training older dog

[1tex]

i have heard that you can not teach an old dog new tricks. once the dog is health can you give your old dog obedience train. (ages 9+)

 

[Whisper]

Sometimes older dogs don't learn as fast as younger dogs with fresh minds just eager to soak everything up, but yes, older dogs absolutely can learn new things! My dog will be 9 on the 23rd and she learns new tricks and tasks all the time.

 

[lizzybeth727]

You definately can train an older dog. The main issue you want to watch out for is that older dogs are often not motivated to learn; they may be less treat oriented or just less interested in doing new things, than younger dogs. And they may not be as fast as younger dogs, as far as movements such as sit, down, etc., because they may have arthritis or just not be as physically strong as younger dogs.

 

[Dekka]

There are loads of dogs who start into obedience or agility at older ages. And kicked butt!!

It might take longer to get them 'into' learning as has been mentioned. But often once they get into it, they learn just as well as young dogs.

 

[*blackrose]

I started obedience with Blackie when he was 9-10 years old. (If I'm doing my math correctly.) Granted I never ventured into anything outside of 4H and I was only able to do that the once because the heat was just WAY too much for him, but we got a 180/200 our first trial. He got docked ten points for downing during the sit day (he was HOT and tired), and he also decided he didn't know what a recall was after doing it perfectly for weeks...*sigh* Had I not been 15 and actually able to attend obedience trials that weren't in the dead of summer, I'm fairly certain he could have gotten his CD, and definitally a CGC.

Rose is 12 going on 13 and she definitally can still learns new things. But, she's never been one to WANT to learn, so I typically don't work with her very much.