There is a common belief among pet lovers that adult dogs cannot be trained.
The most you can achieve is to train your dog to a few commands that he will perform whenever he wants to. But that's a myth.
Both owners and pets suffer because of it. Sometimes people get rid of a dog only because it is not well-behaved, and refuse to train it, because they think it is impossible.
How to Train an Adult Dog
You can train a dog of any age, you just need to take into account some nuances (character, speed of learning, old skills that an adult dog is used to). But the training technology itself is the same as for a puppy.
Step 1: Set rules and boundaries.
The first step in training any dog is to set rules and boundaries that cannot be changed. You cannot allow paws on you today and then forbid them tomorrow. For example, if you do not want your dog to climb on the furniture, set a rule that furniture is off-limits.
Step 2: Use positive reinforcement.
Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective dog training methods. It involves rewarding your dog's desired behavior with treats or praise.
For example, if your dog sits when you say "Sit," praise him and give him a treat. This way, your dog will associate the desired behavior with a pleasant experience and will repeat it in the future.
Step 3: Be consistent.
Consistency is the key to successful training. Be consistent in your commands and training approaches. Don't let your dog do something that is forbidden just because you are too lazy to stop it. If you let your pet break a prohibition or a command, he will remember it and will try again in the future.
Step 4: Be patient.
Training an adult dog can take a lot of time and patience. Don't expect the dog to instantly understand and follow all commands. In some cases, you will have to endure a real battle for leadership, as the pet may sabotage the educational process, show open disobedience and try to set its own rules.
The owner must withstand the pressure and suppress the rebellion, achieving compliance with the commands.
Remember: a puppy needs to be trained, and an adult dog needs to be retrained. This is much more difficult, since the pet will return to the old behavior pattern for a long time. Also, keep in mind that an adult animal has already formed a certain character.
The dog can be cunning, aggressive, fearful. And this must be taken into account.
If you are having difficulty training an adult dog, do not hesitate to seek help from professionals. They can offer individual recommendations and instructions that will help you achieve success in training.
