrator can even help soothe an anxious pup while they nap nearby.
🎁 Want to give it a try? New members often get their first audiobook free when signing up at Audible. It’s a win for you and your dog.
🐾 Happy training! When you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—supporting our mission to make life better (and cuter) for little dogs.