January Is Both National Train Your Dog Month and Walk Your Dog Month

Every dog owner’s dream: a healthy, well-behaved pooch snuggled at your feet.

The frequent reality: constant scolding for chewing on furniture, counter surfing, jumping, barking and pulling on the leash.

To avoid becoming bored and destructive, not to mention overweight, dogs need good training and plenty of physical activity.

The month of January features two separate designations related to canine well-being: National Train Your Dog Month and National Walk Your Dog Month. These two observances actually work hand in hand to benefit pets and pet owners.

January may seem like a cold month to focus on the importance of training and exercise, but it’s actually the perfect opportunity to get off the couch and focus on your pet’s quality of life. If you can do it in the January cold, you can do it any time of year.

Let’s dive into how to make sure your dog is getting good training and enough exercise. We’ll also look at how to ensure your pet’s mind and body are well-supported for these new adventures.

What is National Train Your Dog Month and why is dog training important?

Established in 2010 by the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, the annual National Train Your Dog Month aims to help new pet parents understand that canines need socialization and

training to be good companions. Trainers, canine experts and pet owners come together to share their knowledge and celebrate the loyalty and friendship dogs can offer.

Dogs don’t come into the world knowing all the rules humans set up for them or how to follow commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come” or “leave it.” But to live successfully with humans, they need to learn basic manners and life skills.

No one wants to live with a bad-mannered, destructive or aggressive dog. Proper training prevents dogs from being surrendered to shelters and possibly euthanized because their owners can’t tolerate their behavior.

Teaching your dog good behavior also improves your bond and relationship with your animal, ensures her safety, improves socialization and avoids behavioral problems.

Most professional dog trainers suggest a positive reinforcement approach rather than old-school dominance-based “alpha” training techniques. A positive training method, such as clicker training or training with treats, rewards the pet for desired behaviors and avoids reinforcing the behaviors you want to get rid of.

Pet training can be a DIY process with the help of books and videos, or you can hire a professional dog trainer. Make sure to check out the training philosophy and credentials of anyone you follow or hire, to ensure you’re comfortable with their methods.

What Is National Walk Your Dog Month and why do walks matter?

National Walk Your Dog Month is observed each January to remind pet owners that dogs need exercise all year long. Don’t let cold temperatures be an excuse for neglecting your fur baby’s regular walks.

The beginning of the year is the perfect time to make a New Year’s resolution to focus on getting your pet enough exercise. Dog walks are a good time to combine exercise and bonding time with your pet. A long walk provides the biggest benefit, but even short walks are better than nothing. Plus, showing off new leashes and collars adds a little fun to your walking routine.

Walking is a simple way to help control your pet’s weight. In 2017, the Association of Pet Obesity Prevention released a statement that noted 56% of dogs in the United States—more than 50 million animals—are considered obese.

The consequences of pet obesity are significant. The APOP statement said, “The number of pets with clinical obesity continues to increase. Clinical obesity results in more secondary conditions such as arthritis, high blood pressure, kidney disease, and certain forms of cancer. Pets with obesity also have reduced quality of life and shorter life expectancy.”

Starting a new exercise or training program may be a challenge for dogs—and dog walkers—who’ve been living the lazy life, but the health benefits of getting your pet in shape are worth it. Being overweight puts tremendous strain on an animal’s bones, joints and organs, and can shorten their lifespan.

Nutritional support for dogs on the move

A canine’s bones, joints and muscles need the right support to keep them happily bouncing through life’s daily activities, including new exercise or training regimens.

Without a strong musculoskeletal system, long walks and games of fetch could become painful for your pet. In fact, just getting around the house can be a challenge if a pet is too overweight or has bone or joint pain.

These popular all-natural PetAlive® formulas are perfect for supporting muscle, bone and joint health:

ComfyPet Pain Relief™ is a homeopathic medicine for minor aches and pains in pets. It temporarily reduces discomfort and soreness in muscles and joints due to old age or injury.

I noticed a difference almost right away in my 7-year-old Goldie – over the years, her hips have been a sore point and getting up and down the stairs had become difficult for her, as well as getting in and out of the car.Within just a couple weeks, I’ve noticed her more playful and wanting to take longer walks. Definitely pleased so far.

JJ’s Mom

Muscle & Joint Support-S™ is a natural herbal supplement for healthy muscles and joints. It supports ease of movement in pets of all ages.

Muscle & Joint Support-M™ is a homeopathic medicine for joint stiffness and minor pain, soreness or swelling in joints and bones. It promotes full range of movement in joints and maintains strength of elastic tissue in the body.

Our hemp extract formulas in full-strength and extra-strength are also popular with pet owners who want to support canine bone and joint health.

Bailey is my almost 15 year old dog. She is a Chesapeake Bay Retriever mix. She has acquired many concerns of aging. One of them is arthritis. I can see a noticeable difference when I include PetAlive Hemp CBD oil in her protocol. She moves more fluidly and is an active member of the family. It is easy to administer. I also administer it to my other two dogs for inflammation concerns. Even the finicky eater gobbles her food down with the bacon flavored PetAlive CBD oil on it.

Bailey’s Mom

Nutritional support for dog behavior and training

No matter how loved a four-legged friend is, he may occasionally do things the pet owner doesn’t want him to do. PetAlive® has trusted natural remedies to support pet behavior and training.

Here are some customer favorites:

PetAlive® Aggression Formula Granules is a homeopathic medicine for excessive biting, chewing, barking and other disruptive behaviors. It promotes good social behavior and supports nervous system functioning.

C-Caps for Complete Cellular Health is an herbal supplement for red and white blood cell health and immune system functioning in dogs and cats. It supports energy levels and helps maintain healthy organs, tissues and cells.

I have been giving C-Caps to my Australian Terrier for 4-5 years now. He can jump from a standing position up to about 3+ feet!! He runs, and acts like a 1 year old. NEVER sick with anything. Shiny, soft coat (I mix with omega fish oil). I feel like he could live to 20 at this point, but not without C-Caps.

Dog Dad

PetCalm™ Granules for Pet Anxiety is a homeopathic medicine for nervous pets. It immediately calms anxious, stressed and highly strung pets.

Brain Health Booster for Senior Dogs™ is a homeopathic medicine that supports energy levels, memory and fatigue in older animals.

Scare-D-Pet™ for Fear of Loud Noises in Pets is a homeopathic medicine that soothes anxiety in pets who are afraid of loud noises, including thunder and fireworks. It helps relieve symptoms such as trembling, whining and fearfulness.

Hemp extract formulas are also popular with pet owners looking to support their dogs with training or behavioral problems.

Sources:

1. “Walk Your Dog Month – January 2023.” National Today. Accessed January 4, 2023. https://nationaltoday.com/walk-dog-month/#:~:text=U.S.,winter%20temperatures%20drag%20you%20down.

2. “National Train Your Dog Month – January 2023.” National Today. Accessed January 4, 2023. https://nationaltoday.com/national-train-dog-month/

3. Bovsun, M. “Celebrate National Train Your Dog Month With These Tricks: Week One.” American Kennel Club AKC. Accessed January 4, 2023. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/celebrate-national-train-your-dog-month-with-these-tricks-week-one/

4. Young, S. “Walk Your Dog This Month and Every Month.” American Humane. Accessed Janaury 4, 2023. https://www.americanhumane.org/blog/walk-your-dog-this-month-and-every-month/

5. Horwitz, D. “Why Are Play and Exercise Important?” VCA Hospitals. Accessed January 4, 2023. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/dog-behavior-and-training—play-and-exercise