Dogs come trained in loyalty, unconditional love, and friendship. It’s only the easy stuff that they need to learn. True, teaching all the other stuff can be daunting but all we need is the right advice at the right time. How does the beginning of the year sound? Perhaps that’s why, in 2013, the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) decided to make January, “National Train Your Dog Month.”
This is a time when trainers, dog owners, and canine experts come together to celebrate their love for their furry friends by sharing what they know. The internet and social media become a treasure trove of information, tips, and advice.
To help celebrate National Train Your Dog Month, the APDT is promoting training the family dog with everyday manners – the behaviors found in the APDT’s Canine Life and Social Skills program, and offering a variety of free webinars to the public with tips and tricks for teaching the “basics” – sit, down, stay, wait, coming when called and walking on a loose leash.
Here are some Activities to try with your Dog this month, from National Today:
- A new year calls for a new bag of tricks! Think of a simple and fun trick like rolling over, playing dead, or fetch.
- Enjoy Furry Fridays! In January, reserve Friday evenings for your dog. Go for a walk, to a dog museum, or watch a dog movie with buttered popcorn and a special treat for your best pal!
- Take to social media! Share your dog training accomplishments and challenges with other dog lovers through pictures and videos. Have fun and build a better dog training community.
To find out more about dog training tips, resources, or even to locate a qualified dog trainer near you, visit the Association of Pet Dog Trainers “Train Your Dog Month” website.
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