How to train an older dog can be a daunting task. While many of us think of training puppies, older dogs can also learn valuable training techniques. Just as with young dogs, older dogs tend to be more difficult to train because they have less self-control. It is also extremely important to continue training your dog even as it becomes older.
One of the dog training tricks that you can use to teach your dog is the clicker training method. Clicker training is a method in which you click the dog with the clicker when it performs the desired behavior. This can be done using a hand clicker or a voice trigger clicker. Some trainers prefer the hand clicker because it is easier for their pets to learn this method.
One of the dog training tips that will make training easier is to start as soon as possible. You do not want to wait until the dog gets older to begin working on its behavior. Puppies can be trained quickly but older dogs may take longer. When starting your dog training, make sure that you find out what is acceptable behavior and what is not.
The positive reinforcement dog training method involves rewarding your pet for good behavior. This should include treats and praise. Start by simply giving your dog treats every time it behaves the way you want it to. As it becomes more effective you can begin to include treats with various rewards like a tug toy or a pat. Eventually you will want to replace treats with a treat just for good behavior.
The second of the dog training tips is to set up play dates. This is especially important if your dog is a dog who barks a lot. If it needs to be left alone it will bark constantly and this is the number one reason dogs become troublesome in training sessions. Setting up play dates is easy to do and can be done anytime the dog is ready. Always remember to only allow the dog to play with the children and never with other dogs. You want the dog to associate playing with praise and treats with having a good time.
Another great tip is to distract your dog from barking and from the annoying image source. A dog is easily distracted by its image source, whether it is something in the house, a person, or a flash of light. Focus on something else for about 30 seconds and the dog will disengage itself from its barking and leave you alone. You should never use actual physical force on your dog and always remember to treat it with a treat or a clicker whenever it barks.
If you are having issues with potty training your dog then spending time with it outside can be a solution to the problem. However it’s important to start training while it is young so it doesn’t have any associations that lead to bad behavior patterns later. You also want to take time to play with your dog so it feels like you are the alpha dog and not another dog. This will make training easier as your dog will recognize you as a leader. Your dog will always follow your lead and it will soon learn how to behave properly in the future.
Reward-Based Training Methods – These are the most widely used training methods and are proven to be very effective. However, they also require the dog to have a certain level of discipline. When using reward-based training methods you want to reward your dog for behaviors that are appropriate and then penalize them for behaviors that are inappropriate. For example you may want to reward your dog if it picks up the toy and runs towards the door, but you may spank it if it tries to steal it. By using different types of rewards and punishments you will teach your dog what is acceptable behavior and what is not.
