National Train Your Dog Month occurs every January to promote the importance of training and socialization.
As a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (www.apdt.com), I wanted to share with you some valuable information provided by this international organization.
Sponsored by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (www.apdt.com), the goal of National Train Your Dog Month is to promote the importance of training and socialization to create harmonious relationships between dogs and their people. The APDT has information on our web sites (www.apdt.com, www.mydoghasclass.com, and www.trainyourdogmonth.com) for pet owners on how to find trainers and basic training information, safety and dog park tips, and more. The sites are constantly being updated and we encourage owners to visit often.
The APDT believes it's important to call attention to the importance of socialization and training.
Why is training and socialization important?
Training leads to less dogs turned in to animal shelters
- There are 74.8 million "owned" dogs in the U.S. It is has been estimated that more often than not, owners with dogs do not go to a training class or meet privately with a trainer to work with their dogs, or use books, DVDs or other sources to learn about training. (Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association)
- Approximately 4 million cats and dogs (about 1 every 8 seconds) are euthanized each year due to lack of homes. (Source: Humane Society of the United States; ASPCA)
- Behavioral problems are the most common reason dogs are given up to shelters, and dogs who are turned in for behavior problems are likely to have been only owned for less than three months. Owners who receive training and education right away are more likely to keep their pets. (Source: National Council on Pet Population Study & Policy)
Training and socialization lead to behaviorally sound adult dogs:
- Socializing puppies during their critical developmental period "is the best opportunity we have to influence behavior for dogs and the most important and longest lasting part of a total wellness plan." (Source: AVSAB)
- "The risk of a dog dying because of infection with Distemper or Parvo disease is far less than the much higher risk of a dog dying (euthanasia) because of a behavior problem." (Source: Dr. R. K. Anderson, DVM, Diplomat, American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Diplomat of American College of Veterinary Behaviorists)
Training and socialization can lead to less dog bites, particularly to children. (Source: JAVMA; CDC)
- 4.5 million people are bitten each year in the U.S. - the highest rate of bites among children is in the 5 to 9 year age group. (Source: CDC)
January as the perfect time because many dogs are adopted and puppies brought home during the winter holidays.
January is a great time to encourage owners to make a resolution to "start the year out right" by training and working with their dogs.
The rise in the number of dog training and dog-themed television shows indicate that there is a real interest and hunger for knowledge among the public about dogs and dog behavior.
- The APDT has information on our web sites (www.apdt.com, www.mydoghasclass.com, and www.trainyourdogmonth.com) for pet owners on how to find trainers and basic training information, safety and dog park tips, and more. The sites are constantly being updated and we encourage owners to visit often.
The APDT wants to give positive reinforcement to the many dog owners out there who work with their dogs and see how much fun they can have with their dog and who develop stronger, healthier relationships with their dogs through training and learning more about dogs and their behavior.
