Can You Teach An Old Dog New Tricks? Hello everyone, I have an adorable 8 year old yorkie mix who has had some basic training but has always had issues with barking. Currently, whenever she sees another dog, she barks intensely, but is never aggressive. In addition, she makes a dash whenever doors leading to outside are open. I want to train her to control her barking and sit when doors are open. 1. Is she too old to train? 2. How do I choose a great trainer for her and myself? Thanks! :) |
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I addressed the same problem when mine was a little younger. I taught "speak" by ringing the doorbell and rewarding a speak. Once he had that, I could work on "no speak" or "shush." Reward for speak and then reward for shush. Later, when they speak on their own, they'll know what shush means. Beyond that, I always figure barking is a defense mechanism. They're trying to scare something away that they feel could hurt them. So I just try to teach them that whatever it is can't hurt them. In the case of dogs, I might set up a test with a friendly dog in the neighborhood. Have them come over, walk by while you're outside. Try to get to the point where they tolerate each other without barking. The below link is to an article on barking from one of the best behaviorists out there. You might get some ideas there. https://www.dogstardaily.com/training/excessive-barking |
Barking is the bane of our existence around here! Little Gus is an natural barker, much more than any dogs that we have had in the past. His "big brother" Ty steals his toys, and his indignant responses of frustrated barking drives us crazy. We finally had to enforce that one particular ball is "Gus' ball", and train Ty to drop it whenever he picks it up. |
Dogs are never to old. Callie still was learning new tricks at 9. |
Zeke is 9 and has no problem learning new commands but it may be that he is remembering previous training. I got him after he had to spend a month in the shelter and he is very easily startled and frightened and thus, barks a lot. I agree with Mike that aggressive barking is a defense mechanism. Zeke gets scared everytime he sees another dog he turns totally crazy attempting to "attack" other dogs. My reasoning is because he is scared he barks and occasionally attacks. He very seldom barks inside now because each time there was a threat--outside noise, neighbors--I picked him up and talked soothingly to him. However, that's not working outside for us. I was pretty much at my wit's end. So now we just stand off the thoroughfare and basically watch people and dogs go by. Yesterday he stayed calm as 4 dogs walked by. So I have some hope we can conquer Zeke's fear. Good luck. |
Just be patient and loving. These little guys like nothing more than pleasing us. Let him know when you're displeased and when you're happy with his behavior. He'll catch on. |
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