TRAINING OLDER DOGS

The learning process never ends. You can teach an old dog new tricks. When you begin training an older dog, you are creating a new life style, changing the rules (or creating rules). This can be a stressful adjustment for you and your dog.  Consistency is the key. Dogs will usually adapt well to changes.  The question is, will you?

I DON'T HAVE TIME TO TRAIN MY PET!

We should integrate training with day-to-day activities rather than a time we set aside. This is how we succeed with training, making training fun and simple. Remember, training is a process that never ends. The time we stop training a dog, he/she will improvise.

LICENSING

Licensing would be impracticable for dog training instructors.  There are so many variations in methods of dog training that curriculum and tests would be impossible to create without being bias and unfair.  However, there are dog training instructor certifications.

CORRECTIONS

Positive reinforcements define training.  We do not want training to be a series of sessions consisting of jerking the dog around and screaming.  However, corrections are natural in the dog living world.  There are times when corrections may be necessary. 

COST

The investment in a class will last a dog's life time.  Consider the cost of veterinary bills and food for a dog's life time.  The cost for training is a great investment and bargain!

HUMANIZING

Humanity persuades our perceptions about animal behavior.  The most common humanizing comment is "my dog did it to spite me".  If a dog has the capability to hold grudges or plot against you in your eyes, then your dog no longer exists as a dog, but a person.  Timing is everything in dog training.  A dog lives in a 4 second time warp.  If a dog had the capacity to think in the past and future, then your dog has the capability to learn as a person, answer yes and no questions or sit and learn in a class room.  Dogs do have feelings, and dogs have great memories.  Something in the present has to trigger the dog's memory.  Again, consistency is the number one rule at all times.  We enjoy humanizing our pets, they are a part of our family.  Be careful though, you may start having expectations that your dog can't possibly fulfill.