How To Train An Older Dog

Dogs possess remarkable social intelligence. Within a few weeks after birth, puppies begin to display communication skills through the movements and sounds they make. They wag their tail, droop it down or lift it up. They bark, howl, growl, whine, and yelp. They have expressive eyes. With all these attributes, dogs are definitely trainable, and it does not matter whether they are young or old.

Have you ever watched a kid playing with his pet dog? Have you noticed how he talked to his dog and how intensely the dog stared at him? There must have been some interaction betwen them. And as you watched them, you probably thought how cute they were. As an adult, you can do the same. You may sound and look crazy but go ahead - talk to your dog. Your dog would love to listen. He will understand you. You can say: good dog, bad dog, quiet, go to bed. down, up, and so on depending on the situation. Just make sure you have eye contact with your dog as you give the command. Keep on repeating each command until your dog learn the proper response. It will help also to reward him by petting or verbally praising him, or giving him a treat (a piece of bread or any commercial treats available at pet stores.)

Your dog makes different kinds of sounds. Each sound may mean something he wants to communicate to you.

Repeated barking may mean he senses someone coming close to the house..A soft whimper; he is hungry or thirsty. A growl, there is someone he dislikes or distrusts.

Your dog moves around the house in many different ways. Each movement has a unique message he is trying to convey to you. Wagging his tail and swinging his body means he is happy to see you .Drooping his tail to the ground signals he is scared of someone or something.. Running back and forth is his way of displaying his excitement and joy.

Sometimes, he hides under the bed or table and won't come out in spite of your repeated calls. Be suspicious for he might have done something he wouldn't like you to know. Or he could just be sick.

Establish a time to feed your dog.

If you decide on feeding him at 8 in the morning. Make sure you do it at 8 (could be about 10 minutes before or after) as much as possible. He would remember that time, and if you forget it, he will remind you by his movement and the sound he makes.

Determine a convenient time for you to walk your dog. If you are a 9 to 5 working man or woman, you might choose to walk your dog around 7 to 8 am and 6 to 7 pm daily depending on your commute time to office. But once you have determined this time frame, make sure you follow this strictly, unless some unavoidable circumstances happen. It's a good idea to keep your dog within your sight about the time you are ready to walk him. If he is in a rush, he will alert you through his movement.