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How To Train An Older Dog
You can’t teach an old dog new tricks, or so the saying goes. But this is not always true. If you are adopting an older dog don’t be afraid to train your dog. You will need a lot of love, skill and patience to do it but it can be done.
The same principles for training puppies will work for older dogs too but with a few modifications. Your dog has already had a lifetime of following bad habits and it may take him or her time to change ingrained behaviors. As a result it may take longer to obedience train an older dog than a puppy but don’t worry the end results will be so rewarding it be well worth it.
How Can I Train An Older Dog?
A dog will learn as long as someone takes the time to teach them and will learn in the same way young dogs are taught with patience, repetition and consistency. Don’t get frustrated if you dog doesn’t understand or follow you on the first few attempts.
You also need to bear in mind that the dog has physical limitations. Older dogs would be slower just as older people would be in physical and mental speed.
Introduce your training in a gradual manner. You may need to repeat commands, demonstrations and explanations and throw in a lot of repeated behavioral re-inforcements until they start to respond in the right way.
Motivations for obedience also have a great effect, don’t be afraid to offer rewards to your dog. For some dogs food is all you need for other dogs they love to be praised and shown attention by their humans.
Keep your training sessions fun and light. Never expect quick results. Spending time bonding with your dog will go a long way in helping your dog achieve what you want him or her to learn.
Some dogs, like children respond well to routines and if you can insert your training or desired outcomes into those routines it can make a huge difference over time.
Don’t give up
If you feel it would be beneficial, enrolling your dog in a formal obedience class may also help. It will also offer your dog the chance to play with other dogs.
The result of all your hard work – A Happy Dog!
Want more help training your dog?
Visit our recommended resource LEARN THE MOST POWERFUL DOG TRAINING TECHNIQUE EVER
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