National Dog Training Month: A Guide to Better Behavior and Healthier Pups

As we celebrate National Dog Training Month, it's a great time to focus on helping our furry friends become better behaved and healthier pups. Training is an essential part of dog ownership, and it's amazing how much of a difference it can make in our dogs' lives.

Research shows that dogs that receive proper training are less likely to develop behavioral problems, such as barking, chewing, and digging. In fact, a study found that dogs that received training had a 70% reduction in behavioral problems.

Training also plays a crucial role in maintaining our dogs' physical and mental health. Regular exercise and mental stimulation through training can help prevent obesity and stress in dogs.

January is traditionally a peak time of year where families adopt or bring home dogs, which can lead to hundreds of dogs being given away each year due to behavioral and training challenges.

This is why the Association of Professional Dog Trainers started National Train Your Dog Month in 2010 to raise awareness about the importance of training, socializing, and providing a nurturing home environment for our canine companions.

Learning is a precious opportunity for humans to bond with their dogs, and even just a little bit of work each day can make a big difference in their well-being.

Families who adopt or bring home dogs in January are more likely to give them away due to behavioral and training challenges, which is a heartbreaking outcome for both humans and dogs.

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Training Essentials are crucial to help your furry friend learn quickly and effectively. Consistency is key, so be sure to reward your dog only once a task is completed.

To avoid confusing your dog, it's essential to know their natural instincts and work with them, rather than against them. This means avoiding teasing or confusing them with mixed signals.

Training takes time and perseverance, so be patient and don't get discouraged if your dog doesn't understand a command right away. Stick with it, and they will learn eventually.

To avoid overwhelming your dog, teach them one command at a time. This will help prevent confusion and make the learning process smoother.

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

As National Dog Training Month comes to a close, it's a great time to reflect on the importance of consistent training for your furry friend.

Commending your dog for good behavior with praise like "good boy" or "good girl" can go a long way in building a strong bond with them.

There's nothing better than seeing your dog's loving look when they know they've done something right.

If your dog is struggling with aggressive or impulsive behavior, pet anxiety may be the underlying issue.

The team at Walhalla Veterinary Hospital is there to guide you on how to train your dog, alleviate their anxiety, and improve their behavior and well-being.

Contacting them today for a behavior consultation with a veterinarian can be a great step towards a healthier pup.

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January is a great time to adopt a new furry friend, but it's also a crucial month for their development. Many dogs are adopted during this time of year.

Training your puppy or dog is an important part of their development and will help them to socialise. It's essential to get it right to prevent unnecessary rehoming.

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers set up National Train Your Dog Month to promote positive methods of training your dog. This is a great opportunity to learn new techniques and get support.

Having the right resources on hand is key to getting your training regime just right.

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As we celebrate National Dog Training Month, finding the right professional to help you and your pup is crucial. A professional dog trainer will give you lots of guidance and tips to ensure you are using best practices when it comes to teaching your dog.

The Animal Behaviour & Training Council (ABTC) is a charity dedicated to the welfare of animals and pets undergoing training, and it's a great resource to find a suitable trainer in your area. They provide a list of dog trainers with a search function allowing you to find trainers in specific areas.

It's essential to find a trainer with the right skills and training methods. Some training methods are not good for your dog and can lead to behavioural issues, so do your research first and select a good trainer. If you're thinking of trying a class, ask if you can observe before taking your pup along.

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Bonding with Your Dog is a vital part of their training. Training gives them a chance to learn and use their brain whilst having fun at the same time.

Dogs love mental stimulation, and training provides it. They will also love the opportunity to spend valuable time with you.

Dogs have long been known as “man’s best friend”, and training is just one more opportunity to build a solid lasting friendship.

To celebrate National Dog Training Month, we're focusing on the essential products and accessories that will help you on your dog training journey.

We recommend starting with dog training treats to motivate your pup and make learning fun.

At home, you'll need walking accessories to ensure safe and enjoyable walks with your dog.

Chew toys are a must-have to keep your pup occupied and satisfied during training sessions.

Crate training products can be a game-changer for housetraining and reducing separation anxiety.

One of the most important parts of a puppy's daily routine will be training, and having the right products and accessories can make a huge difference.

By investing in the right products, you'll be well on your way to achieving your dog training goals and strengthening your bond with your furry friend.

January is a great time to start working on your dog's training. It's National Dog Training Month, after all!

A well-trained dog is a happy dog, and with some consistent effort, you can see significant improvements in your furry friend's behavior.

January is a great time to start because it's a fresh start after the holidays, and your dog will appreciate the extra attention.

According to the American Kennel Club, 71% of dog owners consider their dogs to be part of the family, making it even more important to invest time in their training.

By setting achievable goals and creating a training plan, you can help your dog become more well-behaved and responsive to commands.

Additional reading: How to Start Dog Training Business

Curbing Unwanted Behavior is a crucial part of dog training. It's amazing how much of a difference it can make in your relationship with your furry friend.

Stopping unwanted behaviors like barking and chewing can be achieved by teaching your dog what to do instead. This is a game-changer because it focuses on positive reinforcement rather than punishment.

Teaching a dog to do something, like speaking, can help them learn when it's time to bark and when it's not. This is a great way to curb excessive barking.

Patience is key when teaching your dog new behaviors. It's not a quick fix, but with consistent effort, your dog will appreciate the positive reinforcement.

By focusing on what your dog should be doing, rather than what not to do, you can create a more harmonious household. It's all about finding ways to channel their energy in a positive direction.

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Mastering the basics of dog training is key to building a strong bond with your furry friend. Plenty of rewards and patience are essential for successful training.

Training your dog takes time, so don't expect them to understand in 10 minutes what you want them to do. Keep at it on a daily basis, as training is gradual.

If your dog is too excited to sit still or pay attention, try training after a long walk or some vigorous exercise to burn off excess energy. I've found that a tired dog is a more focused dog.

DogTime has plenty of information on how to get started with the basics, which you can find here. YouTube is also a great place to start if you need more visual aid.

Training after a meal or a playtime can also be effective, as dogs tend to be more relaxed after a full belly or a good play session. Just remember to keep it short and fun.

If you have a very intelligent breed like a Border Collie, your dog may be learning too quickly and grow bored with the standard commands.

Advanced training isn't all that different from the basics, and using a clicker to steadily reward behavior is a great way to keep your dog engaged.

Increasing the difficulty after each level of completion is key to keeping your dog challenged and preventing boredom.

You can use YouTube tutorials to supplement the information found on DogTime, which has a wealth of information on advanced training.

Steadily rewarding behavior with a clicker will help your dog learn new tricks and stay focused.

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