Teaching an older dog '

[nanahas3]

We just adopted Lolita who is 5 years old from a YT member who rescued her. She has been such a blessing to us and we don't have any major issues. My thing is with Laddy we make him sit for treats and he can do tons of tricks. Of course we got him as a puppy. Lolita coming from a life of breeding does not understand when you say sit etc. She will come to us when called but thats about it. Does anyone have suggestions about getting her to sit and lay down?

[oopsmyhalofello]

Is she treat driven? If so first teach her to look at you... show her you have the treat in your hand and bring it up to your face and ask her to "watch" you.. when she is looking at you give her the treat. I have learned that one is very good to teach the dog to pay attention to you. Then you want to use hand motions in case some day the dog loses it's hearing you can still give commands. Sit, I believe is done by bringing your arm up from the elbow as you say sit. Starting out on this one use a treat and hold it up near her forehead going back until she is sitting.. of course using the command while doing it... For laying down put her in a sit, then bring the treat down on the floor between her legs and push towards her until she lays down while smelling the treat.

it is harder then I thought to explain this with typed words, hope it was able to be understood.. or that it was even what you were looking for. LOL

[Yorkiekids]

You can train her the same way you did your pup; with lots of love, patience and praise. It works. Three of mine were older rescues, and everything worked out. Enjoy the challenge.

[YorkieMother]

Any dog can learn using postive reinforcment and even a clicker.

Joy

[JoeyP]

Try training her with your other dog present

Have your other dog run through the tricks that you want her to do
There is a behavioral copying that does go on with dogs

also start he off with VERY simple tasks
I would suggest just getting her to focus first
She has to get the behavior >>>>> treat follow up first

[YorkieMother]

Originally Posted by JoeyP

Try training her with your other dog present

Have your other dog run through the tricks that you want her to do
There is a behavioral copying that does go on with dogs

also start he off with VERY simple tasks
I would suggest just getting her to focus first
She has to get the behavior >>>>> treat follow up first

Habing a dog watch another is good but usually they pick up the bad stuff faster then the good. and it only works if one or both can stay on task and not want to play with each other.

I use my freinds calm dog to socialized any of the new ones aslong as there is not a thunder storm around as I do not want my freinds dog to teach fear of them...

JL