It's January, and that means it's officially National Train Your Dog Month! This month-long celebration was started six years ago by the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. This month reminds us that dogs benefit from training long beyond their puppy phase. Training is a time to refocus on strengthening the bond with your furry companion and building a better understanding with them through positive reinforcement training.

At Bully Sticks Direct, we're all about supporting dog owners on their training journey, and what better way to do that than with delicious, natural treats that fuel both learning and fun?

Why is it important to train your dog?

It is a common misconception that only puppies or newly adopted dogs need training. Although training at these times is crucial, it doesn't have to stop there! Training your pup at any age is a great way to exercise their mental and physical agility. Just like humans are lifelong learners, dogs can be, too!

The benefits of a well-trained dog

Training is all about establishing clear communication, promoting good behavior, and fostering a happier, more fulfilling relationship with your pup. A well-trained dog offers several benefits to you and those around you including:

Safety: Mastering basic commands like "sit," "stay," and "come" can prevent dangerous situations at home and outdoors. Leash and crate training are also important to work on with your pup so that you can feel comfortable both taking them out and leaving them at home.

Relaxation: Without proper obedience training, your dog is bound to make decisions for themselves. This could result in aggressive, instinctual behaviors that are likely undesirable. Training results in predictability and organization which reduces stress for both you and your dog, leading to a calmer and more enjoyable environment.

Behavior: Whether on walks, at the park, or visiting friends, a properly trained dog reflects positively on you and makes outings more pleasant for everyone. Bad behavior is one of the most common reasons dogs are taken to the shelter. It’s crucial to avoid this situation and ensure our dogs are given the chance they deserve.

Confidence: Mastering new skills builds self-esteem in dogs, leading to a happier and more well-adjusted companion. Have fun with it and go beyond the basic commands - take your dog through an agility course or teach them how to spin!

Of course, you can’t train without treats! Bully sticks are a great treat to reward your pup with. These all-natural chews from Bully Sticks Direct are a great choice because they are made from 100% beef pizzle, among other perks:

1. Bully sticks are long-lasting. Their tough texture keeps dogs occupied for extended periods, providing focused chewing satisfaction while you work on commands.
2. Bully sticks are digestible. Bully Sticks Direct offers a large catalog of different shapes, sizes, and thickness to best suit your dog’s chewing habits.
3. Bully Sticks Direct offers odor-free options. Unlike many other treats, bully sticks are virtually odorless, making them perfect for indoor training without lingering smells.
4. Bully Sticks Direct is made with simple ingredients. This means no preservatives, no added hormones, and no antibiotics often found in mainstream treats.

Tips & tricks for training your pup

Training is not easy! Dog’s can be unpredictable, distracted, and uncooperative. Here are some fun ways to incorporate Bully Sticks Direct into your training routine for optimal training results:

• Positive reinforcement: When desired behaviors are achieved, it’s time for a treat! Reward your pup with bits of their favorite bully stick when they’ve performed well. This positive association will strengthen the command and encourage repetition.
• Lure-reward training: Lure-reward training uses a treat to lure your dog into performing a desired training action. This is great for laying down because the treat is like a magnet from your dog’s nose to the floor. Be careful with this method, as many owners may find a lack in following directions once the treat is removed from the equation. Be sure to use both a treat and your hand when practicing the lure-reward method.
• Trick training: Make learning fun with playful tricks like "shake" or "roll over." Break down the steps, rewarding each successful attempt with a small bully stick bite.
• Engagement and focus: Keep training sessions short and engaging. Use bully sticks to redirect unwanted behaviors like barking or chewing and refocus your dog's attention on the task at hand.

Remember: Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are key to successful dog training. Celebrate every milestone, big or small, and shower your furry friend with praise and Bully Sticks Direct love!

Non-traditional training: Communication Buttons!

Have you ever looked at your dog and said, “I wish I knew what you were thinking…”? Well, these days you CAN know what your pup is thinking. You may have seen a viral video online of a dog pushing buttons on a sound mat. The buttons audibly play a word like, “potty” or “treat” to better communicate their needs with their owner.

These mats are created with dogs in mind, with large round buttons sorted by category for easy memorization. With patience and training, any dog can learn how to talk with buttons! The best method to teach them this kind of talent is through speaking and modeling the buttons with your pup. Check out the talented talking pups below to learn more!

@whataboutbunny https://www.instagram.com/whataboutbunny/

@thechattylab https://www.instagram.com/thechattylab/

Training resources for dog owners

We believe in supporting dog owners every step of the way. That's why Bully Sticks Direct offers a wealth of resources to help you on your training and pet parenting journey.

1. Check out our blog: Packed with training tips, breed guides, and fun activities for you and your dog.
2. Check out our social media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for daily training inspiration and adorable pup content.
3. Get in touch with our customer support: Our friendly team is always happy to answer your questions and offer personalized advice.

Let's make National Train Your Dog Month a success!