Comments on: National Train Your Dog Month

By: Beth

Beth — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 01:28:08 +0000

In reply to Rebecca. That's a great point that all dogs are different and may require different training!

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 19:29:02 +0000

Dogs are as different as people and training will be different for every dog. I’ve had dogs that with no training would barely leave my side when going out the door to those that would bolt and run no matter what, just to be running. I think patience and rewards are the key. Just like people learn.

By: Kim Clune

Kim Clune — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 20:13:17 +0000

My dogs were adequately trained for the environment they live in but we found a class that takes a step beyond, asking our dogs to behave in a variety of different environments, interacting in a new space each week. We’ve visited a farm, a shopping mall, Empire Plaza in Albany, NY and a grocery store. It was amazing to see them rely on their skills, and us, no matter where we went. Sadly, we didn’t keep up with it and skills not practiced are often lost. For us, they seem retired comfortably into their older ages and an enticing piece of chicken sure jogs the memory when needed.

But I also manage a dog rescue and have seen the untrained go missing to end up with us. I’ve seen dogs not get adopted because they didn’t already know enough. Training does keep dogs in their homes and helps to rehome them in the case of surrender or escape. That’s why I’m so thrilled that you wrote this. Thank you.

Thank you for being and blogging the change!
Kim C.
BTC4animals.com

By: Athena and Marie

Athena and Marie — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 09:47:09 +0000

Good post! Though I’ve never owned a dog, I do agree that training is very important for the reasons you mention.

Purrs xx
Athena and Marie

By: Pawesome Cats

Pawesome Cats — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 06:00:39 +0000

You are so right – training is vitally important whether that’s teaching a dog to come when called or teaching a cat not to claw the furniture or jump on the bench. It can make a difference in their likelihood of them finding a forever home.