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Step 1
Promote positive training (which is the only way I train). Behavior problems and lack of training are the major reasons for dogs ending up in shelters. Training helps develop the bond between dog and owner and makes it easier for the dog to live in your household.
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Step 2
Provide a healthy living environment. Feed a quality diet and provide your dog with plenty of exercise and socialization. Dogs are social animals and need interaction with humans and other dogs.
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Step 3
Tell all your dog-loving friends and family about National Pet Week. You can get posters to hang at various places that pets and their humans frequent such as vets' offices, grooming shops, doggie day cares and boarding kennels (see Resources below to order some).
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Step 4
Educate adults and children about responsible pet ownership; this is one of the most important aspects of National Pet Week. If you are a teacher you can visit the National Pet Week website (see Resources) to download lesson plans and work sheets on a variety of subjects from safety around dogs and service animals to veterinary medicine and veterinarians.
* The AVMA also offers teachers a 29-minute DVD for students, grades 6 to 12, about careers in veterinary medicine.
