Free and Instant Access to Dog Training Resources

Published: Mar. 01, 2011
Subject: Doggie Manner Minders
Category: Perfect Petiquette

Few dogs, regardless how much we love them, have perfect manners. They can use some improve in certain areas, and really, can’t we all? And whether your dog needs training to sit calmly when guests are over, cut out the jumping to show his enthusiasm, or give up the counter surfing, you probably can name a skill or two that your dog can work on.

Thanks to a number of excellent pet organizations, expert training tips are at your fingertips, and free of charge! Both Petfinder.com and the ASPCA have made expert training resources available online as part of programs to keep adopted pets in homes (you’d never do it, but some people relinquish pets due to their behavior issues). Plus, resources from the Animal Behavior Resources Institute (ABRI) and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) are available to help you and your pup as well. They’re all useful for pet parents and also for animal shelter staff and volunteers.

Check out these resources and take the first step in working on your dog’s manners.

Visit the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center's Virtual Pet Behaviorist (VPB). Developed and maintained by a team of experienced behaviorists and trainers, this interactive online library offers a wealth of knowledge, including 150 downloadable articles on training, behavior modification, enrichment, and more. Topics range from behavior problems like food guarding, separation anxiety, fear of strangers, and housetraining to teaching tricks and tips for bringing home a new pet.

Go to Petfinder.com’s Pet Training Center and find solutions to common dog and cat behavior problems. You’ll find articles and videos to help stop your dog’s digging, jumping, barking, and more. It’s part of Petfinder’s FurKeeps Program, which was launched last year with the goal of making sure adopted pets stay in their new homes, and new pet parents were supplied with all the information they needed to care best for their new family members.

If your fur family member needs to work on his or her leash manners or other behaviors, head over to ABRIonline.org. This free resource from the American Humane Association is primarily for animal welfare professionals, but all visitors are welcome to access its library of behavior and training videos, podcasts, articles, and more. You’ll find a wealth of resources from top dog experts in the areas of dog behavior and training.

At the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) site , learn common myths about dog training, training tips, how to choose a dog, how to choose a trainer, recommended dog training books and DVDs, and much more. You can also search for a certified pet dog trainer located near you.

Jackie, a cattle dog mix pictured above, is available for adoption. Read more about him at petfinder.com/jackie.

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