Training Older Dog Requires Adaptability

Training older dog issues require some adaptability. When you’re considering training older dog techniques, you have to keep in mind what senior dog problems your older dog has.

Here are some of the training older dog considerations you need to think about:

1. Older dogs may have joint problems. There are some things your older dog isn’t going to be able to do. If, for example, you are trying to teach your senior dog to jump up, if your dog isn’t doing what you want, it may be because the jump is physically difficult for him because he has older dog joint problems. Even simple tasks like sitting and lying down can be hard for dogs.

Be aware that your older dog might not be responding because of pain or stiffness. Don’t get impatient with a slow-to-respond older dog who could have joint problems.

2. Many senior dogs have trouble hearing. Training older dog techniques must take into account the possibility that the dog may have dog hearing loss and not be able to hear commands.

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If you’re not sure if your older dog has dog hearing loss, do a little experiment. Wait until your senior dog has his or her back to you and then say the dog’s name. If your dog doesn’t respond, he likely can’t hear you.

To compensate for the dog hearing loss, incorporate hand signals into your training. For example, use a come here motion when teaching the dog to come. Use a flat hand, palm facing away from you to teach a dog to stay. Point to the floor when you want the dog to sit. Make a motion with your hands like an umpire calling a batter safe when you’re telling your dog, no.

You may need to use your hands to give praise too. Most training uses treats AND verbal praise for the best effect. If your dog can’t hear the praise you give, it could slow down your training older dog efforts. Choose a hand or body movement that tells your dog you’re happy with him.

3. Senior dogs can have bladder control issues. When you’re considering potty training older dog techniques, keep in mind that your older dog may have problems with his bladder. The potty training efforts will go more smoothly if you take your dog outside frequently. The fewer accidents you allow, the easier it will be to potty train your older dog.

4. Older dogs can have attention-span issues. You know how people tend to get more child-like when they get older? Dogs do too. They can revert back to some puppy-like qualities. One of those qualities can be a shortened attention span. Good training older dog efforts take this into account.

Teach your senior dog in small chunks of time. A few minutes several times a day is better than one longer block of time.

When you keep these special senior dog considerations in mind, you’ll have far better results when you set out to succeed at training older dog.

The same principles of house training puppies apply to older dogs, so it’s important to limit their opportunity to go out. Learn how to control a dog’s environment when house training them with help from a certified professional dog trainer in this free video on dog training and pet care. Expert: Zephyr Clarke-Dolberg Contact: www.miami-dog-training.com Bio: Zephyr Clarke-Dolberg is a certified professional dog trainer in Miami, Fla. Filmmaker: Paul Muller

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Housebreaking an Older Dog – Do You Think an Older Dog Can Be Taught?

Housebreaking an older dog can be a bit tricky at times, however it can be done, and it’s not really all that hard, at least not as hard as people may think. Here you are going to learn the finer points in housebreaking older dogs.

The main thing you are going to need is patience, and lots of it. The important thing you must always remember is that like most creatures, the dog is a creature of habit. The older the dog, the most set in its ways it is. Just like us I guess?

Since this older dog is used to going where ever it wants, you have to try and change this habit. The first thing you will need to do is create another routine for it. Treat it like you would any other dog you are trying to housebreak.

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Keep a close eye on it at all times when it’s inside, make sure it can only be in the room that you are in. So, have a nice place for it to curl up if it wants to take a nap, as older dogs do.

As soon as you see it start sniffing around, you’ve got to get up fast, put its leash on, and take it out for a nice stroll. When you are outside, it’s best not to rush it, just be patient, and let it sniff around, and find a good place to go.

Once it does, give it a small treat, and praise it like it just did the best thing in the world. And trust me it just did, because that is the first step on its way to being housebroken.

So, to answer the question; Do You Think an Older Dog Can be Taught? The answer is yes it can, the key is patience, as long as you have that you and your dog will do just fine. Just remember, it’s a creature of habit, so as soon as it gets into the habit of going outside, it will always want to go outside to do its business.

