Dog training is not an easy feat, and every pet owner must be prepared to invest a lot of effort and patience into making their furry friend a well-behaved companion. But, have you ever wondered at what point it becomes challenging to train a dog?
The answer to that question depends on several factors, including the breed, the dog’s personality, and the owner’s level of commitment to training.
In this article, we will explore at what age training a dog can become a challenge and why. We will also provide some tips to help you overcome the difficulties you may face in training your canine companion.
Adolescence Age: 6 to 18 Months
The adolescent period is the age when a dog may start to challenge your authority. During this time, puppies are discovering the world around them and may become more independent, playful, and sometimes disobedient. At this point, many dogs tend to test their boundaries, and the once successful training techniques may not work anymore.
Moreover, this phase can be challenging for the pet owner since they may not understand what their dog is going through. In addition, an adolescent dog may have more energy and less focus, making it harder to teach them new skills.
Training Tip: During this time, you should stay consistent with your training routine and reinforce positive behavior. Practice patience and reward your dog for good behavior. Try to make the training sessions fun and engaging for your pup to keep their attention.
Senior Age: 8 Years and Above
When a dog reaches their senior years, they may start to experience age-related changes such as hearing and vision loss, arthritis, and cognitive decline. Therefore, they may become less active and less motivated to learn new things. As they age, their energy levels decrease, and they may also require more frequent rest breaks, which can make it challenging to maintain a training routine.
Training Tip: It’s essential to prioritize your senior dog’s health and wellness. Reward them with plenty of rest, and adjust your training sessions to accommodate their changing needs. Break up the training sessions into smaller, more manageable segments to help your senior dog stay focused and engaged.
Breeds with High Prey Drive
Certain dog breeds, like the Jack Russell Terrier, Beagle, and Greyhound, have an innate desire to chase and hunt prey animals. Although this instinct can be helpful for activities such as hunting, it can also make training challenging, especially for novice dog owners.
These dogs tend to be more challenging to train because they have a strong desire to follow their instincts, which may lead them to ignore their owner’s commands and training techniques.
Training Tip: For breeds with high prey drive, it’s essential to engage them in activities that help satisfy their instincts, such as agility or tracking. You may also want to take them to training classes that cater to their breed-specific needs.
Rescue Dogs with Trauma
Dogs that have experienced trauma, such as rescue dogs from abusive homes or those who have been abandoned, can have a difficult time trusting humans. This lack of trust can make training challenging, especially when trying to teach basic commands or socializing them with other dogs.
Training Tip: Rescue dogs require more patience, understanding, and flexibility from their owners. Start by building a trusting relationship with your dog and work at their pace. You may also want to consider seeking professional help from a certified dog trainer to assist you with specific training techniques.
Experience Club K9
Our experienced trainers use positive reinforcement techniques to help your dog become happier, less anxious, and more respectful.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you and your pup live a more fulfilling life together.