About Train Your Dog Month

2010 is the inaugural year for National Train Your Dog Month. The event, created by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, is designed to promote the importance and benefits of training dogs to become happy and healthy companions. Too many dogs are turned into animal shelters each year for behavior and training issues that could be easily solved with proper socialization and positive, gentle, science-based methods of training. Moreover, we want the public to know that training your dog is not just beneficial, it's FUN!

We hope that trainers, shelters, dog sports enthusiasts, veterinarians, groomers and most of all, dog owners, will help us celebrate the joy of training and enjoying a healthy relationship with your companion dog not only during January, National Train Your Dog Month, but throughout the rest of the year as well! We have a variety of handouts and event suggestions on this site with ideas on how to promote training to your friends, family, and training clients - basically anyone who lives with and loves dogs!

APDT members around the U.S. are planning events on their communities to promote National Train Your Dog Month in January, as well as to promote the benefits of training throughout the rest of the year. You can find local APDT members by visiting the APDT web site at www.apdt.com.

In January 2010 we will announce the winners of our essay contest for APDT members - the goal of the contest was to present stories about some clients who worked with their dogs and were able to overcome behavior problems through learning how to understand their dog's needs and how to communicate more effectively and kindly with their pet. Stay tuned for the winning essays to be posted on this site!