January 2017 is the 7th annual National Train Your Dog Month
National Train Your Dog Month – This awareness month is sponsored by the Association of Professional Dog Trainers.
The term “training” has a wide range of definitions from being trained for basic everyday routines to completing complicated agility courses.
The focus chosen for 2017 is to “make training a part of your everyday life with your dog.”
How can you make training part of your everyday life with your dog?
Some dog owners come to training classes, do well during the class, but fail to transition what was learned to everyday life.
Just like we need to use what we learned in school or else we lose it, we need to give our dogs opportunities to use what they learned so they can make it a natural part of everyday life.
- Take your dog on regular walks on a lead even during cold months. Instead of avoiding a path busy with people, stroll by a playground or park so that the dog can practice what they have learned about walking well on a leash.
- Give your dog a chance to practice sitting and relaxing when you have work to do in the kitchen or when you get a package delivered.
- If it’s time for the dog’s supper, practice having the dog come when called. If the dog is barking because of a passer-by, call the dog to come.
The key word is “practice.” Take what was learned in the training classes and use it in everyday life.
At Big Times Kennel, our Manners 101 class covers basic everyday tasks in a 6-week course. This is the perfect place to begin life with the new pet you got for the holidays!
This class is open to children 14 years and older so if your family dog actually belongs to your teen, your teen can take responsibility to train the dog and create the communication bond necessary for making the dog truly theirs.
Once you and your dog have mastered the basic level of dog training, you may be interested in taking agility classes. The same principles of training are applied to a competitive course with obstacles. Agility classes and competition can deepen your relationship with your dog by having a new experience working together.
We look forward to seeing you at a Big Times Kennel class!
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