Training adult dogs
The earlier dogs learn the most important basics of training, the fewer problems they will cause later in their lives with humans. That much is certain. But what if such basic training was neglected during puppyhood? Can adult dogs be trained? How should I train my adult dog? We'll show you what to consider when training your adult dog and which seven exercises you should practice with him.
Dogs learn throughout their lives.
The good news: dogs learn throughout their lives. Just like us humans, they never really stop learning. Even into old age, they are capable of acquiring commands, rules, and certain behaviors – just as they are capable of developing undesirable behaviors as adult dogs. Therefore, their training should never end. After all, the best basic training is useless if you later let the adolescent dog get away with everything out of laziness. Commands, once taught, must be maintained for life. A clear "stay" should not later become a "please wait a moment."
Training adult dogs: Advantages
Of course, small dogs – just like children – often learn faster. They are easier to "mold" because they are extremely inquisitive, learn a lot through play, and are still unbiased about the world. This can be used to advantage in puppy training. On the other hand, puppies also have to learn basic behaviors first – no dog is born house-trained, and no puppy will leave furniture and shoes alone if it has never heard a clear "no." The training and socialization of a puppy. Therefore, it usually takes up more space than when training adult dogs, who are generally already used to living with people.
Training an adult dog can therefore also have its advantages. Older dogs. They are generally calmer and more stable than puppies. They are house-trained. Adult dogs can usually be left alone for short periods and have already become accustomed to a more or less fixed daily routine of sleeping, eating, and going for walks. Longer walks are already possible, and adult dogs also need fewer breaks during training than playful puppies, who can quickly become overwhelmed.
What problems can arise when training a dog?
Training an adult dog can also have its drawbacks. One disadvantage is that certain behaviors have often become ingrained over months or even years. If these behaviors are suddenly no longer desired, the dogs react stubbornly and with insecurity. Changing learned behaviors demands a lot from the adult dog and therefore requires consistency and, above all, patience from the owner. The question, therefore, is not whether adult dogs can still be trained, but rather when they will permanently apply what they have learned. An older dog can be trained just like a young dog – it just might take a little longer.
What to do in cases of severe behavioral problems?
If you want to train dogs that have already developed serious behavioral problems, you will need a great deal of patience. Before you begin to "combat" the unwanted behavior with targeted training, you must first investigate the cause. Why does my dog destroy things? Why does he react aggressively? Why won't he stop barking? Particularly behind the biting and destructive tendencies of some dogs lie serious psychological disorders, which can be triggered not only by traumatic experiences or chronic pain, but also by persistent stress, isolation, or a lack of physical and mental stimulation. The better you understand the causes behind your dog's behavior, the more targeted and promising the training of your adult dog can be. First-time dog owners, in particular, should definitely seek the help of an expert in such cases. But even for people with experience with dogs, a consultation with a dog trainer and attendance at a dog training school can be beneficial.
What does basic dog training entail?
For the coexistence of dogs and humans to work, certain rules are necessary. No other animal lives as closely with humans as the dog, and no other animal is more "humanized" than our four-legged friend. It is often overlooked that the dog descends from the wolf and, like its wolf ancestor, requires a certain order within its "pack" to provide it with security and orientation. Dogs need clear rules that are consistently enforced. Any exception to these rules unsettles them and, in particular, tempts self-confident breeds to take over the leadership themselves.
To avoid conflicts, your dog must master basic commands such as "sit," "down," "leave it," "heel," and "stay." He shouldn't simply run into the street when you call "sit," he shouldn't run across the supermarket parking lot when you command "stay," and he shouldn't chase the neighbor's rabbit or dog when you command "heel." The following exercises provide a foundation that your dog should master and will make life easier not only for you, but also for your dog and those around you.
The right training for adult dogs
Whether your dog is a puppy or an adult dog who has lacked training is largely irrelevant. Nevertheless, you should consider your dog's age when training them. While puppies benefit from their playfulness, and training sessions should be kept relatively short, more experienced dogs often need more stimulation and challenges to learn new things readily. Adult dogs have already developed strong preferences. The better you know your dog, the better you can utilize these preferences in your training. Dog training works best through positive reinforcement. If you know what your dog likes, you can reward them with it as soon as they exhibit the desired behavior. This doesn't always have to be with treats. It could be, but it could also be petting, a word of praise, a toy, or a fetch game with sticks or a ball.
Is attending a dog training school worthwhile?
Practicing the commands described here requires not only a lot of time but also a great deal of discipline. Especially when training adult dogs that have already developed undesirable behaviors, an owner needs not only consistency and sensitivity but, above all, patience and perseverance. Don't get discouraged if it doesn't work immediately. It takes time for a dog to accept the alternative behavior and understand that it's worthwhile for them to listen to your commands. Regular attendance at a dog training school can be a good motivator. Especially if you have your first dog, conversations with experts and other dog owners are often very insightful. Even if you read countless guides, you still have to put what you've learned into practice. The dog training school's approach must be sound. It should suit you and your dog. Generally, the groups shouldn't be too large so that the trainer can dedicate themselves intensively to each dog (and owner) and readily answer all questions.
We wish you and your dog every success on your journey together!