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January 1 marks the beginning of National Train Your Dog Month, a special time dedicated to building a stronger bond with your furry best friend. This month was created by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers to promote responsible dog ownership and educate pet owners on the importance of training for their dog's physical and mental well-being. Whether you have a new puppy or an older dog who needs some obedience refreshing, this is the perfect opportunity to teach them new tricks and strengthen your relationship. So grab those treats and get ready for some fun training sessions with your four-legged companion!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1946</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Formation of APDT</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) was founded, promoting positive reinforcement methods for dog training.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1975</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Dog Training Book</div><div class='timeline-text'>"How To Be Your Dog's Best Friend," a book on dog training methodologies by The Monks of New Skete, was published and quickly gained popularity.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1993</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Dog Whisperer Emerges</div><div class='timeline-text'>Cesar Millan gains fame as the "Dog Whisperer", emphasizing the importance of the role of the pack leader when training dogs.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Media Spotlight on Dog Training</div><div class='timeline-text'>The TV show "Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan" ends its run, highlighting the need for widespread quality dog training.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First National Train Your Dog Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>APDT established January as National Train Your Dog Month to promote the importance and benefits of training dogs.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2022</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Emphasis on At-Home Training</div><div class='timeline-text'>Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there's increased focus on at-home dog training resources and virtual dog training points of contact.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Teach your dog a new trick</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend some extra time this month teaching your dog a new trick. It could be as simple as “sit” or something more advanced like “roll over”. Your dog will love the extra attention and it’s a great way to bond with them.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Go on a hike together</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take advantage of the cooler weather and go on a hike with your dog. Not only will you both get some exercise, but it’s a great opportunity for your dog to practice their obedience skills in a new environment.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a dog playdate</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite some friends over who also have dogs and host a dog playdate! It’s a fun way for your dog to socialize and learn how to interact with other dogs, while also getting some exercise and playtime.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a training class</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Sign up for a training class with your dog. Not only will they learn important skills, but it’s also a great bonding experience for you both and can help improve your communication and relationship.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a dog rescue organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In honor of National Train Your Dog Month, consider donating to a dog rescue organization. This not only helps dogs in need, but also supports the important work of training and rehabilitating them for adoption.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a chance to bond with your furry companion</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Train Your Dog Month provides the perfect opportunity for dog owners to strengthen their relationship with their furry best friend. Training sessions help strengthen communication skills between you and your dog, and can even be a fun activity to do together!</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes good behavior in dogs</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Well-trained dogs are happier and more well-behaved. By participating in National Train Your Dog Month, you are not only helping your own furry friend, but also promoting responsible pet ownership and safe interactions between dogs and their owners.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>You'll see progress and results</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>One of the most rewarding parts of training your dog is seeing their progress and success. From simple commands to more complex tricks, watching your dog learn and grow brings a sense of pride and accomplishment that will make National Train Your Dog Month a memorable experience.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Training Strengthens Your Bond with Your Dog</h3><p class='facts-content'>Dog training is not just about teaching commands, but also about building a strong relationship and improving communication between you and your pet.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Positive Reinforcement is the Most Effective Training Method</h3><p class='facts-content'>Positive reinforcement, which rewards good behavior with treats, praise, or affection, has been shown to be more effective than punishment-based training methods.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Training Boosts a Dog’s Confidence</h3><p class='facts-content'>Learning new skills and accomplishing tasks can help increase a dog's confidence and sense of self-worth.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Consistency is Key in Dog Training</h3><p class='facts-content'>Consistency in commands, rewards, and consequences is crucial for effective training. The more consistent you are, the faster your dog will learn.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>You Can Teach an Old Dog New Tricks</h3><p class='facts-content'>Contrary to popular belief, older dogs can still be trained. In fact, training can provide mental stimulation and help keep them sharp.</p></div></div>
National Train Your Dog Month is celebrated on January 1 every year. In 2024, National Train Your Dog Month will begin on a Monday.
2023
Jan 1
Sunday
2024
Jan 1
Monday
2025
Jan 1
Wednesday
2026
Jan 1
Thursday
2027
Jan 1
Friday
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