Older Dogs CAN Change

Old dogs can learn new behaviors, just as they can learn new bad habits. The only real difference between training an old dog vs. a young dog is that we have to be extra careful the new behavior isn’t a result of a health issue. Urinary tract infections or simple incontinence could be the culprit behind a sudden lapse in housebreaking. Arthritis could explain a dog’s sudden irritability, which may be interpreted as aggression. Once your dog is cleared by the vet, however, we can get started.

Don’t give up on your older dog, we CAN help!

There could be several factors contributing to your older dog’s sudden lapse in good behavior. If you’ve moved, introduced a new pet into the home, or experienced any other big changes (children leaving for college can often cause anxiety) chances are it’s affecting your dog. Maybe you haven’t been as consistent with your dog since he or she has gotten older, which has allowed him or her to take a mile when you’ve only given an inch. Or maybe your dog, quite simply, is getting older and more stubborn.

Whatever the reason, I can get to the bottom of it and turn their behavior around through in-home training. Every dog and situation is different, but techniques that may be employed include basic obedience training, proper leash handling techniques, place training, structured scheduling, proper bonding, and elimination of roaming. 

Another great thing about in-home training for older dogs is that it eliminates the trepidation some families may have about adopting an older dog from a shelter. Too often, dogs are overlooked because they have pre-existing behavioral conditions like separation anxiety, excessive barking, dog aggression, etc. Even if your relationship is brand new but involves an older dog, my in-home training program can help.

If you have an older dog in need of some behavioral guidance, give me a call today at 215.709.2560.