House Training an Older Dog: Essentials of Adult Dogs Training

If you are considering the possibility of training an adult dog, you should know that the process is not half as difficult as you might think. While this is the case, there are a couple of things that you need to learn such as the previous environment, habits and lifestyle of the dog. In this case, when house training an older dog the first thing that you have to do is gain the dogs trust. This might take time and for this reason, when house training an older dog, you have to exercise a certain level of patience.

When training a dog, you must first realize that if the dog was not exposed to any house training, they will come with the old habits of chewing, barking excessively and digging holes in your backyard is what is called marking the territory. In addition to this, when training an adult dog you will notice that they respond at a slower pace to the commands issued. Since these are your first months with the dog, you must stick to the basic guidelines of house training an adult dog.

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There are several tips which can successfully guide you in the process. If you follow through with these, it should be easy for you to meet this end at a faster pace and have a dog that understands all your commands after the process. For this reason, consider the following tips for training a dog.

Before you start training an older dog, you have to visit the vet first. Have all the necessary tests carried out to determine that it does not have any existing health problems. This could range from factors like urinary tract and in other instances flea infection. This is important when you want to get the most out of the process of house training an older dog.

During the process of house training an older dog, there is bound to be a change of diet and this can cause cases of diarrhea. There are some people who become stringent and tough when this occurs but instead of punishing the dog, you should exercise patience and give it time to adjust to the changes. If after a couple of house training an older dog there is no change, you need to consult with a vet.

While training an adult dog, you should establish a routine for eating as well as drinking. This is important since it makes it easy for you to monitor the toilet habits for the dog and makes it easy for you to take it out when the need arises. In the event you don’t have time for this during house training an older dog, consider using crate training which also delivers perfect results for house training an older dog.

During training an adult dog, do not give it food as a reward. This is because old dogs tend to put on weight fast and this is not good for house training an older dog. When training a dog, it is advisable to heap praise on it and tap it rather than giving it food.

If you use these tips when training an older dog, you will notice a significance change in the behavioral patterns of your dog.

When potty training an older dog, the dog needs to be confined to a space that is not much bigger than him, and then he needs to be taken from that space to a leash and the yard. Get a dog used to the space in which they should be using the bathroom withhelp from a certified professional dog trainer in this free video on dog training. Expert: Zephyr Clarke-Dolberg Contact: www.miami-dog-training.com Bio: Zephyr Clarke-Dolberg is a certified professional dog trainer in Miami, Fla. Filmmaker: Paul Muller
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Dog Clicker Training Method

Clicker training is an to learn, easy to teach, and easy to apply. This type of training is based off of the foundation of ignore the bad, and praise the good. When the dog does something good he gets a click, treat, and sometimes a priase from the owner.

Step 1: Associate The Click with something good

To clicker train a dog first you must have a clicker. These are sold at many local pet stores.After you have a clicker you must find a treat that the dog thinks is worthy of obeying for. First click, then give treat.Make sure that the dog is understanding the concept.

Step 2: Training the Dog

There are many things you can train a dog to do.One of the simplest things you can train them to do is to sit.First you must have something they want. Place it somewhere where they can’t reach it. Soon the dog will try all that it knows to get that something that they want.As soon as the dog sits click them and give them a little piece of the thing they want. Do this until they understand that by sitting they will get a reward.Once they understand how to sit give them the whole thing that they wanted. Next you have to make him understand that sit means sit. You do this by holding a prize in your hand above them. They already know that to get that prize they have to sit. As soon as you hold up the prize say “sit”. Once they sit give them a click and a treat. Do this until they sit on command.

You can train a dog to do many things using this method.

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The Advantages of Having Multiple Dogs

Owning a dog can be a very satisfying experience. It’s good to have a wagging tail and a playful greeting when you walk in the front door after a long day at work. If one dog is fun, would two or more be even better? That’s a question a lot of one dog owners eventually end up asking themselves. What are the advantages to owning multiple dogs?

Companionship for your first dog

Being a multiple dog household means that your dogs will always have the companionship of another canine. This is of particular importance if you work long hours and have limited time to spend with your dog. Dogs are pack animals and crave almost constant companionship and stimulation. Adding a second dog can give your first dog the companionship he or she needs on a daily basis. This may also reduce the incidence of separation anxiety which can be a problem when your single dog becomes destructive from the frustration at being left alone.

