How to Teach Your Old Dog New Tricks

We have all heard old timers say, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks."

I cannot disagree more. Over the years, I've had many dogs and always more than one at a time. They have been different breeds and have ranged from large breed (Rottweiler) to very small breed (Yorkshire Terrier). Presently, my heart belongs to the Pomeranian. In any case, quite a few of my dogs have been rescues from the Humane Society; every rescue was an adult dog.

My dogs, in each case, fit right in and blend with the pack. They assimilate commands and almost immediately "speak the language of the household."

Over the years, I have exclusively used single German word commands on my dogs. I also teach my dogs to take food only from the left hand, never from the right hand. (a stranger trying to gain access to home or property is likely to offer meat chunks with the right hand.) The dogs are taught to disregard any kind of treat if offered by the incorrect hand.

Having said all that, my older adult dogs are absorbed into the household quickly and easily, learn my words, my language, my habits, and become cherished members of the pack almost from the start. Here is how I do it:

1. Use only one word to give your command.

I use these words to this day: "Gasschen," to potty train; "Fresschen" to give them supper; "hier" to ask them to come; "Bitte" to ask (beg) and so on. Within several days, each dog would go gasschen, fresschen, hier, and bitte, whatever. They'd actually enjoy doing so.

It really does not matter what words or language you use to train your adult older dog (or puppy) as long as they are consistent, repetitive and easy to understand. Example: My dogs love to ride in the car - the word "Ride" starts an epidemic of wagging tails. Likewise, if I say "Squirrel," the dogs stampede to the bird feeders to chase away the four-legged intruders.

2. Let your adult dog please you.

Adult dogs are more settled and responsive than young puppies by their nature and maturity. They aim to please and, I believe, rescues even try to show their thanks. Watch body language and the tail. When the older dog is paying attention, he is focused entirely on you, is alert, has tail going a mile a minute - that is the prime time to ask for the behavior and lavishly reward each correct response.

3. Give rewards and heaps of praise.

Good behavior and responses deserve a treat and praise and pats and more praise. Since adult dogs are so eager to please, it takes no time at all to get their attention, establish rapport and reinforce good behavior.

4. Condition the adult dog.

Exercise, walk, talk, praise and reward - Put together and in just a short amount of time, your older adult dog is the perfect companion.

5. Treat him kindly, always.

If you give the command, expect the dog to obey. Reward. If you give the command and he does not obey, never punish or scold - the absence of praise/reward gets the message across in no time.

6. Teach him tricks.

As your dog learns your nuances and language, try teaching him some advanced tricks. All you need to do is teach him in stages. Reward and praise is the secret. Never scold or punish.

One final word of advice. Give your adult or older dog attention, and lots of it. If you don't have time for a dog or cannot focus some attention on him daily, don't get one! Also, I firmly believe in the saying, "There are no bad dogs, only bad owners."

And a request: I don't mean to preach here, but if your dog has been a member of the family,  He is a living, breathing, feeling creature. Treat him well, cherish him for the short time that you have him and live in harmony.

I personally cannot imagine life without at least one dog!

This article was written by The Old Gray Mare and can be found at www.DressYourHorse.com.