Tips For Training Older Dogs

Almost universally, when people talk about dog training, or dog obedience coaching or whatever other phrase they use for it, they have in the back of their mind an image of working with a young dog, often not much more than a puppy.
And, again, it's a widely held belief that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. So, how true is that? Is it possible to train an older dog?
Well, yes and no!
The cliché mongers are partly right, because a more mature animal does need a heck of a lot more training and dedication from the person involved than a younger dog will. This is primarily because dogs are, to a large extent, like people, and by the time they are grown, they are much more “set” in their ways.
A more mature animal will certainly have gone through, and possibly way past, that crucial period in his or her life when what they are learning will have any profound changing influence on their future behavior. In basic terms, and again you can make a direct comparison to mankind, your dog is already of the formed opinion that it knows how to behave and thus, trying to change that perception and belief by attempting to teach him other ways is bound to require a great deal of both time and effort.
Whilst it is certainly not impossible to convince the older dog that new tricks do have some merit, you must accept from the outset that you simply cannot train an old dog in the same way that you would train a puppy.
You definitely have to learn to be a little bit stricter with an older dog simply because he has a good deal more native intelligence than a puppy and he also knows how to drive you crazy!
So, how do you train an older dog? Well, not only do you have to be a bit stricter, but you have to be a good deal more cunning as well! In the same way that the more mature canine is a good deal more cunning than his younger siblings, you have to be the same!
Get him convinced that your ideas are really his ideas, or, make him believe that everything he does was his idea in the first place, and he will be far more likely do something whatever it is you ask!
For example, if he goes to sit down of his own accord, say "sit" and then praise him!
Thus, he believes that it was his idea and after a while, if you just keep on repeating the methodology, eventually you will have him sitting on command.
This system will work for many of the necessary commands, like, come, stay, fetch and heel.
Now, of course, this is, by nature a broad generalization and, as all pet owners are only too aware, not all animals are the same, or learn at the same pace. So, you might find that your particular more mature pet is wonderfully easy to train. On the other hand, some dogs have a wide streak of stubbornness which will mean that they are much more resistant to change and thus, they are more difficult to train, irregardless of what you do.
Nevertheless, even an older dog must be trained to your ways in order that any acquired or indeed natural bad habits are broken and banished.
Although you may find it hard to believe, if he could speak, your dog would probably thank you for it in the end, simply because the less tension there is between dog and owner, the happier and more calm the relationship will be, to the obvious benefit of both parties!
But, do not carry any "rosy colored" illusions! It is important that you face the fact that training a more mature dog could be a grueling and thankless task at times.
It is therefore vitally important that you try to make it as much fun as possible. You could start by joining a dog training or obedience class (contrary to popular belief, they are not just for "puppy people") and don't hesitate to gather as much support as possible from family and friends. Perhaps you could afford to invest in some good quality, durable training products like toys and treats, but, remember, your dog is more mature and intelligent, so try to pick toys that will challenge and stimulate him.
Whatever you do, the only certainty is that, however long it might take, once you’ve managed to teach your older dog everything it is necessary for him to know, the bond between you will become unbreakable, and the pleasure that you both get from such a relationship will remain a wonderful constant over the years
Tips For Training Older Dogs

