We’ve all heard the saying ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks’. It’s an idiom that we use to describe anything or anyone who is resistant to or unwilling to change, be they human or canine. If you’re looking to start training a dog that’s getting on in years, this phrase could discourage you and lead you to believe that your efforts will be in vain.
Is there any truth to this tired old cliché? Dogs are intelligent animals; can their age really impact their ability to learn and change their behaviour? Whether you have adopted an older dog or are looking to give your dog a refresher training course, we’ve put together a guide to help you out.
Why is Dog Training Important?
Dogs are our trusted and loyal companions. They stick by us through thick and thin and offer us affection and unconditional love. Owning a dog can be a wonderful experience, but if your dog is improperly trained, things can quickly become a nightmare.
Despite how human your furry friend may seem you must remember that dogs are still animals. This means they have instincts and natural inclinations that are often at odds with what we deem to be socially acceptable.
The only way to control these behaviours is by training your dog. Whether your dog is going to the toilet in the house, barking excessively, or in some cases even acting aggressively towards strangers, training is absolutely essential and will make living together with your dog much more enjoyable for everyone.
While all dogs have the potential to bite, large breeds tend to be perceived as more dangerous. However, with the proper training and management, a large dog is no more likely to bite than a small dog. The only difference between them is size, which can make large breeds more difficult to handle. Regardless, any dog can pose a threat to those around them if improperly changed. The responsibility lies with the owner to take control of their dog’s behaviour whether that dog is large or small.
With dog bites in the UK on the rise, training your dog properly has never been more important. Well-trained dogs are also often happier and better adjusted. Training your dog will help build and strengthen the bond between you and will make your relationship more meaningful. Read on to learn about the best time to start training a dog.
When is the Best Time to Start Training a Dog?
Ideally, you should start training a dog as early as possible. If you have brought home a brand-new puppy, training can start pretty much straight away. Start with the most important things first, such as toilet training and crate training. However, remember that puppies, like human children, have short attention spans, so patience and consistency is the key.
As a puppy grows, you’ll be able to introduce more complicated training sessions. Lead training, impulse control, and complex commands and tricks can all be taught to your puppy as they mature.
However, many people choose to adopt an older dog rather than buy a puppy, and others may want to retrain a dog they’ve owned for years. Does there come a point when it’s too late to start training a dog? Let’s find out.
Is it Ever too Late to Start Training a Dog?
Despite what the old saying might suggest, it is never too late to start training a dog. Dogs are incredibly intelligent creatures, a fact that doesn’t change no matter how old they are. They are always eager to please their owners and will do anything for your love and attention (and treats).
If you think that the boat has sailed and that you’ve missed the opportunity to start training a dog, think again! In fact, you might find that training an older dog is even easier. They’ll be less hyperactive than puppies and are less easily distracted.
The Benefits of Training an Older Dog
Training an older dog is just as important as training a younger dog. It will teach them the social skills they need to interact with people and other dogs and can help reduce the likelihood of them developing disruptive or destructive behaviours.
Training older dogs can also keep them mentally stimulated and entertained. This is incredibly important, stimulated dogs are happy dogs, and your older dog will relish the chance to learn something new, especially if they are getting a bit too old for the rough and tumble play they enjoyed in their puppy years.
Training your older dog can also be a fantastic way of strengthening your relationship. By learning something new together, you and your dog will become closer than ever before.
How to Train an Older Dog
Training an older dog is much like training a puppy. Patience and consistency are essential. Stick to a rigid training schedule, this will normalise the training and your dog will learn much faster. Training should always be carried out for short periods of 5 or 10 minutes at a time. You could practice 2 or even 3 times a day provided it is only for a short time. A mentally tired dog becomes a badly behaved dog.
When training an older dog, you must also take their past into account. They may have learned behaviours from earlier in life that can be difficult to break out of. It’s important to remember that your dog may have to unlearn years of ingrained behaviour, which can be a real challenge to overcome. Patience and consistency are key to any training programme.
Conclusion
Thankfully, it’s never too late to start training a dog. Whether your dog is 10 months or 10 years old, you can both see real benefits from learning something new. If you’d like more dog training advice and guidance, contact Pawsitive Solutions at enquiries@pawsitivesolutions.com or 07842 050 998.