---

Dog Training Education Month – More Than Just Sit and Stay

February is also Dog Training Education Month, and it’s a brilliant opportunity to rethink what training really means.

Training isn’t about creating a “perfect” dog — it’s about helping dogs navigate the human world safely and confidently. And just as importantly, it’s about helping us understand them better too.

At Doggy Dawdles, training is woven into everything we do, from walks to enrichment to everyday routines.

---

Training Is Ongoing, Not a One-Off

Many people think training ends after puppy classes. In reality, learning continues throughout a dog’s life.

Training supports:

• Confidence in new environments
• Calm behaviour around distractions
• Strong recall and safety skills
• Mental stimulation (which is just as important as exercise)

Dogs of all ages benefit from gentle, consistent guidance.

---

Positive Training Builds Trust

Positive reinforcement training focuses on rewarding behaviours we want to see more of, rather than punishing mistakes.

This approach:

• Builds confidence
• Reduces fear and anxiety
• Strengthens the bond between dog and handler
• Encourages dogs to think and make good choices

A dog who wants to listen is far more reliable than one who listens out of fear.

---

Training Happens Everywhere

Training doesn’t just happen in formal sessions; it happens on walks, at home, and during everyday moments.

Examples include:

• Rewarding calm walking on the lead
• Asking for a sit before clipping the lead on
• Practising recall in safe outdoor spaces
• Teaching dogs how to relax

These small moments add up to big behavioural changes.

---

Education for Owners Matters Too

Understanding body language, stress signals, and motivation is just as important as teaching commands.

When owners learn why dogs behave the way they do, training becomes kinder, more effective, and far less frustrating.

Dog Training Education Month is a great reminder that learning goes both ways.

---

Call to Action

“Training isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. This Dog Training Education Month, focus on communication, kindness, and connection.”

If you need help with your dogs training, please get in touch to see if we can help.

---