Training an adult dog. Read our tutorial

Training an adult dog is possible, but it will probably take longer than training a puppy. However, it is worth the effort. How do you do it? Read our tutorial!

Adult dog training – is it possible? Read our tutorial!

Experts believe that a dog becomes an adult when it is physically mature. Depending on the breed, this occurs between 12 and 18 months and up to that moment, training seems to be quite an easy job. It turns out that it is also possible to train an adult dog: we checked out the best way to get started.

A grown-up dog is trained differently from a puppy

When training an adult dog, it is important to remember that you are dealing with an animal that already has habits and behaviours settled. This means in reality that some of the techniques used with puppies may not work so well with adults. What is recommended for successful training of mature quadrupeds is positive reinforcement and reward-based methods. It is also important to start with tiny steps. Start with basic commands such as ‘sit’, ‘stay’ and ‘come’. Once these commands have become natural to your pet, add more complex commands as ‘leave’, ‘stay’ and ‘come’.

The basis of training: routine

In order for training to be successful, it is important to set up a regular routine. It should be a fun activity for both you and your dog, so start with short sessions each day. Having consistent rules and expectations is also helpful, as well as lots of praise when your dog responds correctly. Training should be done in a positive way using rewards such as treats, toys or verbal praise!

Training an adult dog without any distractions

When introducing new commands during training, it is best to use distraction-free methods. This means limiting or eliminating completely any distractions that may cause the dog to be less responsive. This can include simple things such as turning off the TV, having fewer people around during training and moving furniture away from the training area.

Evaluate what your pet can do up to now

If you want to train an adult dog, it is important to create a plan that is fully personalised. This should include an evaluation of your pet’s current skills and habits so that you can set realistic goals for where you would like your dog to stand regarding obedience. You should also take in consideration any health or behavioural issues that may have an impact on the outcome of the training. Except for basic commands, consider teaching your adult dog tricks such as ‘roll over’ or ‘fetch’. This kind of trick-based training is fun for both you and your pet and helps establish trust between the two of you.

Don’t get discouraged and take action!

Eventually, with patience, consistency and plenty of positive reinforcement, it is possible to train an adult dog. With a personalised training plan and plenty of rewards, such as dog treats, your four-legged friend can learn commands quickly. Persistence is important here, as it will certainly take longer to train an adult dog than a puppy. Good luck!