Quick answer
Choose Zak George’s Guide to a Well-Behaved Dog for modern, science-backed solutions to specific problems, or Training the Best Dog Ever for a gentle, step-by-step program that builds a model canine citizen in about a month.
Two approaches, one philosophy
Both books share a foundation in positive reinforcement, but they differ in structure and focus. Training the Best Dog Ever follows a progressive 30-day plan that works at your dog’s natural pace, while Zak George’s Guide is a problem-solver’s reference for all ages and breeds. Your choice depends on whether you want a curriculum or a toolkit.
What each book covers best
Training the Best Dog Ever excels if you’re starting with a puppy or a dog that needs basic manners from scratch. Its daily 10-20 minute sessions build habits gradually. Zak George’s Guide is stronger for owners facing specific challenges like leash pulling or jumping, and it addresses all ages—puppies through seniors—with science-based solutions.
Trade-offs to consider
- Structure vs flexibility: Training the Best Dog Ever gives you a day-by-day plan; Zak George’s Guide lets you jump to the problem you face right now.
- Time commitment: The classic book asks for 10-20 minutes daily for a month; the modern guide works with whatever time you have for specific exercises.
- Age and problem range: Zak George covers all ages and mixes; Training the Best Dog Ever is designed for a single progressive journey from the start. If you have a senior dog or a rescue with established habits, Zak George’s book is more likely to address your situation.
At a glance
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Training the Best Dog Ever: Take a positive approach to training your dog into a model canine citizen. All it takes is 10-20 minutes a day and in about a month, you’ll have the dog you always dreamed of. This structured plan suits owners who want a clear daily roadmap and can commit to a short practice session every day.
Training the Best Dog Ever
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Zak George’s Guide to a Well-Behaved Dog: A compassionate, modern, science-based approach to help you (and your dog!) with common training problems for all ages, breeds, and mixes. If you need targeted fixes for existing issues rather than a full curriculum, this reference-style guide gives you flexible, evidence-backed solutions.
Zak George’s Guide to a Well-Behaved Dog
Which one is right for you?
Best for
- Owners who want a structured, gentle, day-by-day program to build a well-mannered dog from the ground up → Training the Best Dog Ever
- Owners who need flexible, science-based solutions for specific behavior problems with dogs of any age → Zak George’s Guide to a Well-Behaved Dog
Not ideal if
- You prefer troubleshooting individual issues over following a set curriculum → Training the Best Dog Ever may feel too linear
- You want a single, progressive training plan with daily lessons → Zak George’s Guide requires you to assemble your own sequence
