Think you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? The opposite is actually the case, and dog owners should always keep training their pups as they mature. Older dogs are much easier to train than curious, rambunctious puppies, and training throughout a dog’s adult years provides the mental stimulation and structure that’s essential for a happy life.
Whether you’ve just welcomed an adult dog into your home or your current four-legged friend needs a bit of extra dog training, here are some tips to help you teach your older pet some new tricks.
Obedience school
If your older dog is experiencing behavioral problems, it’s highly recommended to enroll in obedience school with your dog trainer. Dogs of all ages—even dogs who have been in obedience classes before—can benefit from learning basic commands. Some of the concepts taught include walking on a loose leash and lying down. Advanced courses may include teaching your pup self-control, which involves positive reinforcement to correct behaviors.
Housetraining
Not every dog is properly housetrained, especially if you’ve just adopted an older one. It’s wise to treat an adult dog like a puppy and keep them in a crate when you’re not around to provide proper supervision. When you return, release your dog from the crate, and immediately take them outside to give them an opportunity to relieve themselves. If they’re not ready to go, or if they simply refuse, re-crate and try again a little later. They’ll learn the routine very quickly, regardless of their age.
Keep in mind that you need a large enough and strong enough crate to keep your pooch comfortable, allowing them to stretch and move around without any difficulty.
Socialization
Whether your dog has missed out on socialization early in their life or they’ve had a rough experience that affected their social skills, socialization can’t necessarily be trained. The way your pooch feels around other dogs—and other humans—involves their inner emotions.
Visiting your local dog training center can help. By being around other dogs and new people, your pup can see that the world isn’t as scary as they think. While older dogs can’t always successfully develop social skills, it’s worth trying. Talk to your trainer to determine the best course of action if developing social skills is a major priority.
No matter what concepts you want to teach your dog, it’s crucial to approach training with a positive mindset. Positive reinforcement is the best way to get the results you want to achieve, so be sure to keep lots of treats on hand and provide lots of praise for good behavior.
For more on how to train an older pup, speak with an expert dog trainer. The team at Lucky Bones Pet Resort is happy to answer any questions you have about training pets of any age, helping you and your pooch live a happier, more harmonious life together. Call or pay us a visit today to learn more about how we can be of assistance in training your older dog!
