I have a 5yr old dog. How can I train him? Is it to late?

Question

Hes a mut /pit pull

Answer 1

It is never to late to train a dog. However you did not say train him to what?

Answer 2

it is never too late however it may be tough for him and you. i would suggest seeking help from a professional trainer and reading this book, good owners/ great dogs by brian kilcommons. the thing about training is being consistent, in other words don't give him a command or instruction to stop behaivor once then the next time let him get away with that behaivor; this will confuse the dog and he will find your commands arbitrary. also, when you give commands, give it once. if the dog doesn't respond, make him do what you commanded; this is another thing that will make him think your commands are arbitrary and can be followed as he sees fit. either way, training really is just learning how to effectively communicate what you want from him on terms he understands. if you have no perspective to that end, you should seek the help of a reputible trainer (reputible is key) and read up on the subject as a means of becoming knowledgable.

Answer 3

It's only too late when they are dead - I started with one at age NINE 1/2 years. She got the basic obedience title (CD) at just under 11 yr - she was NOT the oldest entered.

Best bet ,if you don't know haw to train a dog, is a obedience class, the instuctor can see just what is going on.... Ask your vet for a referral (they frequently hava a list of local trainers), in my area many schools now have it as a adult night school class. Petsmart is often not the best but better than nothing.

Answer 4

No, not too late. There are some great sites using all-positive methods that you can look at to get started (links below) - NO hitting or striking required! I'd also recommend finding a clicker class near you so that you can get extra help.
Good luck! I have a friend who adopted a 10-yr old Chihuahua and taught him Agility - dogs can do anything, given the right reinforcements.

Answer 5

It's not too late! I took my dog to obedience class when he was 9 years old, and we both had a great time. He aced both beginning and advanced class, too, perhaps because he was past the crazy puppy and adolescent stage.

For best results, go with a positive training method. Look for a class that utilizes positive training methods, but watch out - some trainers call their classes positive to lure people in when they really don't use positive-methods. Observe a class before signing up, and look for a different class if they recommend using chain collars or punishment in training. Class should be fun for both you & the dog.

Some good books for training at home:

The Power of Positive Dog Training:
http://www.dogwise.com/itemdetails.cfm?ID=DTB723

So Your Dog's Not Lassie (good for "stubborn" or independent dogs):
http://www.dogwise.com/itemdetails.cfm?ID=DTB563

Have fun!

Answer 6

it is not too late. old dogs can learn new tricks. you should watch the Dog Whisperer. I have gained much knowledge about dogs since I have watched his show. In short, he makes sure a person realizes that they must take the roll of the pack leader in order for them to be obediant. With every dog it takes different amounts of time to train them. Some dogs are smarter and less stubborn than others. Think about this, a dog in a pack has one dominate leader and all the other dogs remain subordinate to the pack leader. If a dog challenges his athority, the dominate male does not ''speak'' to that dog and say no. He in fact growls his disapproval or bites that dog. In turn, you must use measures in the same way. Saying no is only understood if you have taught a dog what no means. Here's an example of what I did.

My dog would never walk on a leash beside me. He would constantly pull me around. He was taking the role of pack leader and I was his subordinate. So, I put him on a short leash which was put on a choke collar. The choke collar is place high on his neck so it doesn't actually choke him but rather gets his attention. As I walked him, if he tried to get ahead of me I would stop and say no, but with that no I would firmly strike his side. Don't worry. Striking his side is what he expects from a pack leader and he will not hold it against you. After some time, maybe a week, he started understanding what no meant and also what I expected of him when he was on a leash. If another dog comes by you must hold the collar firmly and make your dog turn around so as to allow other dogs to smell him. This also is a way of making him be subordinate. Now, when I put him on his leash, he walks beside me or slightly behind me. If I stop he stops. When I say sit he sits. He walks at my pace and no faster. If another dog comes by he will sit and allow that dog to smell him without aggression.

This was a first step in teaching my dog that I was the pack leader and when I was ready to train him to do other things he was more obediant. When i do teach him other things like sit, stay or fetch I will always put the collar own if he gets a little stubborn.

Establish yourself as the pack leader during walks and other things you wish to teach him will become easier.

One last thing, if your dog is too stubborn during walks and it seems hard to get him to mind, take him on a walk that has a fast pace. wear him out. when he is tired he will be easier to control.

good luck.

Answer 7

It's never too late to train a dog. I'd suggest contacting a local dog club in your area (agility, obedience or training) and ask them for referrals to some good trainers. This is a great way to find a trainer and you are getting suggestions from people who take their training seriously. They'll make recommendations of people they know, have used, and trust.

Answer 8

Not too late. Never too late. Sign up for an obedience class so he can learn his manners and you can learn how to handle him. If it's house training you need, try crate training. It works. There are many websites that tell you how - just search on crate training. I've used it several times with great success.

Answer 9

Call The Dog Whisperer.

Answer 10

Alot will depend on you and your pets relationship, but its never too late to train..however it takes 21 days of training for it to become a habit. Rewards and treats are a must., as it differiates positives and negitives.
Good Luck !!!!