Welcome to the
Dog Train & Behave Week Website

The 2010 Dog Train & Behave Week - 'National STOPS BARKING campaign' is set to be the biggest event yet. The aim of the week is to raise public awareness of the advantages of having well trained dogs which easily fit into society. So whether you are a pet dog owner, serious competitor, trainer, vet or retailer, we want you to be involved!

The DTBW initiative was launched in 2007 and is supported by The Company of Animals, who are proud to be supporting an event solely dedicated to the training of dogs.

All manner of information and emotion is contained in a dog's bark. Even we humans learn to distinguish a playful, distressed, angry or threatening tone of bark. A more tutored ear recognises Rottweiller-speak from a Yorkshire Terrier or a Corgi yap from the thunder of a GSD. The trouble is, dogs have to share the world with sound-sensitive humans who rightly (and sometimes wrongly) object to barking. There are times and places when a bark can be tolerated, even interesting and enjoyable. There are others when it is intolerable, especially at night when neighbours are entitled to sleep. Such barking will bring complaints to your local authority Environmental Health Department and Dog Wardens.
However, we are confident that with the right training methods and some dedicated time, even the most persistent barker can be helped.

As the primary focus for the week is training, we have enlisted the help of the UK's top 'Champion' trainers Dr Roger Mugford, Victoria Stilwell, Colin Tennant, Gwen Bailey, Fiona Whelan and Carolyn Menteith. You can find out more information on all of our trainers by clicking on the Champions link. You will also find a top tip from each of our Champions in this section.

Training dogs has changed a lot over the years and whilst all trainers use slightly different techniques, it is no longer considered desirable or acceptable to use harsh or punitive methods. We believe that the way to show your dog how to behave is through rewards, fun and patience. Training should always involve plenty of tasty treats, exciting toys and above all kindness. We do not advocate the use of choke/check chains or physical punishment. For further details on training information, please click on the relevant section.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Dog Owners

Whether your dog is young or old, a family pet or a serious competitor, we have the right challenge for you! There are a number of different ways you can get involved:

  • You can download the various training tasks (from the Training Tips section) and enjoy teaching your dog yourself. A step-by-step guide is included.
  • Contact your local registered trainer, and enrol in training classes to learn new skills and tasks. Click the 'Find Trainer' link.
  • Take the 'Stops Barking Challenge', a four week programme guaranteed to train your dog to stop barking. Just register your details at the 'I'm up for the Stops Barking Challenge' and we will email you all the information you require.

Dog Trainer/Training Club

The more people we can encourage to train their dogs the better and we would like to help you advertise your services! There are a number of ways you can get involved:

  • Simply register your details online and potential clients will be able to access your information.
  • Download the various training tips to use in your classes and for client handouts or homework!
  • Download the 'Stops Barking' Four Week Challenge, which commences on the 7th August.
  • There will also be Dog Train & Behave Week 'Stops Barking Packs' available for you to apply for nearer the time, so please ensure that you visit the site regularly to check for updates. To register and for further information, please click the 'Dog Trainer' link.

Retailers/Vets

Get involved! Highlight your shop or practice as an ideal destination for customers, looking for helpful service and good products. We would like to advertise your services, to make it easier for people to find you.

If you would like to become a 'Stops Barking' affiliate centre, please check the box on your application form. We will also be providing Free POS material promoting training tips/ideas will be available for you to display. Please click on either the'Retailers/Vets' link for further information and to register your details.

Supporting Organisations

As well as providing training information on the site we would also like to help promote appropriate training organisations, vet groups and charities. Should you wish your group to be considered for inclusion please email info@dogtrainandbehaveweek.com and put 'Supporting Organisations' in the title. Please note we will only associate with organisations/individuals that promote and provide positive animal welfare, training and care. The Company of Animals reserve the right to remove those whom we believe do not share the values and practices outlined on this website.

 
© 2012 The Company of Animals Ltd