Companionship for you

Being a multiple dog household means more companionship for you. If one dog is fun to love, imagine how it feels to have more than one loving dog vying for your attention?

Owning multiple dogs can be an interesting experience

When you only have a single dog, you miss out on the interaction that occurs between dogs in a pack. By having multiple dogs, you get a better understanding of pack behavior and the interaction between pack members. Owning multiple dogs can be a fun and educational experience.

Getting a second dog can revitalize an older dog.

It’s not uncommon for a slightly depressed older dog to regain some of his original spunk and vitality when a younger dog comes into the household. A second, younger dog may be a way to get your senior dog off of the couch.

It can be therapeutic for a shy or fearful dog.

If your current dog is shy and fearful around people or other dogs, getting a second dog may help to socialize your shrinking violet. Many families recount stories of how their first dog’s personality changed for the better after adding a second dog to the household.

Getting a second dog can help ease the pain of the passing of your first. .

If your first dog is getting up in years, adding a second dog can be a source of comfort when your first dog eventually passes away. Although nothing except time really alleviates the pain of this sad experience, a second dog can make the house seem less empty.

Adding a second dog to your household can be a satisfying experience, although it’s not a decision that should be taken lightly. Make sure you have the time and inclination to train a second dog so he or she can be a good companion for you and your first dog.

After just an hour spent at Muttville, a senior dog rescue here in San Francisco, our hearts were captured by the “senior sweethearts” we met. Older dogs are often homeless or taken to shelters because their owners pass away or are unable to care for them anymore. If you are thinking about getting a dog, consider adopting an older dog. An older dog often is more calm than a puppy and is already potty trained. The medical costs and care for an older dog can be the same or even less than that of a puppy. A senior dog still has love and companionship to give, if you just let them. Visit your local humane society or shelter, or check out these groups specializing in senior dogs: www.muttville.org www.srdogs.com www.sanctuaryforseniordogs.org www.seniordogs.com

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Example Raw Food Diet Menu for Dogs

Many people, after they’ve decided to move from a kibble diet to a raw food diet, haven’t any idea where to start in order to select a healthful meal for their dog.  Considering this, I thought I’d share an example meal I give my own older (age 10 and 12) dogs and why I decided on those items and times.  My dogs are older and don’t need as much as a pup would.  So for an older dog, the menu looks like:

Unlimited throughout the day

Fresh water in a glass bowl

Cauliflower

Carrots

Tomatoes

Asparagus

Green Bell Pepper

Breakfast

3-5% of their weight in pork riblets

Training treats

Apricots

10 raw almonds

Afternoon

2 tablespoons pumpkin

2-4 ounces organic cranberry juice

Evening

1 Turkey tail ( if they’ve been active or if it’s very cold outside)

Supplements

1 Digestive enzyme tablet

1 Chlorella tablet

1 Flax oil tablet

1 Fish oil tablet

1 Brewer’s Yeast tablet

For my older dogs, I make sure they’ve got a 40-30-30 ratio of meat-bone-fat.  The meat gives the building blocks for new muscle to develop as well as a stringy consistency for cleaning back teeth.  Bone provides the right kind of digestible calcium for a dog’s body.  Fat, thought to be a bad thing in human diets, provides the opportunity for a dog to floss” their front teeth and helps their digestive tract get the right pH level.

The veggies are selected from all colors available and should include at least one from each color family.

Tomatoes are high in the antioxidant vitamins beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E, as well as the carotenoid lycopene. This means that tomatoes are helpful in preventing heart disease and cancers. Tomatoes are also high in potassium but very low in sodium which means they help combat high blood pressure and fluid retention.

Asparagus is one of the most nutritionally well-balanced vegetables, providing potassium, fiber, folacin, thiamin, vitamin B6, rutin (an antioxidant).  It also contains glutathione (GSH). GSH is one of the most potent anti carcinogens and antioxidants found.

Cauliflower provides indole-3-carbinol (13C), the photonutrient sulforaphane, vitamin C, folate, vitamin E and betacarotene.

