Dog Training Problems for Older Dogs

Ask anyone what comes to mind when they think of dog training and most people think of a young puppy being taught the basic commands. In fact, you may have heard that it is not possible to train an older dog. Many people that have purchased an older dog know that this is not true, in fact, they believe you CAN teach an old dog new tricks!

However, older dogs may present some special dog training problems, such as; difficulty hearing, poor eye sight, reduced energy levels, bad habits, or poor overall health.

Training an old dog does not need to be any more difficult than teaching a young puppy. You can overcome any dog training problems, it just depends more on the individual dog, any bad habits they have picked up and their attitude toward learning that determines how well the training goes.

It is important to consider the health of an older dog, and determine whether they have any problems with sight or hearing. Speak your commands loudly and ensure the dog can see your hand signals. Perhaps the reason that your dog does not come when you call them from a far distance is that they are having issues with their sight or hearing, and not simply because they are not obeying the command.

In addition, older dogs might not have the same amount of energy as younger dogs, and you should consider making the training sessions less strenuous and for shorter time periods. It has been shown that short, more frequent dog training sessions are actually better for dogs than longer sessions. So, taking this approach with an older dog really does not create any special dog training problems and will in fact ensure proper training.

Adopting an older dog can be rewarding, but he might come along with some bad habits which can be a challenge to break. Remember these bad behaviors took years to develop and that it is not reasonable to expect them to disappear overnight. Have patience with your dog, and work with them to begin changing these habits. Don't give up on the dog, be persistence and take a long term approach.

Proper nutrition is important for all dogs, but is more so for older dogs. The lack of a proper diet can impact your training program with the animal by reducing the dog's energy levels and their focus during the training sessions. Consult your veterinarian for the proper weight and any nutritional suggestions they may have, and institute a daily diet and exercise program.

Training an older dog can be a bit more of a challenge but it can also be very rewarding. Remember, your dog is a pack animal and by proper training you can establish yourself as the alpha dog in your little pack. Training your dog properly helps him to be well behaved and a pleasure to be around.