AARP Hearing Center
Your Dog Already Knows You. Now Let's Make the Team Even Stronger.
Paws with Purpose: A free dog training video series for veterans, military families, caregivers and anyone who loves their dog.
Let me ask you something.
Have you ever had a rough day and your dog just knew?
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Before you said a word. Before you sat down. There they were. Tail going, eyes locked on you, completely, unconditionally present.
Dogs are remarkable that way. And for veterans, military families, and caregivers here in New Jersey and across the country, that bond can mean more than most people realize.
Nearly 57% of veterans report experiencing loneliness. 71% report lacking companionship. Those aren't just numbers. Those are real people, neighbors, family members, friends, who are navigating life with fewer connections than they deserve.
That's exactly what I'm about to share matters. And yes, it involves dogs.
Introducing Paws with Purpose — Free for Everyone
AARP's Veterans and Military Families program and Dogs Inc have joined forces to bring you a free dog training video series, which is available through registration.
It's called Paws with Purpose. And it might be one of the most practical, feel-good things we've offered all year.
This series is designed for veterans, military families, and caregivers to build a stronger connection with their dog but it's open to anyone who wants to build a stronger connection with their dog.
Read that again. Anyone. If you have a dog and a few minutes, this is for you.
With the right training, dogs can help create structure, reduce stress, and strengthen social connections. In this series, we'll share simple, practical training tips you can use right away to strengthen your bond with your dog and support your day-to-day routine.
No special equipment. No expensive classes. Just you, your dog, and a short video you can watch from your couch.
Who's Behind the Training? Meet Dogs Inc.
Our collaborator in this empowering project is Dogs Inc. For more than 40 years, Dogs Inc has provided life-changing guide and service dogs at no cost to the people who need them.
That's an extraordinary legacy.
Dogs Inc trains service dogs, they do not do routine dog training for the public. They are helping us create this series by providing a training to create these videos. And now together, we’re bringing that same expertise directly to you.
Now you can learn simple training techniques from their expert instructors to help you and your dog succeed. A Dogs Inc expert instructor will walk you through simple training techniques to help you and your dog on your training journey. Each video runs just 2–3 minutes. They are short, easy to follow, and packed with practical techniques you can use at home right away. The skills build on each other across all six episodes, so the more you watch, the more you and your dog grow together
Six Episodes. Six Months. One Registration.
Here's how it works. One registration provides access to the full series. Once you register, you'll receive a reminder on the 1st of each month when a new video becomes available.
Here's the full lineup:
- July 1, 8:00 AM — Episode 1: Marking + Positive Reinforcement
- August 1, 8:00 AM — Episode 2: Sit + Down
- September 1, 8:00 AM — Episode 3: Come
- October 1, 8:00 AM — Episode 4: Heel + Loose Leash Walk
- November 1, 8:00 AM — Episode 5: Four on the Floor
- December 1, 8:00 AM — Episode 6: Distractions
Six episodes. Six months. A stronger, more confident dog and a stronger bond between the two of you.
Please note: This series focuses on basic pet dog training. It is not intended to train dogs to become service dogs.
Why This Connects to Something Bigger
I think about the veterans and military families in our AARP New Jersey community a lot. The ones who've given so much and are now navigating a new chapter — sometimes quietly, sometimes alone.
Dogs can support routine and purpose, emotional well-being, and social connection. That's not a small thing. That's daily life. And a well-trained dog, that is one who listens, who responds, who walks beside you, makes every day a little smoother.
AARP's Veterans and Military Families program connects veterans, service members, and their families to trusted resources and tools, with focus areas that include caregiving, brain health, fraud prevention, livable communities, and social connection. VMF operates nationally across all 50 states.
Paws with Purpose is part of that mission. Simple, practical, and built around something a lot of us already have — a dog who's ready to learn.
Here's What to Do Right Now
Register once — watch all six episodes. Encourage your community to register once for the video series, receive monthly reminders when each new episode is released, watch at their own pace, and share with others.
Registration is free. No AARP membership required. Watch & Register for Paws with Purpose
Share this with someone who needs it. Know a veteran, a military family member, or a caregiver in New Jersey with a dog? Send them this article. It takes 30 seconds and it could make a real difference in their day.
Find more resources for veterans and military families. Visit aarp.org/veterans and aarp.org/veteranos for Spanish language information.
One Last Thought
There's a reason dogs have been beside us through so much of history.
They show up. Every single day. Without complaint, without conditions, without checking their phone.
The least we can do is show up for them too and learn how to communicate a little better along the way.
Register for Paws with Purpose. You and your dog have got this.
— Rich Sodon | AARP New Jersey Volunteer
📧 NJAARP@aarp.org | 📞 866-542-8165 | aarp.org/states/new-jersey
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