Dog Lovers Book Club - July 2026

Written by Australian Dog Lover 14:40:00 - 0 Comments

With the winter school holidays upon us and July officially marking Anti-Boredom Month, our latest line-up is all about beating canine cabin fever and keeping the whole family engaged indoors.

For the adults, we are tackling behavioural science and modern dog culture from every angle. Our selection ranges from a witty, behind-the-scenes training memoir and practical indoor enrichment games to a deep, thought-provoking look at the ethics of modern pet ownership. We have also included an advanced clinical reference text to perfectly complement our July features on separation-related behaviours and attachment science, rounded out with a touch of artistic mindfulness for those quiet afternoons.

Over in our Kids Corner, we’ve lined up a vibrant mix of storytelling and interactive fun sorted strictly by age. Younger readers can dive into gorgeous local adventures on Kangaroo Island, hands-on therapy dog activity workbooks, and a stunning emotional-awareness alphabet guide. We finish with a beautifully soothing bedtime read designed to wind down the littlest members of your pack after a busy day inside.

Explore our top July picks and discover your next favourite winter read!

MISADVENTURES OF THE WORLD'S OKAYEST DOG TRAINER
25 Cases to Guide Dog Trainers & Behaviourists in Their Career

By Melissa McCue-McGrath

If you’ve ever said, ‘I love dogs, but I hate people’, this book is for you.

Following the lead of Dr. Nick Trout and Dr. Phillip Schott, who brought readers behind the scenes in busy animal hospitals, Misadventures follows quirky and (eventually) confident McCue-McGrath into people’s most intimate spaces, their homes, through a decades-long career in dog training and behaviour.

This part-memoir, part-career guide is the first of its kind to put readers in a behaviourist’s seat, feeling the flush of embarrassment when explaining humping to second graders, the shock of finding adult toys on client’s countertops, and the stab of anxiety when aggression cases go sideways. This book is more than a day in the life of a dog trainer, but a look at the rapid evolution of understanding canine behaviour over the last twenty years.

The interplay between the author’s often comical, and sometimes heart-breaking, personal journey into a still unregulated industry perfectly mirrors the global shift from outdated, dominance-based training to modern behavioural sciences. The payoff is a hopeful look at what we can do for animals, what these pets already do for humans, and what we humans can do for each other.

Melissa’s personal journey through the world of dog training offers great insight to those curious about picking up a leash and entering the industry. Alongside her experiences are practical and technical advice for the behavioural professional including signposted resources and coverage of relevant industry bodies. Through the 147 dogs (and one cat) Melissa demystifies this rewarding profession. But most importantly, these beloved pets teach us what saved means, what love means, what hubris is, and remind us all that animals truly make us more human.

Paperback, 352 pages
Publisher: Nottingham University Press, 15 April 2026

RRP: $39.99 from Amazon Australia 

FUN TRAINING & GAMES FOR DOGS
By Bruce Miller

Training a dog doesn't have to feel like work, and learning doesn't have to feel like pressure. With July officially marking Anti-Boredom Month just as we hit the grim depths of the Australian winter, this vibrant release is the ultimate antidote to canine cabin fever.

A joyful, practical guide that shows families how to train, bond with, and truly enjoy their dogs through play-based learning, simple games, and everyday activities, this book transforms essential training skills into fun, confidence-building experiences designed for real life.

Covering everything from house training, loose-leash walking, and reliable recall to brain games, enrichment activities, and family-friendly challenges, Miller seamlessly blends modern canine science with warmth, humour, and clarity. Each chapter offers easy-to-follow games that help dogs learn faster and stay emotionally balanced without harsh methods or complicated routines. Emphasising communication, trust, and connection rather than strict obedience, it is a perfect lifesaver for getting the kids involved over the school holidays to tire out a cooped-up pup indoors.

As Book Three of The Family Dog Series—following The Science & Secrets of Dogs and How to Speak Dog—this title is a natural fit for libraries, schools, and any dog lover looking to encourage calm behaviour, confidence, and deeper bonds during the frosty months ahead.

Series: The Family Dog Series
Paperback, 126 pages
Publisher: Pacific Trust Holdings NZ Ltd., 26th February 2026

Price: $35.79 from Amazon Australia

WHAT IT REALLY MEANS TO LOVE DOGS
A Cultural And Ethical Exploration
By Melina Jacques

What does the modern dog represent?

In contemporary life, the dog has taken on a symbolic role that extends beyond companionship. It carries ideas about virtue and belonging, as well as moral identity.

This shift has reshaped public space and social expectations, along with the quiet rules that structure everyday life.

What It Really Means to Love Dogs examines the cultural structure behind this change. It traces how sentiment becomes normalised expectation, and how devotion can function as an unspoken social standard.

The result is a set of contradictions that are widely experienced but rarely named. Certain forms of intrusion become routine, while those expected to accommodate them are often left without a clear way to articulate what is happening.

The book asks what is usually left unexamined: what changes when an animal becomes a cultural ideal, and who bears the cost of that transformation.

Paperback, 182 pages
Publisher: Melina Jacques, 15th May 2026

Price: $22.86 from Amazon Australia

CANINE AND FELINE BEHAVIOUR (3rd Edition)

Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion 
Edited by Amy L. Pike and Debra F. Horwitz

For the training professionals, rescue workers, and serious behaviour nerds who love diving into the deep end of animal science, this newly released third edition is the ultimate desktop reference. 

Structured for fast, evidence-based navigation, this clinical companion equips readers with the latest diagnostic tools and treatment protocols to unpack complex canine and feline behaviours from a veterinary medical perspective.

This textbook is the perfect scholarly accompaniment to our feature articles in this month's magazine. If you are currently reading our deep-dive into The Velcro Dog: The Behavioural Science Behind Separation-Related Behaviours, you will find Pike and Horwitz's clinical breakdown of anxiety and hyper-attachment incredibly illuminating. 

