Can you teach an older Pomeranian new tricks?

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   Danieljohnstonposted 12 years ago

   Can you teach an older Pomeranian new tricks?
   
   My friend has a Pomeranian who was pampered way too much. Barks at everything at all times, climbs on people, steals food. He even just tried to get onto the side of the couch to walk onto my head to steal food from me. Should we even try to go to a trainer or just suffer?

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   BraidedZeroposted 12 years ago

   Off the top of my head I would say no. There is a reason the saying "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" has caught on through the years. If the dog isn't too old - less than a year old - you might be able to do something. If he is older than that it will be very hard, if at all possible. I don't see any harm in taking him to a trainer anyways though. You might as well get a professional opinion.

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      Danieljohnstonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      He is like 2 or 3 or something... My friends sister tried a shock collar, which kind of worked but it was not fun to watch. The result was great though, until the collar came off and he was as loud as ever.
      
      Ill say one thing, he is lucky he is cute.

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      Dubuquedogtrainerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Take the shock collar back! All those things do is shock the dog into obedience! They make him a nervous wreck underneath! I could get you to obey me too if I used a shock collar. Go read my hub on clicker training, please.

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      Danieljohnstonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      The collar was when he stayed with her for a month or so. I didn't even realize that she had done it until the month was over.

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      BraidedZeroposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Shock collars are just brutal. Very cruel. But at least you had the sense not to use it.

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      Desertarmorposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Actually a shock collar is not cruel. It is like shocking yourself with a 9 volt battery, The purpose behind the collars is not to inflick pain, but to redirect the dogs attention.  E-collars have gotten such a bad rapp due to improper use.

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   GracieLindaposted 12 years ago

   So you tried a shock collar, how would you respond?  Gain his trust, so he wants to do what you say.  I have an 11 yo pom/chi mix she is wonderful and looks to me for guidance.  Maybe how she was trained but she wasn't trained to me.  She has one blind eye and one that is going.  She was kicked and her teeth are out of alignment and her tongue sticks out.  Precious!  I would like to get hold of the person who had her!!!
   
   I would say your pup is young enough to want to please, which is never, help them on their way with your love and attention.

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      Danieljohnstonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I didn't want her to use a shock collar - it was pretty depressing I have to say.

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   Dubuquedogtrainerposted 12 years ago

   Absolutely you can! I have taught dogs of all ages, including elderly ones! Look for a clicker trainer though! A real one - or at least a positive reinforcement trainer.

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      Danieljohnstonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, Ill look for one then.

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   Desertarmorposted 12 years ago

   A 2 year old still has a lot of puppy in them.  Definatly retrain him.  Consistancy is the key to dog training.

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