I adopted a dog from the pound. He is 5 years old...?

Question

Is it too late to take him to obedience school..I have had this guy for over 6 months, and love him to death, but...he doesn't always listen, and he is naughty (ie gets in the garbage, opens the fridge and eats food out of it occasionally). Obviously I have tried disciplining him in differents ways....Nothing works...I don't want to give him up, but I need to fix this......What do I do??????

Answer 1

Dogs don't learn by discipline, they learn by motivation. You need to manage the environment. Put something on the garbage so he cannot open it; same with the refridg. It is a matter of outsmarting him - right now he is outsmarting you.

Answer 2

Obedience classes aren't for the dog, they are for the owner to learn how to train the dog. So yes, go. It's never too late. I have fostered dogs from 8 weeks to 3 and 4 years old and have trained them and taught them manners. Consistancy is the biggest thing and let them know you are the boss. This doesn't mean being mean to them. Just firm like you would a child. I have a Chow mix and he is so stubborn like a Chow and will stop in his tracks chasing a cat or squirrel outside when I say "no" because of respect and knowing that I'm the boss and he has to listen to me to get praise. I've had him for 3 years now and everytime he does something right I pet him and tell him he did good even if it's something he's done from the day I got him.

Answer 3

The old saying that "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" is totally wrong. If you work at it continuously, he can be taught anything. Remember, that it's "repetition and reward". Read a book or two on how to "untrain" bad habits, and retrain him. Sprinkle black or cayenne pepper over the top of the garbage before going to bed, that may help discourage him from going into it. Put a chair with a few metal pots on it in front of the refrigerator. When he goes near it, the noise will alert you and scare him. Then scold him, severely, but do not use his name when being negative with him.

Answer 4

It's true...it's never to late to train you're dog. When looking for an obediance class...look for a trainer but also a behaviourist. Also, dogs are just like children. They need consistancy, consistancy, consistancy. If there is more than one bi-ped in the house, you all need to use the same training techniques, otherwise the dog will become very confused and he won't learn. Check out dogster.com...great site for dog lovers!

Answer 5

I think the obedience class is a great idea. First, it will really teach you how to bond with him. It could be that he simply hasn't come to the realization that you indeed are his new owner. And it will teach you how to take command of the situation in a way that get's him to respond. Old dogs can learn new tricks

Answer 6

It's never too late for obedience school but if you don't want to take him there train him yourself. Have you tried treats? Stinking his nose in the mess he made? Catching him in the act? Growling? I don't really know anymore.

Answer 7

5 years is still young for a dog. By all means, take him to obedience school. And when you tell him 'No!' about something, be consistent so he will know what the rules are.

Good luck!

Answer 8

I don't think he is to old for obedience. I think a dog can learn at any age, it is just consistency and being strong.

Answer 9

it's not too late for doggy school!!! My ex's 6 year old sheepdog needed classes so bad - he took Milo and the dog graduated with puppy honors!!! It's never too late to teach an old dog new tricks ;)

Answer 10

It's never too late to train a dog. You could take him to classes, or maybe ask advice from your vet (ours was pretty helpful anyway).