When it comes to training an adult dog, who says you can’t teach old dogs new tricks? With the right actions and behavior, you can train a dog at any age. So, if dog training was neglected during the puppy stage and your beloved fur pal isn’t as obedient as you’d like don’t worry, all is not lost. Dog training is a crucial part of responsible pet ownership. After all, you want your dog to come when called and stop when requested. If your furry friend can’t follow these basic commands, he might end up in serious trouble or you might!
Older dogs are perfectly capable of learning. However, it will take some time and effort on your part, but it will pay off.
Firstly, here are a few things to keep in mind when attempting to training an adult dog:
Be prepared – Have a few small treats on hand to use as a reward.
Choose an appropriate place to conduct your training – You want to avoid distractions such as passers-by and other dogs, so the local park might not be the best choice. A quiet safe environment, such as your backyard, is ideal.
Decide on your training method – A positive training style, such as reward-based training, is good. This focuses on rewarding positive behaviours so that the dog wants to repeat those actions – in order to get praise and a treat.
Keep it short and simple – Limit your dog training sessions to 10-20 minutes and start with simple commands such as ‘stay’ and ‘sit’.
Be patient – Remember that not all dogs have the same attention span. If you feel your dog is getting distracted, try shortening your dog training sessions. Also, it may be helpful to keep your dog on the leash initially.
Set realistic goals – Yes, a highly obedient dog would be wonderful, but don’t forget Rome wasn’t built in a day! Older dogs can indeed learn new tricks, however, it may take them a little longer than a younger dog. Expect progress to be slow but don’t lose sight of those end goals.
Keep your cool – Dog training isn’t always easy and it can be frustrating when your dog won’t do what it’s told. Try to remain calm and if you recognize that you’re getting agitated, it’s probably time to call it a day. You can always try again tomorrow.
We know your adorable little friend makes you popular among your peers due to their cuteness so making sure they are well-behaved will definitely benefit you largely even when it comes to living with them. Do not fret too much, PawSpace is always here to assist you in finding the best dog training services at home!