Likewise, for those exploring the shifting dynamics in From Trainer to Parent: The Attachment Science of Transforming Behaviour, this text provides the essential scientific backing to bridge the gap between practical handling and advanced behavioural medicine.

Hardcover, 1280 pages
Publisher: Wiley (3rd edition), 3 April 2026

RRP: $191.95 at Amazon Australia

COSY CATS ‘N’ DOGS
By Cherry Lam

Begin your new cosy, creative hobby!

Unlock childlike joy with delightful scenes printed on high quality paper.

The 40+ bold and easy colouring images feature peaceful afternoons, playful antics and heart-warming moments shared with cats and dogs. With single-sided pages to avoid bleed-through, all you need are your favourite pencils or markers to get started.

Whether you are part of the colouring community on TikTok or looking for a fun activity away from screens, Cosy Cats 'n' Dogs is ideal for anyone seeking moments of artistic mindfulness.

Find a four-legged friend, smile and colour with an array of drawings designed to celebrate the joys of life with our furry companions.

Paperback, 96 pages
Publisher: Penguin Australia Pty Ltd, 16th June 2026

Price: $12.00 from Amazon Australia

BOOK CLUB – KIDS CORNER

DOG! 

A Book about Feelings, Alphabet-Style
By Karen D Gelhaar, Melinda A Cowen (Designed by), Donna Victor (Photographer)

Little kids and big emotions - it's a tough combination many parents struggle to navigate. That challenge inspired Dog! A Book About Feelings, Alphabet-Style - a joyful, visually captivating picture book that helps children explore emotions through the eyes (and faces!) of man's best friend. 

Each page pairs expressive black-and-white dog portraits with bold colours and playful rhymes, creating an alphabet of emotions kids will love. Dog! sparks empathy, connection, and emotional awareness - giving children a fun way to name their feelings, and parents an easy path to keep the conversation going.

Dog! aligns beautifully with stories that help children understand themselves and the world around them. We also know that this book can be enjoyed by adults who appreciate photography, dogs, poetry, humour, and whimsical graphic design. Dog! is the ultimate coffee table book for those who appreciate all these elements.

Hardcover, 58 pages
Publisher: Cowen Design, Inc., 6th May 2026
For Ages: 0 - 12 years old

Price: $37.71 from Amazon Australia

HARPER HELPS: A Therapy Dog's Tale
By T. Henry Marks, Nicole Reasonda (Illustrator)

Harper is a therapy dog who always knows who needs her. From hospitals and airplanes to schools and homes, Harper brings comfort with a gentle nudge, a patient wait, and a warm, steady presence. 

Through beautiful illustrations and heartfelt storytelling, Harper Helps shows children that kindness doesn't have to be loud, sometimes, the best help is simply showing up and staying close. 

Perfect for children ages 4-8, families, educators, and anyone who believes in the power of empathy and compassion. A portion of proceeds support therapy dog training programs.

Hardcover, 38 pages
Publisher: Stolen Socks Publishing LLC, 1st June 2026
For Ages: 4 - 10 years old

Price: $23.07 from Amazon Australia

LOOKING FOR MILO ON KANGAROO ISLAND
By Louise Custance

When Milo, a cheeky little black rescue dog, goes missing on Kangaroo Island, he embarks on a wild adventure across one of Australia's most stunning natural sanctuaries. As he playfully evades the local police dog, Sergeant, Milo explores rugged coastlines and native bushlands, meeting the remarkable locals along the way—including sea lions, wedge-tailed eagles, and, of course, plenty of kangaroos.

Beautifully written and illustrated by first-time author and landscape architect Louise Custance, this vibrant children's picture book captures the true heart, colours, and character of KI through her deep connection to her island home. 

It is a delightful read for young nature enthusiasts and dog lovers alike, with the bonus that a portion of every sale is donated directly to the KI Wildlife Network to support ongoing conservation on the island.

This wonderful holiday read was recently accepted by the ALS Library Network, meaning you can look out for it at your local library, and you can sneak a peek at the gorgeous pages via the author's Instagram preview link here Instagram Preview.

RRP: $31.95 (hardcover) and $21.95 (softcover) from Looking for Milo Official Site

ENZO’S STORY - A THERAPY DOG’S JOURNEY
By Dana Tozzi

Join Enzo, a lovable toy poodle, on an inspiring adventure as he discovers what it takes to become a certified therapy dog!

Designed for children aged 4–8, this engaging book follows Enzo’s heart-warming journey from an energetic pup to a community hero bringing comfort, smiles, and support to schools, hospitals, and libraries. Along the way, young readers will learn meaningful lessons about kindness, empathy, and the positive impact animals have on our emotional well-being.

More than just a story, this interactive book invites children to participate in Enzo's journey through hands-on activities, including word searches, colouring pages, mazes, puzzles, and drawing prompts. It perfectly blends storytelling with educational entertainment that fosters creativity and problem-solving. 

Ideal for home, classrooms, or therapy visits, Enzo’s story celebrates the special bond between dogs and humans, showing kids that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

Paperback, 52 pages
Publisher: Dana Tozzi, 5th June 2026
For Ages: 4 - 8 years old

Price: $20.89 from Booktopia

THE ART OF HOW DOGS SLEEP
By Alison Kim

Dogs can fall asleep at any time: right after breakfast, in the afternoon, or in the evening. But how do they do it? 

Let's pay attention closely, as there are quite a few details to observe, such as finding and preparing the perfect spot, stretching each toe bean eeeextra wide, and breathing long and slow.

Hardcover, 40 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers US, 30 June 2026
For Ages: 4 - 6 years

Price: $28.99 from Booktopia

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