Too old to train?

[Kasika]

My yorkie Snooki will be 5 years old in October. He is my first pet and I love him dearly. When he was younger I took him to obedient classes and have taught him tricks and commands. He's not super obedient but he sits when I tell him to and comes when I call him (usually).

What's been getting worse lately is the way he acts towards strangers and bigger dogs. He HATES them. He barks at them non stop and has even tried snapping at some people. It really hurts me when he acts like so because I feel like it's my fault. I've been told that 5 years old is to old to train, but is there something I can do to correct this poor behavior?

He also barks alot. At any little sound or any people or dogs he sees out the window. Is there anything I can still do, or should I just live with it?

[FirstYorkie]

He is most definitely NOT too old to train! I think consulting a trainer would be a great idea. Be sure you discuss his reactivity to other dogs before you enroll him in a class, though.

[Superstarkba]

I don't think he is. When I was doing training with Aubrey at Petsmart, there was a 7 or 8 year old poodle in there. So I don't think hes to old. He might be a little harder, especially if he set in his ways.

[Kasika]

Thanks so much for the advice! I don't think Snooki is too old either. I'm a little worried at how he might react at a training class, I just hope he doesn't cause a scene! I will try training him myself, but I will look into talking to a professional.

[linm]

Hello Kasika;

I see you are in BC -- are you in Vancouver? We are taking our guys to DogSmart, http://www.dogsmart.ca/ for their training. When I went to visit them first, I sat through a Beginners class that had 2 8 year old standard poodles in it. The owners (who I knew) had brought their dogs for a 'refresher' and said they were getting a lot out of the class. DogSmart also has Trainers that will meet with you and your dog (in your home if you want) to discuss problems. I would really recommend them; they have been helping us a lot!

[Kasika]

Thanks linm! I took Snooki on a walk recently and he seemed to have gotten a bit better, but I'd still love to talk to some trainers. And, I'm not in Vancouver, I'm in Langley!

[MeganS]

I don't think he is! I have a lab who is 9, and he is still learning new tricks and commands. and Tucker is 2 1/2, and he's still learning new things. I don't believe a dog is ever too old to learn new things.