My golly, a dog is almost never too old to train. I got my dog, Tibbe, at 9 mos. of age, having spent his entire life, completely unsocialized, living alone in a cage in a shed out back of his breeder's home and didn't know a thing about anything but fear and running away from anyone who approached him. He was terrified of people and the world in general, fearful and almost feral, kennel-crazy and totally wild. He screamed when left in a crate but snarled and fought when approached and so skittish of every sound he could barely get through the day without numerous panic attacks. He knew nothing of grooming, housebreaking, living in a house with people, doors, TV's, refrigerators and odd noises - or even how to drink out of a dog bowl! Bless his heart, after 6 months of intensive training and a total of 18 months training at home, he'd lost most of his fears, was totally housebroken - and is totally clean in the house since - and has since been a well-behaved, lovely, calm but happy, bouncy, ultra-friendly, frisky little Yorkie who charms me every moment with his love and feisty attitude and, who, by the way, is a wonderful watchdog. I couldn't have chosen a more perfect dog than my late-bloomer - Tibbe!
__________________  Jeanie and Tibbe One must do the best one can. You may get some marks for a very imperfect answer: you will certainly get none for leaving the question alone. C. S. Lewis |