It may take far longer to train an older dog than a puppy. The stress of a new setting can bring out underlying behavioral and trust issues in certain dogs, especially those who have been abused, are from shelters, or are simply set in their ways.
But don't let that put you off; they're still open to learning. Although it may require some additional time and effort, the rewards are usually well worth the wait. If you're teaching an older dog, you can have more success and less irritation if you follow these guidelines.
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Guidelines for Training an Older Dog
Take Your Pet to the Vet. If your dog is unwell or injured, it won't pay attention to you and may be unable to physically follow your directions. Dog breed-specific training advice may be available from your vet as well.
Acquire the focus of the canines.
First and foremost, when training an older dog, you must have the dog's total attention. This is especially true for senior dogs, who have had much longer to form negative habits.
Find someplace quiet and undisturbed to do your exercise. You shouldn't try to relax in a place where there are plenty of other things going on, like lots of people, lots of animals, or lots of traffic.
Incorporate Both Positive and Negative Reinforcement
Using negative reinforcement can be helpful in teaching the dog inappropriate behaviours. Negative reinforcement includes a serious, assertive (but not necessarily loud) "No," as well as the withdrawal of your affection and incentives.
In no circumstances should a dog be trained using negative reinforcement (i.e., punishment, pain, or fear). Outside of the obvious moral issues, punishment can cause ambivalence and a poor outlook on training as a whole. Read also: Using an Electric Dog Training Collar to Train the Recall
In order to pinpoint the desired behaviour, positive reinforcement should be used. You should verbally praise, pet, and even reward your dog with a goodie when he obeys an order. This will aid him in learning to properly apply each command. He'll start to see that obeying adults is rewarding in and of itself.
Intense but Brief Practice Sessions
Train your staff frequently but for only three to five minutes at a time. If you go on for much longer, the dog will start to get bored.
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Avoid unnecessary repetition of orders.
Repetition of the term Sitting still while the dog stares about in confusion won't help. In extreme cases, he may start to completely disobey your vocal instructions. It's important to reward the dog with praise and a treat whenever he successfully exhibits an understanding of a command.
When training an older dog, it's crucial to be consistent. Choose a training strategy and commit to it. Do not change the way you treat them or the way you verbally praise them. Read also: Treatment and Prevention of Dog Separation Anxiety
Treating your dog consistently is essential if you want him to learn what behaviour you want from him. The dog should link good behaviour with positive reinforcement from you, so always leave training sessions on a high note.
Older Dog Crate Training
A crate is a small, secure enclosure for your dog, typically made of plastic or metal wire and equipped with a door that may be locked. He will feel more at ease and secure in his own space. Dogs are typically more amenable to training if they feel safe and secure in their environment.
When housebreaking a dog, a crate might help you exert some authority over it. Dogs can be trained to eliminate on a schedule by closing the door for short periods of time.
The best results from crate training an older dog come from taking things slowly, gently, and patiently. Instead of employing force or intimidating him, try luring him into the crate. Put in a few favourite toys and a blanket, towel, or old shirt that still has your scent on it to make it feel like home.
Give your dog a nutritious reward as he enters the crate. Putting the crate in a quiet area of the room or covering it with a blanket to make it look like a den can make the dog feel more at ease.
You can make your dog feel more at home by putting his crate in a busy room of the house. The goal is to train your dog to associate the crate with positive associations, such as safety and comfort, rather than negative associations, such as incarceration or punishment.
Dogs of Advanced Age: Learning Obedience
Obedience training is essential for the mental and emotional health of all dogs, regardless of age. Trained dogs, as well as those who have regular exercise, playtime, and human interaction, tend to have higher levels of happiness, self-assurance, and composure. All dogs should be proficient in the fundamental commands of sit, stay, heel, come, and down.
Once they've mastered the basics and are relaxed, you can move on to more advanced skills like rolling over, fetching, and more.
Re-Housing an Older Dog
Dogs that are a bit older (but not quite as old) than puppies will have greater control of their bowels and bladders. Your senior dog may be able to "hold it" for longer, but he will still require training to learn where to go and how to indicate his need.
When bringing a dog indoors for the first time, it's important to set the tone by showing him where he should go and then waiting patiently for him to follow your lead. After that, treat the dog as if it were a puppy by bringing it out often and showering it with praise whenever it goes.
Take the dog for walks in the morning, after meals and playtime, and before bed. Watch when your dog drinks and eats, as well as how long it takes for him to have to go outside to do his business.
Sometimes it seems impossible to train an older dog. The effort may be substantial, but the payoff is huge in terms of strengthening your relationship with your senior dog and providing him with a better quality of life.
