January not only brings in a new year for people, it can also bring a new attitude for their pets.

January is “National Train Your Dog Month” and many people are jumping to get their pups into good behavior.

Jason Davis, also known as “The Dog Guy,” co-owns the Folsom Dog Resort and Training Center and said this month is the perfect opportunity to get family dogs behaving right.

“Dog training can save your dog’s life,” Davis said. “Each year, hundreds of thousands of pets are turned into animal shelters because their owners couldn’t find a reliable resource to help them with their pets’ behavior problem.”

He said many dogs are euthanized at shelters rather than re-homing the pet which is number one cause of death in dogs.

Davis, a dog trainer and behavior consultant, said another important reason to train your dog is they become much more enjoyable to live with. Also, training is a way to build a close bond with your pet.

“Dogs are craving order and structure and need discipline,” Davis said. “They need a balance of affection and leadership from their pet parent. (Dogs) have similar needs as humans, but learn and communicate differently than us — we teach you ‘dog talk.’”

He said the most common reason pet owners come to him for dog training is pulling on a leash, not coming when called and jumping on people.

“Every pet parent needs a ‘dog coach’ and we are the support system,” Davis said. “We teach the following skills (on and off leash) including sit, down (lay down), stay, come, heel and place (lay down on a dog bed in the home and be calm). Leadership is the foundation needed to change unwanted behavior.”

Davis said the best time to train your dog is the moment you get the dog – but he added that it is possible to teach an old dog new rules.

“For puppy parents, one of the most important things you can do is to socialize him/her,” Davis said.

The Folsom Dog Resort and Training Center offers dog training camps.

Your dog stays at the dog resort for five, 10 or 15 nights and they start the training process for the dog.

“Many choose this option when they are on vacation or when they need a vacation from their dog,” Davis said. “The more nights they stay the more we can accomplish. After your dog finishes training camp, we then teach owners how to maintain the training through private lessons and coaching calls.”

Davis said he also offers private lessons in the pet owner’s home.

Other options available to dogs and owners, includes dog daycare and overnight lodging.

“Dog daycare gives dogs the opportunity to socialize with other dogs in a safe, clean, and professional environment,” Davis said. “Your dog comes home tired and ready to relax.”

In celebration of January being National Train Your Dog month, the Folsom Dog Resort and Training Center is offering 20 percent off all training camps.

To qualify for these special packages, people must book one of their training camps by Jan. 31 and begin the training by Feb. 28.

For more information, call (916) 439-7202 or visit folsomdogresort.com.

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Dog Training Tips

• Follow through and be consistent

• Be calm and do not work with your dog when you are angry, frustrated and

impatient

• Use one syllable commands including sit, down, stay, come. Communicating to your dog in sentences does not work when your goal is to get compliance.

• Say commands clearly without screaming, yelling

or shouting