I have a male Jack Russell Terrier, I've had him since he was 8 months. He turned 2 years old this past October...you can't really consider him "old". He's a stubborn little dog, and he's still had some trouble completely learning some things. For instance, loose leash walking. Would it be possible for him to learn how to walk properly on a leash at this point? Or would it be harder?
2006-12-11 08:58:41 · 6 answers · asked by ang 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Here's a helpful answer: both. Easier, because by now you have a relationship with your dog and you know what his favorite rewards are (especially food!) Harder, because your dog has now got a history of (I'm guessing) pulling you around, probably sniffing everything he wants to, etc etc. I think that totally changing the picture when you walk by using a Gentle Leader or Easy Walk harness is in order if you want to turn things around. Both of them are much more effective at getting your dog to stop the pulling than those awful (and ineffective) choke chains and prong collars. Link below, and when you Froogle these you can get them at a discount.
For other stuff - you're making me think it might be more fun to try training your dog to do some silly things. Jacks get so excited when they realize that they're going to work with you and will probably earn lots of great rewards by doing so. I highly recommend that you look at Karen Pryor's website and read about shaping behaviors. It's so much fun to do, especially with an energetic dog. You can work on things like spinning to the left and right, or (one of my dog's faves) "Where's my foot? - when my dog hears me say that, he races up to me and smacks my foot with his. It's fun for people to watch - always makes them laugh.
Time-saving tip : Dogs don't speak English. Remember that you want *first* to get the behavior, and *then* add a name for it when you can bet $20 that the dog will do it. I didn't add the cue of saying "Where's my foot?" until my dog was racing up to slap my foot hard, even when there were distractions around. When I knew he'd do it, I named it.
And, your dog isn't too old. I have a friend who won class after class in Agility trials with a Chihuahua, and she didn't start training that dog 'til it was 10!
Good luck and have fun.
2006-12-11 09:21:32 · answer #1 · answered by Misa M 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. It is still easy to teach him to walk on a leash. Of course, he will rebel but that is natural when he is not use to it. Let him fight the leash for a few minutes. He'll soon learn there is nothing to be afraid of. It would also be a good idea to go through some obedience classes with him as well.
2006-12-11 09:15:35 · answer #2 · answered by Veneta T 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not precise in any respect, you'll coach an historic puppy a brand new trick. It labored with 2 historic puppies. As for a cat, I counted 3, then the cat ran away on account that it used to be too unsafe in that neck of the woods for him.
2016-09-03 08:13:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can. But dogs are like people and they can be stubborn. Some dogs just are lazy and dont want to learn. If you want a good dog though, you got to pick it's butt up and teach him.
2006-12-11 09:06:16 · answer #4 · answered by Another Obsessed Fan ♥ES 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is definitely possible for him to learn, but it may be difficult. My dogs tries to pull my arm out of the socket everytime we go for a walk because she gets so excited. Now I walk her with a harness, and that helps, although she hasn't "learned" anything I don't think. :)
2006-12-11 09:07:45 · answer #5 · answered by eileezy2002 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You most certaintly can teach him anything you would a younger dog. He may or may not be harder. An older dog can be "set in their ways" and therefore it may take more time to retrain them but it can be done with lots of TLC and patience. Good Luck!
2006-12-11 09:06:17 · answer #6 · answered by LYNN W 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