Carrots provide beta-carotene, which turns into Vitamin A in the intestines.  They also provide fiber, antioxidants, and crucial minerals.

Our selection of fruits are used mostly as treats more than an unlimited sort of food.  I select fruits that are easy to carry around for training needs, as well as for digestive and taste preferences.

Apricots are a preferred fruit and make training easy.

Pumpkin is a unique food in that it regulates the stool consistency to a happy medium.  I use this fresh if I can, but will also get it in a can (Libby’s) if necessary.

Cranberry juice has some surprising benefits including anti-inflammatory for arthritic joints.  It does, of course, also deliver the same urinary tract benefits as it does for humans.

Raw almonds provide protein, calcium, B vitamins, and healthy fats.  My dogs love them, so I use them as a training sort of treat, as well, since they’re do just about anything to get me to part with them!

If cold, or if my dog was exceptionally busy, I’ll add a second meat meal, in the form of a turkey tail, too.

Supplements included provide various benefits, too, such as

Flax oil provides Omega 3-6-9.

Fish oil provides Omega 3-6-9.

Brewer’s Yeast keeps fleas and ticks at bay.

Chlorella is a natural superfood and provides a gentle detox.

Digestive enzymes ensure the flora of the digestive system remains in tip top shape.

Lastly, I need to reiterate a warning about what foods your dog(s) should never, never, never eat.

Chocolate
Onions
Macadamia nuts
Raisins
Grapes

For more information about how I care for my dogs, please visit furheads.com or search the site you’re on now for more articles I’ve written.

Disclosure Statement:  I am not a veterinarian; I do not diagnose medical issues, offer medical advice, prescribe drugs, or perform surgery.  I am a freelance journalist writing about my experiences with my own dogs , incorporating many different complimentary tools found for my own dogs to overcome potential health concerns I have for them. I have been keeping a journal of my findings since July of 1996; I have been privileged to work with several hundred other canines and their families in a wide range of life situations as of the writing of this statement and will gladly provide references should you desire them. Your dog(s) may benefit from the care I’ve provided my own dogs, based on knowledge gained through this experience, courses taken/taught, and animal communication. My role is that of facilitator, assisting you and your dog(s) to attain or maintain a naturally healthy state. The specific results you may see, should you decide to try some of what we’ve done in our family, will be different for each animal. In addition to the articles I write and publish, I also teach massage, Usui Reiki, Quantum Touch, and Animal Communication to owners, caretakers, and practitioners; sell products for animals in these and other holistic and vibrational modalities; provide references to other animal communicators and practitioners.

Guide Dogs for the Blind – be a puppy walker and change your life!

Guide Dogs for the Blind – be a puppy walker and change your life!

My sister Linda is a puppy walker for Guide Dogs for the Blind in the UK and since starting this challenge some 10 years ago she has helped change ten ordinary dogs into  wonderful caring dogs to aid people with either partial sight or no sight at all.    All the dogs in her care were very different not only in breed but in character.   She has nurtured and cared for Labradors, retrievers, german shepherds and even a spinoni which by all accounts is a star and about to be placed with his owner.

I still don’t know how Linda actually got started in her “career” but I only know she has made it her life and loves every minute of it.   Obviously it is very time consuming especially at the beginning when she takes delivery of a 10 week old puppy who feels lonely and frightened being suddenly taken away from its mother but Linda also has her own Labrador pet who ably takes the place of the puppy’s mother until it gets used to its new surroundings.

Linda was only going to do it once she said because it did upset her when the puppy left to start its new life as a guide dog but then she received a letter from the new owner with a photograph of him with the dog and as she said it made it all worthwhile and so when the Association asked if she would like to take another one she said yes immediately.

Most of her work is getting the puppy used to everyday life.  She is able to take her into supermarkets and places where normal dogs cannot go as long as she has the guide dog puppy training leash on and she also takes the dog on trains, buses, airports and anywhere and everywhere any blind person would have to go in his/her day to day life.  In fact one of her dogs, a German Shepherd, definitely has the high life because he has been placed with a very high powered businessman who takes him all over the world with him.  Linda says it is so nice that she knows how all “her” dogs are progressing and where they are and what they are doing.  

