Training Older Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide to Teaching Old Dogs New Tricks

Introduction

Many people believe the old adage, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” However, this is far from the truth. Regardless of age, dogs are capable of learning new behaviours and commands, it just requires a different approach compared to training a puppy. In this guide, we’ll debunk the myth and provide a step-by-step process on how to effectively train older dogs, from basic commands like sit and paw, to more advanced techniques such as recall and whistle training.

Training an older dog can be a rewarding experience. It not only strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend but also stimulates their mental health, keeping them active and engaged. So, let’s dive in and explore the world of training older dogs.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding the Basics of Dog Training
2. Step-by-Step Guide to Training Older Dogs
3. Sit Command
4. Paw Command
5. Lay Down Command
6. Recall Training
7. Whistle Training
8. Common Misconceptions About Training Older Dogs
9. Key Takeaways
10. Top 5 Dog Training Products
11. Conclusion

Understanding the Basics of Dog Training

Before we delve into the specifics of training older dogs, it’s crucial to understand the basics of dog training. Training a dog, regardless of its age, revolves around three key principles: consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement.

Consistency is key in dog training. Dogs learn through repetition and consistency, so it’s important to use the same commands and gestures each time. Patience is equally important. Training takes time, and it’s essential to remain patient and understanding throughout the process. Lastly, positive reinforcement, such as treats, praises, or petting, encourages good behaviour and makes the training process enjoyable for your dog.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move on to the step-by-step guide on training older dogs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Training Older Dogs

Sit Command

The ‘Sit’ command is one of the most basic and essential commands in dog training. Here’s how to teach it to your older dog:

1. Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose.
2. Move your hand up, allowing their head to follow the treat and causing their bottom to lower.
3. Once they’re in sitting position, say “Sit,” give them the treat and share affection.
4. Repeat this sequence a few times every day until your dog masters it. Then, ask your dog to sit before mealtime, when leaving for walks, and during other situations where you’d like them calm and seated.

Paw Command

Teaching your dog to give their paw, also known as a handshake, is a fun and impressive trick. Here’s how to teach it:

1. Ask your dog to “Sit.”
2. Once seated, present a treat in your closed hand
3. Once seated, present a treat in your closed hand. Your dog will likely paw at your hand in an attempt to get the treat. As soon as they lift their paw to touch your hand, say “Paw,” open your hand to give them the treat, and share affection.
4. Repeat this process until your dog raises their paw on command without the lure of a treat.

For this training, I recommend using COACHIES Adult Training Treats 200g, Beef, Lamb & Chicken Flavour. These semi-moist, low-calorie treats are perfect for training sessions. They come in appealing beef, lamb, and chicken flavours that dogs love. Plus, they’re enriched with vitamins, minerals, and calcium, making them a healthy choice for your older dog. With a high rating from over 1700 user reviews, these treats have proven to be effective for training.

Lay Down Command

The ‘Lay Down’ command is another essential command in dog training. Here’s how to teach it to your older dog:

1. Hold a treat in your hand and let your dog sniff it.
2. Move your hand from their nose towards their chest, encouraging them to follow the treat with their nose and lay down.
3. Once they’re in the laying position, say “Down,” give them the treat, and share affection.
4. Repeat this process until your dog can lay down on command.

Recall Training

Recall training is crucial for your dog’s safety. It ensures that your dog will return to you when called, no matter the distractions. Here’s how to train your dog for recall:

1. Start indoors where there are fewer distractions. Call your dog’s name followed by the command “Come.”
2. When your dog comes to you, reward them with a treat and affection.
3. Gradually increase the distance between you and your dog, and introduce distractions to increase the difficulty.
4. Always reward your dog when they come to you, even if it takes a while.

Whistle Training

Whistle training can be an effective way to recall your dog, especially from a distance or in noisy environments. Here’s how to do it:

1. Choose a whistle signal for the recall command. It could be a series of short blasts or a long blast.
2. Start by blowing the whistle when your dog is not looking, then call them to you.
3. When your dog comes to you, reward them with a treat and affection.
4. Repeat this process until your dog associates the whistle sound with the recall command.

Common Misconceptions About Training Older Dogs

There are several misconceptions about training older dogs. One of the most common is that older dogs cannot learn new tricks or behaviours. This is not true. Dogs of all ages are capable of learning; it just might take a little more time and patience with an older dog.

Another misconception is that older dogs are stubborn or set in their ways. While it’s true that dogs, like humans, can become set in their ways as they age, this doesn’t mean they’re incapable of change. With consistent training and positive reinforcement, older dogs can learn new behaviours and commands.

Key Takeaways

1. Training older dogs is not only possible but can also be a rewarding experience.
2. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key
3. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key to successful training.
4. Basic commands like ‘Sit’, ‘Paw’, and ‘Down’ can be taught using treats as a form of positive reinforcement.
5. Recall and whistle training are crucial for your dog’s safety and can be taught using a consistent command and reward system.
6. Despite common misconceptions, older dogs can learn new behaviours and commands.

For whistle training, I recommend using the Coachi Two Tone Whistle. This whistle is lightweight, compact, and easy to use. It comes with an adjustable reflective lanyard for convenience. The two-tone feature allows for training two dogs with different commands, making it a versatile tool for dog owners with multiple pets. It has received positive reviews from users, making it a reliable choice for your training needs.

Top 5 Dog Training Products

In the next section, I will recommend the top 5 dog training products that I have personally found to be effective in training older dogs. Each product will include an image, a description, how to use it, and a summary of the reviews. Stay tuned!

Conclusion

Training older dogs may seem like a daunting task, but with patience, consistency, and the right approach, it can be a rewarding experience for both you and your dog. Remember, it’s never too late to teach an old dog new tricks. With the right training techniques and products, your older dog can learn new behaviours and commands, leading to a happier and healthier life.

Remember, every dog is unique and what works for one might not work for another. It’s important to be patient and to try different methods until you find what works best for your dog. And most importantly, make sure the training process is enjoyable for your dog. After all, a happy dog is a well-behaved dog.

In this guide, we’ve explored the basics of dog training, provided a step-by-step guide on how to train older dogs, debunked common misconceptions, and provided key takeaways. We hope this guide helps you in your journey of training your older dog. Happy training!