It’s National Dog Training Month and there’s no better time to help your four-legged friend get on the right path for a healthy and happy home life with your family.

Dogs bring love and affection home. They can be a source of comfort and help their owners live less stressful lives.

But that begins with training.

One of the best things a pet owner can do for the well-being of his or her dog is to ensure that it receives proper training from a young age. According to experts, statistics show that owners who have pets that behave get more satisfaction and have stronger bonds with their pets. A dog that responds to basic commands can stay out of danger, and knowing what he is supposed to do can help the dog feel less stressed.

Some ways you can work on training at home include:

• Teach your dog a new trick or two. Things like rolling over, shaking hands or playing fetch can be a positive reinforcement between a pet owner and dog and can lead to a feeling of achievement for both owner and pet.

• Enjoy Furry Fridays. Each Friday, reserve some special time for your pet. Go for a walk. Go to the park. Or watch a dog movie and share a little popcorn as a special treat.

• Take it to the web. Record you and your dog’s training accomplishments and share with other dog lovers. You’ll have fun and build your own dog training community.

As you think about training your dog, remember trained dogs are healthy dogs. Dog training isn’t a luxury, it’s necessary to his well-being and overall health. Perfection isn’t the goal. There will be missteps along the way as you build a loving home for you and your pet.

Remember, hundreds of dogs are given away each year because their owners couldn’t train them and found them difficult to live with. Make the difference in your dog’s life for their happiness as well as your own!

Call us at today at 423-587-4393 to schedule an appointment to ensure the health and well-being of your furry friend! Mention this article and get a free office exam!