real hard to do?
2007-02-04 08:50:36 · 9 answers · asked by Hans B 5 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Adult dogs can be trained - my dog came from the shelter as an adult, and she did great in obedience classes. My last dog started obedience classes at 9 years old, and did just fine too. It's never too late to start learning!
Look for an obedience class that uses positive training methods to help you bond with your dog - the shelter should be able to recommend a good local trainer for you. Try to observe a class before signing up, so you can make sure you're comfortable with the trainer and his or her methods. Classes should be an enjoyable experience for you & your dog. Avoid any trainers that advise harsh punishments and Alpha dog rolls that may create behavior problems.
In the meantime, go to the library, pet store, or bookstore & get a good book on dog training to read at home, to learn about working with your dog.
This is a good one:
http://www.dogwise.com/itemdetails.cfm?ID=DTB723
This one isn't specifically about how to train your dog, but it has great information about how people & dogs communicate, and will help you to better understand your dog:
http://www.dogwise.com/itemdetails.cfm?ID=DTB745
Once your dog has learned a basic command such as 'sit', you can start using the "nothing in life is free" method described here to help establish its place in your household - this is important for all dogs, but especially a strong-willed dog like a Staffy:
http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/nilif.pdf
Here's another site with good information specific to the breed you're considering adoptiong: http://www.realpitbull.com/ownership.html
With a Staffordshire, there are some special issues to think about before you bring one home. Hopefully the shelter has already addressed these with you, but if not, the site linked above has a lot of good info.
Best of wishes for you & the adopted dog!
2007-02-04 09:08:40 · answer #1 · answered by Bess2002 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Training is never impossible in dogs. They are very intelligent animals, below the dolphin and chimpanzee. The common thought of an old dog cant learn new tricks is simply not true and only that, an old tale. Many dogs who are adopted from the shelters and pounds are older dogs some even seniors. They many times are not house trained or know basic comands and the shelters easily train them just as if they were puppies to be able to be adopted easier. I have a dog who is almost 13 and she has been learning tricks all of her life and recently learned a new trick to roll over. Many dogs love learning and its a very good way to keep them happy as they get older.
2007-02-04 17:10:47 · answer #2 · answered by luawai 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually they are too old to train the day before they die.
Find out if the dog has any vices or bad habits before you adopt if you can. Then find a trainer that has experience with bully breeds. Since they have different need than say a lab. There is no reason your dog can't learn anything you want it to. I have trained dogs from 3 weeks to 9 years old. Anything goes. And your dog will enjoy working with you.
2007-02-04 16:59:15 · answer #3 · answered by Dragonfry 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Patience is the best answer. If you don't know a dogs history it may take you a little longer, but not impossible. Be careful if you have cats. I tried to adopt a dog of that breed that was about 9 months old and was told cats were out of the question. Be sure the dog is good with other animals that makes it easier to socialize the dog.
I have a half pit and love him to death. Good Luck!
2007-02-04 17:36:18 · answer #4 · answered by CT Girl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Pit is one dog I will never own. I have been bitten and attacked , stopped dog fights and attacks.
BYBers have screwed up the breeds that are considered to be Pits.
training can start as soon as you bring it home. But don't count on it to solve all their problems.. They are very strong, even training can't fix poor blood lines or retarted dogs.
If you are getting a pet quality dog, one without a Pedigree, you are getting a dog that has lots of faults that the BYBers aren't aware of. It is like if you were to breed two mentally ill people together, what will be the outcome?
Go to puppy school, or dog training classes. They train you how to train your dog and you go home and do the home work. Every day there should be a training session with you and your dog and go to the classes each week and see who did their home work and who didn't. Don't let your dog embarsse you
2007-02-04 17:22:22 · answer #5 · answered by bluebonnetgranny 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Its very important to start discipline and training when the are young enough to start doing wrong and knowing better. Its never to late or too old to start training. Start as soon as you adopt. If you need help, I suggest Dog training classes.
2007-02-04 16:56:58 · answer #6 · answered by iceez81 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, you better train it to find you a place to live that will take him because more and more landlords are not allowing pit bulls. ANd insurance companies wont give you house insurance if you have a pit because they have lost billions from liablity lawsuits involving pits. Sorry, thats just the facts. Good luck dude.
2007-02-04 17:15:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're basically adopting a pit bull. Socialization is important. I love Amstaffs, I have 4 pits.
2007-02-04 17:00:39 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it may be work, but any dog can be trained to be what you want. Have you watched the dog whisper. it is awsome. he can train regardless of age. his name is cesar millan and he has a web site but i don't know what it is
2007-02-04 17:01:29 · answer #9 · answered by Moony Black 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