Most people have heard the saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” And like all cliches, this one may have a small nugget of
truth. But for the most part, if it’s done correctly, an older dog can be taught not only new tricks, but new behaviors in general. Remember that there are actually advantages in teaching adult dogs compared to little puppies. For one, some adult dogs already understand the meaning of ‘no’. A older dog is also calmer and is less energetic compared to puppies. They also understand the hierarchy and will likely to accept your leadership.
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OBEDIENCE TRAINING AN OLDER DOG
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If you do plan to train your dog yourself, here are several approaches to consider:
* Older methods employ devices like choke collars and leashes to
control the dog’s behavior and provide an uncomfortable stimulus
when the dog doesn’t comply.
Training techniques following these principles are still used by some trainers, but are largely falling out of favor compared to more humane, modern methods.
* Newer training techniques employ some type of reward system to
encourage your dog to engage in the desired behavior, and are
based on the principle of rewarding right behavior, while
ignoring bad.
Basically, you get your dog to do what you want him to do, and then give him a reward for doing so.
* Repeat again and again, until the behavior is reinforced and
habitual.
You keep the behavior by continuing to use rewards on an occasional – and unpredictable – basis. But here too, there are several different approaches:
* One approach favors the use of toys, praise, petting, and other
non-food rewards. The most common of the newer approaches uses a
food-based reward system, which most dogs seem to respond well
to.
* “Clicker” training employs food or treats in combination with a
clicker, or sound-maker, and then transitions to voice commands
once the desired behavior is established.
All of these newer techniques should work fine with your older dog. Just be sure you always treat, especially in the beginning, whenever your dog performs as you ask, and be very slow to reprimand. Keep it fun and positive and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how quickly your older dog picks up good obedience behaviors!
Know let’s look at some advantages and disadvantages of HARNESSES and COLLARS shall we?
Let’s start with…
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COLLARS
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Dog collars are ideal when you’re training the animal for tricks or drills, or when you want to attach a dog tag, which is actually mandatory in some states. However, there’s one huge problem with them: they could potentially harm the delicate necks of small dogs. Dog collars, specifically the halter types, can be truly uncomfortable for your petite furry friend.
As a matter of fact, if they are worn too tight, they will not only hurt the throat, but can also restrict them from breathing properly. Moreover, the more that these small dogs will pull away from you, the more that dog collars will bury deep into their skin. Worse, if a leash is attached to the dog collar and the pet suddenly turns to one side, it could result to a very serious neck injury. Alternatively an accidental jerk on the lead could damage their spine.
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HARNESSES
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For health reasons, protection, and comfort, harnesses are always the best choice for your small dogs. First of all, it can relieve your small pet from neck strain, which usually happens whenever he moves or runs around too fast and you’re trying to control him. Since the harness is fitted comfortable around his chest, every time he pulls away, the weight is evenly distributed throughout his shoulders.
There is no risk of throat injury, and no more of the choking sound. A harness is also very comfortable to wear, since the materials used are incredibly soft. They don’t cause any chafing or matting in your dogs’ fur. The most popular dog harnesses are made of soft mesh, nylon, or suede. What’s more, they are very easy to clean and are highly durable. They can last for several months or even years.
So, to sum it up…
Collars and harnesses are made of the same materials and serve the same purpose–attaching your dog to a leash. But they work in different ways and some dogs will do better with one versus the other.
Use a collar: If your dog has no respiratory or trachea problems and doesn’t pull on leash.
Use a harness or head halter: If your dog pulls on leash or has respiratory or trachea problems.
