January is national walk your pet month and national train your dog month, and training doesn’t just have to be for trouble makers. Training your dog gives you a basis for communication and understanding and brings a whole new level of trust and respect to your relationship. While starting young sets your dog up for a lifetime of success, there is no such thing as a dog being too old to learn. That’s right! Old dogs can learn new tricks! Not only are they able to, but many of them thrive on it. Even though many old dogs may start to slow down their brains are still active and need to be exercised.
As always any training you do should be positive and upbeat - puppy, adult, or senior - if your dog isn’t having fun they won’t want to listen when it really matters.
Walking with your dog is a great way to give them one on one time with you and enjoy some time outside together. Remember a tired dog is a happy dog. Taking your dog out for walks will not only help burn some excess energy, but will also provide mental and physical stimulation so that they don’t get bored.
Check out next week’s blog for some New Year’s resolutions for you and your dog!