Adult Dog Training

Most dog training is done on younger dogs or puppies.



But does this mean that mature dogs are beyond training? Is it really impossible to teach an old dog new tricks? To some extent it is true since older dogs are not as receptive to learning as younger dogs. Much more training and commitment is required as older dogs become more or less set in their own ways as they advance in age. These animals have already passed that important stage in their lives when the things they learn will have lasting effects on their future dog behavior. But this also does not mean that adult dog training is impossible.



It is possible to get an adult dog to do anything a younger dog can do. There may also be a slight advantage in training older dogs as their attention spans are more improved than puppies.

An important tip in senior dog training is to make the dog believe that it was his idea. For example, when the dog goes to sit down, you need to say “sit” and then give him a reward in the form of a treat. Gradually, he will start sitting on your command.



This can be repeated with other commands as well. When potty training the dog, instead of training him not to go indoors, train him to start going outdoors. This is because it is much easier to teach a mature dog to do a certain task, rather than train him not to do something. Consistency is very important in training all dogs and hence you can choose a spot outdoors and bring him there each time. When going outside, remember to use the same phrase every time. When indoor accidents occur, get rid of any traces of feces or urine from inside the house using an odor eliminator. Your dog is more likely not to repeat the act when the scents are not around. Night time accidents can be preventing by reducing the food and water intake of the dog just before he goes to sleep. If he does wake you up at night, be sure not to reprimand him. You can either let him outdoors or take him for walk yourself.
When dealing with old dogs, training toys must be more challenging than those used for puppies. This is because adult dogs are more intelligent and require more stimulating tasks. Obedience classes are very effective for adult dogs as well. This is also a great way to spend quality time with your dog. However, ensure that all training is gentle and does not employ any harsh techniques.