How To Train An Older Dog
You can still teach new tricks even if your dog is already old but a lot of effort is needed to do that. Training an older dog needs a proper mind-set. Older dogs are already through with that stage in their lives where they are shaped and influenced on how they would behave or act. Training will be a little bit more difficult since older dogs, just like humans, have already established their behavior. As a trainer or owner, you may have to display more dominance in instructing an older canine compared with a puppy because a dog with somw age has already learned some things throughout his life and they can manipulate the retraining done. Some older dogs understand things better so things could run along more smoothly. Changing certain habits may be a little harder to change. But your patience and effort will surely pay off. It will be a win – win for you both.
There are still more things you need to consider before the start of the training. Older dogs are not the same as puppies. You have to understand that dogs may have some health problems. Bare in mind that older dogs compared to younger ones have different physical capabilities.
You must be sure that your dog is healthy. Some health dilemmas may have occurred in the dog because of being old. They may be a little heavy and out of shape and the training could be affected. The best thing you could do is to go to a veterinarian if you are in doubt. You may find some problems while training your older dog like joint troubles and difficulty in hearing. You are not training a puppy so you don’t expect he will have perfect senses. Some canines may feel some discomfort executing certain exercises. If your pet starts ignoring the commands, take note of how he is looking physically. It may be too painful to jump or roll over that’s why he is not doing it.
Something else you may run into is that your dog may not hear very well. Some older canines don’t hear quite as well so some of the training may be affected. Using certain signals may help if you run into this problem. By doing this, even if his hearing is going he will still be able to understand. Of course, a lot of patience is needed to train dogs with this problem.
Understand that older dogs are not as active as puppies. Some may not be able to do things physically that they once could. Do not forget that there are limits to what a dog with some age can do.
Put some effort into it and make it fun.
Training techniques could be the same with techniques used with puppies but the level of effort put into it is different. Make an investment in a good training manual or online dog training course. This will not only enrich your dog’s abilities, but this will also help improve your relationship with your dog. Praises and rewards should be used in training older dog, just like in any other dog training program. Show enthusiasim and support and stay away from force. Do not become frustrated or get mad if your dog has difficulty in accomplishing certain things. Soon, you will get the result you want with your dog and all you and your dog’s hard work will pay off.
Tagged with: house training an older dog • training older dog • training older dogs • training the older dog
Filed under: Articles on Dogs
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