People say that you cannot teach an old dog new tricks. Hopefully we can help you prove them otherwise with the tips and tricks in this article. All of the methods have been hand picked for your older dog that you either have never trained, never trained well, or obtained from someone else.
Teach your dog hand targeting for a fun and new task that will bring you two together. Hand targeting is a way of teaching your dog to follow and touch your hand. This behavior can be built upon and turned into retrieval behaviors later on down the line. It makes for a fun project for most breeds!
When giving commands to your dog, never come down to their level. Maintaining eye contact and a fully erect, dominant stance imparts control to the dog. Your dog will be receptive to commands given from this posture much easier than a crouching owner who is seen as an equal or playmate.
End each training session positively. Even if your dog has not mastered the skill you are working on, end each training session with a skill they know and praise him profusely. This ensures that each training session ends on a positive note and is a positive memory for your dog.
A great dog training tip is to be perceptive about what dog foods and treats your dog likes. Just like humans, not all dogs like the same foods. There are a lot of different dog treats. Try experimenting with different dog treats to see which ones your dog likes the most.
When training your dog, you should always give your dog only one order at a time. If you give your dog more than one command at the same time, your dog will be confused about what order it should follow. This will frustrate both of you. By giving your dog only one order at a time, it will better understand your commands which will lead to a higher success rate.
Is your dog eating a nutritionally-sound diet? Like children, dogs can become hyperactive, inattentive and even a little bit bratty when their diet isn’t up to par. Consider changing your dog’s diet to something more species-appropriate, and he’ll have long-lasting, consistent energy all day. Check with your vet about any specific nutritional needs he might need attending to!
Run away from your dog if he gets loose. It is easy to panic when a dog breaks loose from his leash or escapes the house or yard. Resist your instinct to chase the dog. Dogs love to play chase, and going after him will only encourage him to go further away. Instead, get your dog’s attention, and then run AWAY from him. This uses the same instinctual love of the chase game to your advantage. Instead of you chasing your dog, the game becomes to chase you. Be sure to praise him thoroughly when he “catches” you!
Stay away from high end training devices like shock collars. They often don’t function as well as advertised and are far more expensive than conventional training methods. Plus, using devices like shock collars can stifle your dog and discourage even good behavior. In general, using such techniques produces negative effects.
Never yell at a barking dog. While a barking dog is sure to raise your frustration level, resist the urge to yell at them. Dogs do not understand that you are yelling at them, and often associate your raised voice as you joining in the fun of barking. If your dog is barking, calmly distract them with a toy or treat, and when the barking stops, give them their prize.
Be patient. As you are consistent in your training and the dog learns what you expect, you will gradually see progress. Praise your dog for improvements and try to make training sessions a positive time to enjoy with the dog. As the dog learns that you give rewards and praise for quick obedience, encouraging results should follow.
Pay attention to your dog’s body language during the training process. Dogs use their eyes, ears and other parts of their body to show you how they feel and what they want. For example, whether they lift or lower their tail can tell you a lot about their mood. If you can interpret your pet’s signals, you will be a much more effective trainer.
Be sure to spend time with your dog and teach him things every day. When he is a puppy, teach him his name, how to come when called and show him the proper place for toileting. When he gets a little older, begin gentle leash training. When he is six months old, join an obedience class so that he can learn how to behave in public and get some formal training.
If your dog suffers from separation anxiety and gets restless when you are about to leave the house, you should feed your dog right before you leave. This will keep your dog busy while you prepare and distract it from the stressful situation. This should make the separation much easier.
Get your dog used to being touched everywhere by petting and touching all his body parts. Make sure to include the toes, feet, stomach, inside the mouth, ears, snout and even the tail. Desensitizing your dog to being touched everywhere, helps train him to not attack a visitor who touches him in an area he is not used to being touched.
If you’re at a loss where to continue with your dog’s training, consider joining an organized dog sport. Dog sports are excellent outlets for your dog’s energy, and teach him discipline in the process. Best yet, they’re a great place to meet like-minded dog owners. You might win a competition or two!
In conclusion, training an older dog can prove to be extremely difficult but not impossible. Depending on how the dog has been raised, your challenge may vary greatly. As long as you follow the specialized tips provided in this article, you are set up for success in training your older dog.