Why Training an Adult Dog Isn't as Hard as You Think

When you decide to adopt a furry friend, you might end up in the predicament of whether to choose a puppy or an adult dog. Most people get puppies, thinking that training an adult dog will be more difficult since they come from another home or the street, and may already have unwanted habits. 

However, this is just a misconception. Training a puppy can also be difficult— maybe even more than an adult dog. In fact, training an adult dog is much easier than you might think. We’ll tell you why below.

How to train an adult dog

Training an adult dog has its advantages over training a puppy. For example, adult dogs may pay more attention (and for a longer period of time) than a puppy would. In addition, they are calmer, and may understand what you are trying to teach them more easily.

It doesn’t matter how old the dog is. Whatever his age, he can learn the exact same things as other dogs. As mentioned above, there are more advantages to training adult dogs than puppies.

The best way to train an older dog is as follows:

Using positive reinforcement

Many people think that they’ll get good results if they scold, yell, or speak harshly to their dogs. This isn’t true. Like children, the best way to train a dog is with positive reinforcement, no matter its age.

What does positive reinforcement involve? Well, it emphasizes positive behavior instead of negative actions. Instead of punishing a dog when it doesn’t obey, or when it doesn’t understand or does something wrong, you reward it for something it does well.

If you punish them, yell at them, or even hit them (something that we believe should never be done under any circumstances), you’ll get the opposite result of what you’re looking for. The dog will associate the training sessions with something negative and rebel. They’ll ignore everything you say.

Furthermore, yelling, punishments, etc. will only make your dog fear you. If that happens, you won’t be able to bond with them.

Exercise

All dogs, whether they are puppies or adults, need to exercise. Exercise not only helps them stay in shape, but also keeps them psychologically balanced. This will allow for easier training. When a dog is tired, it will be calmer when it’s time to train.

Using up some energy will help them not be nervous. In addition, they’ll be more docile and will pay more attention to what you want to tell them or teach them.

Be consistent

Dogs are herd animals. They need a leader or a boss to guide them. Their leader must be firm and consistent in what they say or do. Otherwise, the dog will want to take the leader’s place.

In addition, dogs love routines. They don’t understand why you say “yes” one day and “no” the next. Therefore, you have to be firm, and set rules that you won’t break under any circumstances.

Be kind

Show your dog kindness and patience, especially if they have been previously mistreated. Love breaks down barriers and opens hearts. If you keep that fact in mind, it will be easier for your adult dog to adapt to you, your family, and your circumstances.

Above all, be patient as well as affectionate. That’s the only way to help your dog feel great, and create a bond with you. That bond will, in turn, help him want to learn, obey, and adapt to your lifestyle.

As with many other things, this will be a slow process. Puppies don’t learn everything in two days, and neither will adult dogs. So, pull up your sleeves and get to work– you can do it!

Original article: https://misanimales.com/adiestrar-perro-adulto-no-complicado/