Linda trains the dogs socially, general care when crossing a road and being able to interact with other dogs.  To this end she normally takes the puppies to dog training classes within her area.   The puppies normally stay with her for just under a year and then they are taken to the Association’s training centre where they get the full proper training to be a guide dog.  From there they are matched with a blind or partially blind person and the person is also trained with the dog until they feel happy for the dog to actually go and live with its new owner.

All the work Linda does is purely voluntary.  She just gets paid for the puppy’s food and vets bills.  She has, however, roped in her husband to assist from time to time in fund raising and my mother also helps on local stalls in the area merchandise donated to make money for the Association.   I live in Spain but no doubt if I was living nearer I would assist also. 

There is only one dog Linda had who did not actually make the grade and that is a black Labrador/retreiver girl called Kay.     She went through her paces at the training centre and passed with flying colours and was put with a lady who was blind.   The lady adored her and they got on really well.   Unfortunately for some unknown reason Kay suddenly took a dislike to all butchers shops and would not go past one but would just cringe and back away.   Obviously that was no good to the blind lady in question and it was decided Kay would not be able to continue to be a guide dog.   When this sort of thing happens, which does from time to time, the Association always contacts the volunteer who brought up the dog initially to see if they would like to take the dog as a pet.  They therefore contacted Linda who said she would love to have Kay back and she was therefore given to her.     When I go and visit I take Kay out every day for a walk.   She is an absolute delight.  She does not pull on the lead, she looks up at me all the time as if to say she is there to assist and guide me and even when I let her off the lead to have a run through the fields she will not leave my side.   She is very sensitive and loving. 

If you like animals and have the time to spare puppy walking for the Guide Dogs for the Blind it is a very worthwhile thing to do.   You need patience, time to take them out and about and a strong will to allow them to leave you when the time comes but as Linda says she loves every minute of it and will continue to puppy walk for many years to come.

I believe quite a few countries do provide this form of voluntary work and no doubt the Association could guide you to the right direction.

 

As guide dogs approach a curb, they stop so their owner makes it safely. Learn how guide dogs help blind people to get around curbs from a guide dog training expert in this free educational video. Expert: Ian Ashworth Bio: Ian Ashworth is the program director for Dog Guides Canada, an organization that provides Dog Guides to Canadians. Filmmaker: Kevin Fletcher

Helpful Puppy Training Tips

Puppies try to jump at anything and everything during their first year of life. It is worth knowing that this behavior will remain the same when the puppy grows into am adult dog. If you want your dog to keep on jumping on guests, then it is fine to let the puppy jump at you on every occasion. Better way is to reward the puppy and punish for desired behavior. When the puppy is jumping at you, neglect this behavior. Make the puppy sit on the floor and offer a reward. Over a period of time puppy will realize the benefit of sitting in front of you and therefore will forget the tendency of jumping at people. This will be to your great advantage when the puppy grows and becomes a sort of serious dog.

Punishment to the puppy should not be treated as punishment, but correction in behavior. It is important to correct puppy’s behavior at the time of any offence committed by the puppy. Never correct him after a time gap. Fir example, if you don’t want your puppy to start barking the moment doorbell rings, correct him immediately. If you try to correct him after the guests are gone, he may get confused. Once this unwanted behavior is corrected, never forget to reward the puppy for the correct behavior. This reward may not necessarily in the form of food only. You may show your happiness over the behavior and your dog is intelligent enough to know your good mood.

Get a good number of toys for your puppy to chew. Never allow him to bite or chew your hand. If the puppy bites your hand, make a huge noise to make puppy understand his mistake. Don’t try to punish the puppy for this behavior. Walk away from the place and don’t let him near you for some time. Puppy will understand this clearly and never try to repeat that mistake. Handful of chewable toys will do this trick easily.

Try not to leave the puppies unattended in a room. Puppies because of their natural tendency of chewing, will mess up with valuable articles in the room. If you scold him for this, he may not understand the reasons of your behavior. Leave it there itself, and then never ever leave him unattended.

Puppies may feel sick when taken on a long drive. Start training your puppy in the car for shorter distances first and then keep on increasing the trip time and miles. Puppy will get adjusted to long hours in the car.

