View Full Version : Can you teach an old dog new tricks?
Hayle101
Nov 6, 2013, 04:48 AM
Well the dog's not old, but he's grown out, like not a puppy anymore, he just turned one year. Now the thing is he's not house broken, I want to know if it's possible to still housebreak him at this point? Because I live with my parents, and they told me he's too old to learn so he should stay outside, but the big dogs are outside and I've notice he isn't eating as much as he should since I've let him stay outside, I want what's best for my dog, and in my oppion that's being inside with me, where I can monitor how much he eats and spend enough time with him. Any advice? Thankz Guys :)
tickle
Nov 6, 2013, 05:44 AM
If he just turned one year he is a teenager actually and certainly not too old to still learn. You have to be diligent if you want him to learn though.
Take him out with you as many times a day as necessary. Praise him when he has a pee, out again last thing at night, and certainly during the night when he is restless. You can't be too tired to bother if you want it to work. Last of all, first thing in the morning. You could have a vet check to make sure there are no urinary problems.
As for his eating habits, well, his physique is changing so his appetite will too.
Cat1864
Nov 6, 2013, 07:35 AM
To make certain we are talking about the same animal, this is about Spud, the Jack Russell?
If your parents' dogs are outside dogs, do they want an inside dog? Is his lack of potty-training an excuse to make him stay outside with the others? If your parents do not want him inside, then you are going to have to abide by their rules while you live there.
If he isn't house-broken what were his living arrangements before you moved in with your parents? It may give ideas for other tips on training him.
Is he eating what he needs as opposed to what you think he should be eating? Have you changed his food? Is he getting nibbles from the other dogs' bowls? Is he getting more treats?
Yes, dogs of all ages can learn new things. Older dogs are sometimes easier to train. It still takes everyone in the household being patient and consistent in the training. Since you have a young child it will take everyone helping you for this to be successful. There will be times when the dog and child's needs conflict and you will need the other household members' aid.
If your parents are not going to help you or allow him to stay in the house until he is trained, you might try a reverse method of potty training. Instead of taking him out to potty, bring him inside for a short period of time after you know he has gone to the bathroom. Take him back outside if he looks like he is going to use the bathroom or fifteen to thirty minutes after he has had food or drink and immediately after waking up from a nap. Give him some time outside. Watch him. After he potties, call him in. Repeat the process. Gradually increase the time inside as he learns to let you know when he needs to go outside and your parents accept him being inside.
If your parents are okay with it, hang a bell from the doorknob of the door he will be using to go outside. When you take him out, encourage him to ring the bell. It might keep your parents from objecting to any scratching at the door to go out.
Training of any type will be good for him. Working his mind and body will keep him from becoming destructive. It may also help with your parents allowing him inside since everything comes back to their rules while you are living there.
Good luck.
Hayle101
Nov 6, 2013, 12:27 PM
Before we had a huge fence so we could leave the door open for him to go outside, but this neighborhood is really dangerous, so we can't do that, he's not completely stupid when it come to doing his business, for example he knows well enough to know he should never do it on the furniture, and he only does it in front of doors, but like every door in the house, so I'm not quite sure of the way he's thinking. Yeah it's Spud .
Cat1864
Nov 6, 2013, 01:22 PM
Before we had a huge fence so we could leave the door open for him to go outside, but this neighborhood is really dangerous, so we can't do that, he's not completely stupid when it come to doing his business, for example he knows well enough to know he should never do it on the furniture, and he only does it in front of doors, but like every door in the house, so I'm not quite sure of the way he's thinking. Yeah it's Spud .
Sounds like he knows doors lead to his potty place but he doesn't understand which one or how to tell you he needs to go. Once you can get him to understand going to one door and whining, scratching, ringing a bell, anything to get your attention, you will have him fully trained.
Pay more attention to his signals. He sounds like a subtle pup so you will have to be extremely observant. You might find him sitting in front of a door looking at the handle or going from door to door expecting one to open for him. If you do, go to the correct door and call him, (if you chose to use the bell, ring it or if there is time get him to,) open the door and say "potty time" or whatever command you are using to let him know to go potty.
Good luck.