Is it too late to train my dog?

dog training

Jun 5

Written By Steph R

Most of us have heard the phrase “you cant teach an old dog new tricks.” attributed to the 16th century English writer John Heywood. This phrase is false. Dogs, like humans, can learn at any age—it might just take a bit more time, patience, and persistence.

Absolutely! While the saying "You can't teach an old dog new tricks" implies that it's difficult to change habits or learn new things as you get older, it's not entirely true. Dogs, like humans, can learn at any age—it might just take a bit more time, patience, and persistence.

Here's how you might approach teaching an older dog new tricks:

Start with the Basics: If your dog hasn't learned basic commands like sit, stay, or come, it's a good idea to start there. These commands form the foundation for more advanced tricks.
Use Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, or toys, is an effective way to motivate and reward your dog for learning new behaviors. When your dog performs the desired action, immediately reward them to reinforce the behavior.
Be Patient and Consistent: Older dogs may take longer to learn new tricks, so it's important to be patient and consistent in your training efforts. Set aside regular training sessions and stick to them, even if progress is slow.
Break it Down: Break down the trick into smaller, more manageable steps. Teach each step individually, gradually building up to the full trick. This can make learning less overwhelming for your dog.
Keep Sessions Short and Fun: Older dogs may tire more easily, so keep training sessions short (about 10-15 minutes) and enjoyable. End on a positive note, even if your dog hasn't fully mastered the trick yet.
Adapt to Your Dog's Needs: Every dog is different, so tailor your training approach to suit your dog's personality, learning style, and physical abilities.
Stay Positive: Dogs can sense your emotions, so stay positive and upbeat during training sessions. Your enthusiasm can help motivate your dog to keep trying. Try your best not to get too frustrated. Remember, old habits die hard.