Where to Start with Zak George
Zak George is the most-watched dog trainer on the internet. His YouTube channel has accumulated hundreds of millions of views with videos that show real training sessions, unedited and unscripted, including the frustrating moments that other trainers leave on the cutting room floor. George’s approach is rooted in positive reinforcement and tailored to each dog’s individual breed, temperament, and energy level. Before becoming a full-time trainer, he discovered his talent for working with dogs through frisbee dog competitions, and that playful, high-energy style carries through everything he does. He has appeared on Animal Planet’s SuperFetch and BBC’s Who Let the Dogs Out.
Start here
Zak George's Dog Training Revolution
Zak George · 240 pages · 2016 · Easy
Themes: positive reinforcement, puppy training, modern training, breed-specific advice, beginner-friendly
A modern, approachable guide to raising and training a dog using positive methods, written by YouTube’s most popular dog trainer. Zak George covers everything from choosing a puppy and housetraining to solving common behavioral problems, with a strong emphasis on tailoring your approach to your individual dog’s breed, temperament, and energy level.
Why Start Here
George built his reputation on YouTube, where his channel has hundreds of millions of views, and his teaching style translates well to the page. He writes the way he talks: enthusiastic, encouraging, and refreshingly free of jargon. The book covers the full lifecycle of dog ownership, from the first day home through adolescence and into adulthood, making it especially useful for first-time dog owners who want a single resource that covers it all.
What makes this book distinct is the breed-aware approach. George does not treat all dogs the same. He explains how a Border Collie’s training needs differ from a Bulldog’s, and how understanding your dog’s genetic wiring helps you set realistic expectations and choose the right motivators. The training advice is practical and actionable, with clear instructions for housetraining, crate training, basic obedience, and handling issues like biting, leash pulling, and separation anxiety.
What to Expect
A friendly, conversational 240-page guide organized by life stage and training topic. George includes quick-reference guides and troubleshooting sections throughout. The tone is upbeat and motivating. If you learn well from video, George frequently references his YouTube channel where you can see the techniques demonstrated in real time. This is a solid complement to a more structured training program like Pat Miller’s.