How to Train an Old Dog

If you think you can't teach an old dog, you've never tried. Training an old dog does not change his personality or teach him tricks; it establishes ground rules. Old dogs, to their credit, tend to be more calm and are able to figure out what their masters want more easily. Given a fairly intelligent canine, training an old dog is as easy as training a puppy. The only difference is that you're trying to change behaviors that are established. Since most of what any dog does is for your love and approval, use that devotion to guide your dog to better behavior.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• One old dog
• Leash
• Training collar
• Patience

1. Invest in a good leash and a properly fitted "pinch" collar to be used for training sessions only. Take some time to let your dog get used to the collar and, if she's never been on a leash before, take time to walk with her, congratulating her when she "gets it" and walks along with you. The fact that your old dog loves you works in your favor. Be patient, attentive and consistent. Your dog will get it.

2. Set aside a specific time for lessons, either when you get home for work or after dinner--anytime that your dog is relaxed and happy to be with you. Attempting to get the attention of a distracted or anxious old dog is part of an advanced lesson, not a beginner trick. Teach her first that walking alongside you is called "heel" and that she should walk with her head at your left knee or hip, depending on her height.

3. 
   Be sure that your dog has a comfortable place to rest his old bones between lessons.

   Start with simple commands like "come", "halt" and "sit". If it's difficult for your dog to sit because of displasia or arthritis, substitute "down" so that he can lie down rather than sit. Repeat each command until your dog does it successfully three times, then congratulate him and go on to the next behavior. Don't try more than two new behaviors and limit the session to one if your dog doesn't seem to get it.

4. Start each session with a review. Try a few learned behaviors first and lavish approval before trying new commands. Use the same one-word command each time ("stay" instead of "stay there"; "no" instead of "uh-uh-uh!"). As your dog becomes familiar with your commands, the two of you will develop your own language but, for now, keep it simple for her old ears and bones. You are asking your dog to change old habits.

5. Once your dog has mastered all the easy commands, find a quiet place to work off leash (put the pinch collar on so he knows he's in school) and work on commands beginning with the simplest and finishing with complex behaviors like staying while you walk out of sight.

6. Once your dog has performed successfully, don't stop your training sessions. Take a walk together each day and put her through her reps, three times for each behavior. Jumble them up, too. Your dog may memorize the order instead of the commands.

Tips & Warnings

• Notice that there are no treats listed in the What You'll Need section. Dogs (especially old dogs with tender digestive systems) don't need treats as a reward. They need your approval and love.
• Keep in mind that old dogs may suffer from arthritis or other conditions that limit movement. They may also have limited hearing or sight and not be able to immediately comprehend what you want them to do. Keep it simple and be patient.
• You need a dog's attention before you can command. Clap your hands, say her name--establish the dog and master link before proceeding.
• After each training session, take the pinch collar off and spend some time with your dog just hanging out and showing him how much you love him. Going for a romp in a dog park is also a good way to let off steam.
• If you've just adopted an old dog from a shelter, bless you! Your dog will be especially devoted to you since you've saved her from that cage. Shower her with attention and understand that you have made old age a joy for a creature who wants only to be your faithful companion.
• Never yank on a dog while he's wearing a pinch collar. It's like slapping a child. You could hurt your dog and you'll teach him to fear training sessions and resent you. A pinch collar should be used as a hint, not a punishment.
• If you're trying to teach an old dog to be aggressive or violent after a life as a companion animal, you will not be successful and end up with a very unhappy animal. You will also shorten her life, since dogs (and cats) really can "give up" on life and decide to die. By forcing an older dog to become antisocial, you are literally ruining her life.