Don’t Wait Until December to Wish Your Dog Was Better Behaved

The holiday season has a way of exposing every weakness in your dog’s training.

Family comes to visit. Friends stop by unexpectedly. Packages arrive at the front door almost daily. Decorations appear throughout the house. Travel plans disrupt routines. Children are home from school. The excitement is contagious, but for many dogs, it can also be overwhelming.

Every year, we hear the same thing from families across Alaska:

“We wish we had started training sooner.”

That’s why we’re celebrating Christmas in July at Alaska Dog Works.

July marks the halfway point to the holidays, making it the perfect time to begin training your dog before Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s celebrations arrive.

Whether you have a brand-new puppy, an energetic adolescent, or an older dog who could use a refresher, six months gives you plenty of time to build the calm, confident companion you’ve always wanted.

Why Start Training in July?

Dog training isn’t about teaching tricks in a weekend.

Real training takes time because dogs learn through repetition, consistency, and practice in real-world situations.

Beginning now allows your dog to gradually develop the behaviors that make the holidays enjoyable instead of stressful.

By the time the holiday season arrives, your dog can learn to:

• Greet visitors politely instead of jumping.
• Walk calmly on a leash during busy outings.
• Relax while guests gather in your home.
• Ignore tempting food on tables and counters.
• Settle quietly while presents are opened.
• Come when called, even around distractions.
• Travel confidently with your family.
• Become a dog you’re proud to include in every family gathering.

Follow Along All Month

Throughout July, we’re publishing a new article every day to help you prepare your dog for the busiest time of the year.

This series covers everything from puppy training and obedience to behavior challenges, family life, leadership, holiday preparation, and choosing the right professional trainer.

Whether you’re looking for practical tips or considering professional training, these articles are designed to help you make informed decisions for your dog and your family.

The Christmas in July Series

Week One: Why Start Now?

• Christmas in July: Why July Is the Best Time to Start Training
• Why Dogs Behave Differently When Family Visits
• The Six-Month Holiday Training Timeline
• Fireworks Are Over. What’s Next for Your Dog?
• The Biggest Mistakes Busy Families Make with Puppies
• Can You Train a Dog Before Christmas?
• Why Your Dog Doesn’t Listen at Home

Week Two: Understanding Behavior

• What Every Working Professional Should Know About Dog Training
• Is Board and Train Right for Your Family?
• Five Skills Every Family Dog Should Know
• Why Dogs Jump on Guests
• Preparing Your Dog for Thanksgiving Starts Today
• How Dogs Learn
• Why Exercise Alone Won’t Solve Behavior Problems

Week Three: Everyday Training

• Mid-Year Behavior Checkup
• Can Older Dogs Still Learn?
• The Hidden Cost of Waiting
• Why Crate Training Works
• Understanding Dog Body Language
• Raising a Calm Dog
• Why Recall Saves Lives

Week Four: Preparing for the Holidays

• Loose Leash Walking
• What Happens During a Professional Evaluation
• Kids and Dogs
• Consistency Beats Perfection
• Holiday Travel with Dogs
• The Truth About Stubborn Dogs
• How Much Training Does Your Dog Need?

Week Five: Ready for Christmas

• Why We Train Families, Not Just Dogs
• Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Trainer
• Christmas Is Only Five Months Away. Is Your Dog Ready?

Why Families Choose Alaska Dog Works

At Alaska Dog Works, we believe training isn’t about controlling dogs.

It’s about building communication, trust, and leadership that lasts for years.

Our programs are designed for busy families who want practical results they can use every day, whether they’re welcoming guests, heading out on an adventure, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home.

Every dog is different, which is why we begin with an individual evaluation and create a training plan that fits your goals, your schedule, and your lifestyle.

Ready to Get Started?

The holidays will arrive whether your dog is ready or not.

The families who enjoy calm holiday gatherings don’t usually begin training in November. They begin months earlier, one lesson at a time.

If you would like your dog to greet guests politely, walk calmly, relax around visitors, and become a well-mannered member of the family before the holiday season begins, now is the perfect time to start.

Schedule your Alaska Dog Works training evaluation today and give your dog the gift of six months of progress before the holidays arrive.

Explore the Christmas in July Series

Bookmark this page and check back each day throughout July as we publish a new article designed to help you and your dog enjoy your best holiday season yet.

Together, let’s make this the year everyone looks forward to having your dog around the Christmas tree.