Welcome to January 2011! If you don’t already have enough resolutions on your plate, how about adding one more? If your dog isn’t terribly well trained, why not work on molding him into the well-trained dog you know he can be? Not only is it super important to have a well-trained and socialized dog, but proper training could save your dog’s life one day.

I must admit that I have to work on a better recall command with Sir Jake, and am using this month — designated by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers as National Train-Your-Dog Month — to start working on getting him to come every time I call him. We’ll also be working on the “stay” command, which is probably even more important. Jake is 8, but I know you can teach an older dog new tricks. His being very proficient in both these commands could prevent him from running into the road if he bolts one day. Right now, he’s just OK at them — and I realize that’s not good enough.

A neighbor’s dog didn’t have these commands under his belt, and a couple of years ago he perished under the wheels of a car when he slipped out of his collar and ran across the street. That must not happen to Jake.

I’ve got a couple of good books here, but if anyone has suggestions on how to train an older dog in these all-important skills so they really stick, I’d love to hear from you. Jake thanks you in advance, and says he really hopes treats are involved. Also, please share how you might try to train your dog better if you’re going to participate in National Train-Your-Dog Month.