Dog Training

Teach an Old Dog a New Trick

Dog training basically strengthens the relationship between the owner and the dog and some trainers believe that it is difficult to train and teach an old dog a new trick. But this myth is completely false and like humans, dogs also love to learn new tricks throughout their lifetime.

Training an older dog can truly be an experience, but you have to be extra patient and focus on the guidance and consider the dog’s physical limitations. Older dogs get tired easily and lose interest rapidly when they are made to do activities that the three year olds take on like running, jumping, retrieving and maneuvering obstacles etc. While training older dogs, you should take the training sessions in shorter time frames and constantly repeat the commands.

Obstacle Training

During obstacle maneuvering training, you should see that you keep the obstacles lower and the running distance shorter. Reduce the frequency of running and don’t be harsh on your dog if you find him ignoring your commands, the reason could be that due to aging, the canine may be on the verge of becoming deaf.

Fetch

Dogs love the game of fetch, but beware and allow longer recovery periods between sessions as the dog may try to go on longer than is safe. While doing so the ligaments may get stretched and the animal may suffer injury. Hold back food rewards for older dogs. Older dogs love rewards and appreciation more than their young counterparts, who are expected to do more.

But older dogs are more often over treated and they have a tendency to put on weight easily and shed it slowly. While training younger dogs, you have to be consistent with the training process and maintain a systematic training period so that the dog gets adapted to the time and specific activities.

New Tricks

When you wish to teach an old dog a new trick, then it is good to teach them the command “fetch” as this behavior can be extended to the forest to retrieve fallen deer antlers. Digging is natural behavior amongst many breeds and it is almost impossible to eradicate it entirely

. If you have a backyard it would help and you would be even luckier if you have the woods close at hand as this would enable the animal to indulge and release his urge. This kind of space gives the dogs their space and a sense of boundary, by variation of scent or ground composition.

If you wish to teach an old dog a new trick, then you should focus on the dog’s strength. Some dogs may be excellent in fetching, while some may be more inclined to hang onto the ball, some may be good with Frisbee fetch, whereas some may never get the hang of it.

Work With Your Dog

Rather than forcing them to indulge in some forced behavior, you should always work on their unique nature. Occasionally an older dog develops behavioral problems and they constantly require training. It is never too late to teach an old dog a new trick, but you should be very patient with them. When they snap or grump due to pain from arthritis or injuries, you should immediately seek treatment for the canine from a vet.

Treat older dogs like children and don’t allow your kids to treat them harshly.