Training an older dog presents certain challenges, but there’s no reason to feel hopeless.
Training an Older Dog
We’ve all heard the saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” It’s a pithy saying, but it’s only partly true. Teaching new “tricks” is actually quite easy (assuming the dog is physically capable of performing the requested behavior), and it’s in fact a great way to give older dogs positive mental stimulation.
If you don’t trust my word, there’s even a MythBusters’s segment in which they tested this on two older Malamutes and found that “since malamutes are known to be stubborn, Bobo and Cece’s stellar performances definitively busted the myth and represented for old dogs everywhere.”
So there’s little doubt that older dogs can learn. The more complex (and relevant) question is:
Is it too late to solve my older dog’s unwanted behaviors?
The answer is typically “no, these issues can be resolved,” though there are some complicating factors. Dogs are creatures of habit and anything they’ve been doing for a long time will likely be a pretty strong behavior. This is why trainers talk to such annoying ends about things like management and prevention.
But let’s not dwell on the past.
So you’ve got an older dog, and you’ve got some bad behaviors you need changed.
First:
A vet check may be in order, especially if the unwanted behavior is a recent change. I know this is a boring answer, but it’s a prudent first step, even if the dog is not showing outward signs of illness or pain. I’ve had dogs that were showing no outward pain be revealed to have old broken back injuries when x-rayed. Nature is horrifically cruel to weakness, and many dogs are incredibly adept at hiding pain.
Second:
Minimize the dog’s ability to continue the behavior. This may require an initial reduction in freedom. I know it’s annoying to have to treat an older dog more like a puppy, but behavioral change usually requires short-term changes in environment.
Third:
Analyze the behavior of the people in the house. Are we unintentionally encouraging the behavior we want to change? Common examples include dogs barking, jumping or whining for attention, or pulling on the leash to get somewhere exciting. Is the dog being sent mixed messages through inconsistent responses? Clarity and consistency are key to speeding up behavioral change.
Fourth:
What would you prefer that the dog do? As noted above, teaching something new is not that difficult, so giving the dog alternate acceptable behaviors can help drastically speed up the transition to well-behaved dog.
Fifth:
Determine whether there are ways we can better meet the dogs needs for exercise, stimulation, structure and consistency. If we’re going to ask for higher standards of behavior from the dog, it can be very helpful to meet these other needs in return. This effort also reduces frustration, confusion and push-back from the dog.
Sixth:
Implement the plan. Be fair to the dog but also firm in the rules you’ve set. Keep your frustration in check. If needed, find a partner to vent with; try not to let frustration influence your training or reaction to your dog. It’s normal to feel frustrated or disappointed at times, but if you stick to the plan and adjust when needed, you’ll also enjoy a level of calm and pride that right now seems practically unobtainable.
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Nate Hess is the owner of Dogspring Training, which provides dog training and behavior consultation services in Fresno, Clovis and surrounding areas. He is a graduate of the Karen Pryor Academy and Stanford University, a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and the International Association of Animal Behavioral Consultants, and an evaluator for the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program. He also consults with dog rescues across the country.