This month is “National Train Your Dog Month,” according to the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). January was selected because many pets are adopted during the winter holidays. In fact, 1,128 South Bay dogs and cats found homes this past holiday season during the “” campaign that ran last month.
Properly training and socializing your dog is important in order to fully enjoy taking your dog places. A study conducted by the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy found that 96 percent of dogs given up to shelters had not received obedience training.
The association’s website features a treasure trove of information on how to train your dog, including tips for interacting at dog parks, how to choose a dog trainer and a directory of recommended dog trainers near you. The association offers webinars this month on topics such as separation anxiety, loose lease walking, preparing your dog for a baby’s arrival and building your dog’s social skills. And if you’re frustrated with common behavior problems like barking and digging, there’s a chat on Facebook at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27.
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You can even train your dog to be a “Canine Good Citizen” and receive certification through the American Kennel Society. There are ten steps for your dog to become a good citizen, including being able to accept a friendly stranger, coming when called and reacting appropriately to other dogs. The Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) offers training to pass the canine good citizen test. For more information, visit the HSSV website.
Pet of the Week
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This week’s pet in need of a forever home is Lacy, a beautiful 4-year-old German shepherd dog. True to her breed, she can be a little shy when she first meets you, but warms up once she gets to know you. Her favorite activities are belly rubs and long walks, including hiking and running. She would thrive with an active family. Lacy is part of the Human Society Silicon Valley’s Homeward Bound program, so her adoption fees have been waived.
For more information about Lacy and other dogs available for adoption, visit the HSSV website.
