Training an older dog presents its own unique challenges. You’re no longer dealing with a puppy, so things are a bit different. But training older dogs is still quite possible if you follow certain rules. And rule #1 is often to respect the dog — it’s likely older than you in human years!
If you watch the Discovery Channel as much as I do, you’ve probably seen the Mythbusters episode where they busted the myth that “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Adam and Jamie proved that yes, you CAN teach old untrained dogs the same tricks that you’d normally teach a puppy. (And quite effectively too!)
Older dogs can be pretty pre-set in their ways. They’ve likely gotten used to a certain way of life they’re comfortable with, and it can be a challenge to make them “un-learn” certain bad habits that they’ve already become acclimated to. (Outdoor dogs, for instance, may not be potty-trained.)
Older dogs may also have physical defects, such as joint problems, hearing problems, and bladder problems, that may make certain lessons harder for them to learn. So keep this in mind in case you begin to feel frustrated with your training efforts.
Training The Old Dog
The best method for training an older dog is still the “praise and correction” system that works very well with puppies. It basically works by positive reinforcement — when a dog does what you want during training sessions, you reward it with praise and treats. (Granted, they may look at you funny the first time you tell them to “sit.”)
Perhaps the best way to infuse discipline into the old-timer is by imposing regular feedings. Older dogs have no problem at eating twice a day — once in the morning and once at night. Make sure the feedings are on time every time, and take away any food that your dog leaves in its bowl. This will give it the clue that it HAS to eat at the right times.
Potty-Training
Regular feedings will also make it easier to potty-train an older dog. With regular feedings, you can more easily predict when and where your dog goes to go potty. (Yes, older dogs can still be potty-trained, too.)
There’s just one caveat about crate training an older dog. Some dogs have lived much of their lives OUTSIDE a cage, so putting them inside a cage may be distressing to them, or cause them to become unruly. So if you insist on crate training an older dog, it may be better to do away with the cage, and just use a small room or cordoned-off corner.
When an older dog accidentally poos or pees in the home, and you weren’t around to catch it in the act, don’t reprimand it. Just clean the mess up. Only reprimand the dog when you catch it doing its business in an area it’s not supposed to.
The reason for this is simply the dog can only link the punishment to the task when they happen within a few moments of each other. When you reprimand it for a mess it left over an hour ago, it won’t make the connection. It’ll just think you’re punishing it for a mistake it isn’t even aware of — and that’s very, very detrimental to a dog’s mental health.
Older dogs may take longer to train, but it’s not impossible at all. Just remember certain important differences that these dogs have from puppies. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask a professional trainer — they know the ins-and-outs of training an older dog better than anyone else.
