3rd National Train Your Dog Month and more!

EverythingDogBlog #23

This blog first appeared on ColumbiaPatch.com on January 15, 2013.

  

EverythingDogBlog: Comfort Dogs Update, Future Dog Park Update, Why Should You Train Your Dog?

by Skye Anderson, MS

1. The golden retriever Comfort Dogs from the midwest, including Puppy Isaiah, are still giving to Newtown. See their Facebook page at K-9 Parish Comfort Dogs or visit their webpages at www.lutheranchurchcharities.org.

2. The Harper’s Choice Dog Park passed another hurdle last week. Hoo-rah! The Village Board recommended the proposed site to the Columbia Association (CA). The Board also recommended 1.) a committee to assist with administration and maintenance and 2.) that CA work with the county on the parking issues.

3. January is the third annual National Train Your Dog Month (www.trainyourdogmonth.com).

Why should you train your dog?

A well-behaved dog is welcome more places. A well-behaved dog greets kids, other dogs and people politely (doesn’t jump up or embarrass anyone); walks nicely on leash (see photo); and comes when you call. A well-behaved dog can go with you to pick up the kids (and their friends) from school or activities. A well-behaved dog can accompany you into retail establishments like hardware stores (call ahead first to see if polite dogs are welcome), pet supply stores, and dog bakeries (like Clipper’s Canine Café in Savage Mill).

A well-trained dog is more confident, less timid and shy. When in doubt, he looks to you for guidance.

Visits to the vet are easier on you and the vet if you have a well-trained, self-assured, polite dog.

You don’t have to worry about a well-trained dog getting into trouble at home or away or at home when you are away.  (Does counter-surfing ring a bell?)

Communication is easier with a well-trained dog. A well-trained dog is more tuned into you and you into him. The bond, the relationship between you and your dog is strong and trusting. You truly have a partnership and a best friend. And so does your dog.

A well-trained dog is a tired dog because training uses both his physical and mental conditioning (he is challenged to think more). A well-trained dog is a pleasure to have: few well-trained dogs end up in shelters or rescues. It has been shown time and again that training is the one most important reason that tends to keep dogs in their ‘furever’ families rather than being surrendered to shelters for simple behavior or training problems. Training could have prevented most of those problems.

And finally, both of you need training! It’s fun! A well-trained dog is a joy to behold indeed.

(Photo courtesy SNorrie: Canadian golden retriever breeder being walked by her canines Stormy, Sandi, Slammer, Scooter, Solo, Sydney and Shayla in September)