Thursday, May 24, 2012

Dispelling the myth: You can teach an old dog new tricks!

So we just had our week 4 Intermediate training class at PetSmart today.  So far, my three year old beagle Lyna has only had training classes with puppies.  She was put in the puppy class because there weren't any other dogs signed up for the beginner class with her.  There were about 6 other puppies in that class.  Now in her intermediate class, there are 4 other puppies in this class.

While all of the dogs are successful on some level, Lyna seems to learn things faster and performs them better overall.  (Aside from the trick "spin.")  While instilling good behavior is important from a young age in all dogs, that doesn't mean that old dogs can't learn good behaviors and should not be a disqualification for not adopting an older dog.

From my personal observations, having a dog that isn't a puppy means that it is easier to keep her attention.  She does not get distracted as easily.  At the end of training class, she isn't asleep on the floor from too much stimulation, like the puppies are.  Even one of the pet parents of 2 golden retrievers commented to me, "She is so well trained."  We've both been through all the same training classes, the only difference is breed and age.  Typically, golden retrievers are known for being intelligent, fast learners.  Beagles are known for being food motivated yet very stubborn.  So I don't believe that breed is a main factor.

If you are considering getting a puppy, first of all, DO NOT buy one from a pet store.  Most of those puppies come from puppy mills, much like the one where Lyna and all the other beagles she was with were rescued from.  For more information about why puppy mills are so terrible visit the Humane Society of the United States' Website.  There are plenty of puppies turned over to animal shelters that you can adopt if you really want a puppy.  However, I would also urge you to consider adopting a dog that is a few years old or older.  These dogs often have a more difficult time finding homes, so you will be doing them a favor.  Senior dogs (7 years+) especially have a difficult time, and with them you don't have to go through any of the bad "puppy" behaviors (chewing, barking, jumping, etc).  They are just wanting a family to live out the rest of their lives with in a happy environment.

So, can you teach an old dog new tricks?  My experience says absolutely, and it may be even easier!


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