Home Training For Puppies

If you can’t afford to hire a dog trainer, don’t worry about it. Especially when it comes to puppies. The younger the dog is the easier is for him to learn good habits.
The first few days in a new home are extremely important for your puppy, the harm done to it’s training in this period is very hard to be undone, but if you do it right from the beginning the good habits also will be very hard to forget.
Remember that if the puppy is not from one of your female dogs, he has just been separated by her mother and is feeling vulnerable and impressionable.
Avoid having an agitated dog. Having a new puppy in the house is always exciting, especially for the kids so they will want to feed, play and hold the puppy all the time. This is not good for your puppy.
Here are some rules in order to have a calm, healthy dog:
1. Act gently with the puppy and don’t make loud noises, he is already scared of being in a new environment.
2. Give him space and let him come to you rather then grab him all the time.
3. Don’t put him on the couch, in the bed or in any other place that you don’t want to find him later.
4. Don’t give into the temptation to let him sleep on your bed the first night because he is whining, it will be
harder for him to adapt to sleeping alone.
5. Puppies need a lot of sleep so make sure you don’t overtire him. When you take him out don’t plan long walks.
6. Resist the urge to go running to him every time he starts whining because he is bored or feels lonely. He will stat doing that all the time.
7. Never hit your puppy or give harsh punishments. For puppies is better to reword the good behavior than punish the mistakes.
Feeding habits. Prepare for your puppy two bowls, one for water and one for food. Keep the bowls always in the same place and make sure the puppy has easy access to them. Puppies eat small quantities of food several times a day.
Don’t feed the dog in any other way than from his bowls, not from your hand, not on the floor. This will prevent in the future that he will not eat from strangers, from garbage or other places. Keep in mind that this will save him from being poisoned accidentally or intentionally.
Toilet training. The best way you can “toilet training” your puppy as quickly as possible is to reward and praise your puppy every time he goes in the right place. The more times your puppy is rewarded, the quicker he will learn. It's important that you spend as much time as possible with your puppy and give him regular and frequent access to his toilet area.
Remember, puppies are just as vulnerable as human babies. Treat them with the same kindness and also with the same firm hand.
Home Training For Puppies

“Dog Whisperer” Exposes His Top 3 Dog Training Secrets That Will Teach Your Troublesome Pooch That You’re The Boss!

Want to know the secrets of a top dog trainer who has the power to turn your disobedient, reactive, misbehaving pet into the “best-friend” you’ve always dreamed of.

Here are our top 3 tips simple tips that will make a world of difference to your relationship with your pesky pouch.

Tip # 1 Put Your Pouch on a “Leadership” Programme

Put simply, your dog needs to know that you’re in charge. Dogs are pack animals, and like all pack animals they require that someone is in charge. While your dog would prefer that you took the lead role, if they decide that you’re not up to the task, then they’ll take on the job!

If your dog currently thinks that he’s the leader of your family’s pack, then you need to implement a leadership programme in which you re-assert yourself as the Top Dog! This doesn’t mean being unkind or unloving to your dog – it simply means understanding your dog’s psyche and behaving in a way that reassures your dog of your ability to take charge.

Some simple ways to demonstrate your dominance include: eating your meals first; ensuring that your dog waits at the door for you to walk through first; don’t walk around your dog if he’s sitting in your way (give him a gentle nudge and he’ll move); and determine when your dog gets your attention (ignore your dog when he demands your attention as he’s simply demonstrating that he’s in charge of you).

For more detail on how you can show your dog that you’re the boss, visit:
http://www.dog-training-central.com/articles/5-surefire-ways-to-show-your-dog-youre-the-boss.html

Tip # 2: Consistency Is the Key To Success

When it comes to training dogs, most people fail to consistently reinforce positive behaviour and punish bad behaviour. Without consistency, your dog will be confused and over time lose respect for your commands. If you fail to follow through on your expectations, the dog will determine when it suits him to respond.

If you’ve been consistent with your expectations, then in time your dog’s responses to your commands will become pre-programmed and eventually anticipated. This will ensure that your dog will behave in a predictable manner time and again. A dog who clearly understands the boundaries of his behaviour and the consequences of his mis-behaviour is a much happier dog who will be a delightful member of your family.

For more details on basic dog obedience training, visit:
http://www.dog-training-central.com/articles/dog-obedience-training-basics.html

Tip #3: It’s Much Easier To Train A Puppy Than To Teach An Old Dog New Tricks

As soon as your new puppy is welcomed home you should get started on your Leadership Programme, and consistently implement it until your puppy is automatically programmed to behave in precisely the manner that is worthy of a “best friend”!

The more quality time you dedicate to your puppy up front, the fewer on-going headaches you will encounter for the life of your dog.

Reinforcing positive behaviour is the simple most effective training tool available to dog owners, however from time to time you will also need to reprimand your dog for inappropriate behaviour (a clear, firm “BAH” or “NO” will do the trick – there’s no need to resort to shouting or hitting).

For more details on getting an early start on your canine’s leadership programme, go to:
http://www.dog-training-central.com/articles/dog-training-early-training-is-essential.html

If you follow these top 3 techniques used by leading dog trainers, both you and your dog will enjoy a much happier and enjoyable relationship.