Puppy house training

Taking a puppy to your place is a hugh responsibility because you’ve to fulfill all the animal’s health needs and provide a loving surroundings. In the first month of accommodation, that may also be the first in your pet’s life, puppy house training is necessary. What does puppy house training mean? First of all, as you may expect to potty train it, then you’ve to make sure it socializes well and is perfectly safe to leave alone in the house. This means puppy house training prevents any form of disruptive behavior and separation anxiety.

Puppy house training will instruct your dog that it has to be alone occasionally. How can you avoid any awful behavior in your absence? At the beginning of puppy house training that should not be too hard at all. You may leave the dog in an isolated area of the house, in some kinda confinement. Do not feel sorry for the pup as it will spend most of the time sleeping. Later when you carry on puppy house training once again, so be sure the dog has something to do when you leave for work, like playing with a toy or eating.

Frequent walks, particularly after meals are also an essential part of the puppy house training. Taking the pet in areas where it can come into contact with others and even dogs is a good idea for the development of social behavior. Dog owners who do not make time to take care of the puppy house training are very likely to have an unsocial friend with unexpected reactions. In time they would have to ask for the assist of a professional trainer or would even give up the dog.

Last not least, puppy house training is part of the family plan. The training part isn’t restricted to one family member, since the dog has to learn how to obey commands in a general manner. For example the “sit” and “down” orders are basic and puppy house training can apply them when the animal is at least several months old. With very young dogs, puppy house training is somehow limited to the potty and the food routine. This is also the time to shower lots of love on your friend and show how crucial it’s to the family. Positive puppy house training is believably the best techniques of our time, so give it a try!

More Potty Training Old Dogs Articles

What it Takes to Correctly Potty Train a Puppy

Before anything else, in order for puppy potty training to be successful you will need to have patience. I can speak from experience in saying that it isn’t always easy to keep a hold of your temper but with patience you can make this process just a bit easier for both you and the pup. Be prepared to spend weeks if not months training your puppy where to use the bathroom. The reason this may take a while is because, much like a human baby, a puppies brain is not fully developed yet, so it may not remember commands as quickly. Give your puppy time to remember the commands and reinforce the commands continuously.

Another thing to know before beginning to potty train a puppy is to never punish it by hitting. Hitting will only make the experience for the puppy more stressful, scary and confusing than it has to be. Not only that, but the puppy could grow up having either a “fight or flight” response in social situations. This means that the puppy will either feel the need to run and hide from everything and everyone out of fear, or to run and attack everything and everyone out of fear. Take your time teaching your puppy, if it happens to make an accident simply clean up the mess and be done with it. However, make sure not to pet it or show it affection once it has done this. Be neutral about it. Only show it love and affection when it uses the bathroom outside in the proper place. It will start to get the hint after a while.

Fortunately, puppies understand the relation that food has to going to the bathroom (after the food has been consumed and digested it goes out the other end so to speak). Knowing this, right after your puppy has eaten a meal take it outside and coach it to use the bathroom. If it does use the bathroom praise continuously, make it feel like it has done the best thing in the world, shower it with love, give it treats play with it, keep repeating, “good boy!” or “good girl!” .enthusiastically It will start to recognize and attribute these words and your reaction to a reward and will encourage it to use the bathroom outside more often.

Keep in mind that puppies, since they are so small and tend to eat a lot, they will have the urge to go to the bathroom a lot more often than older dogs can. Take your puppy to potty at least every half hour, this should allow it to have enough time to do all of its business. Good luck!

If you would like more information on this subject and tips with a bit more detail, here is the link to another article I’ve written on the same subject:

http://www.ehow.com/how_4562656_properly-potty-train-puppy.html

Potty-train a dog by keeping it on a leash and supervising the dog in order to act quickly when the time arises. Learn more about potty-training a dog with tips from an experienced dog trainer in this free video on dog obedience. Expert: Ty Brown Contact: www.communicanine.net Bio: Ty Brown has been a dog trainer for over 10 years. Filmmaker: Michael Burton
Video Rating: 4 / 5

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