Have i left training my dog to late.

[wattew]

Hi all....
Jessy is now just 2yrs old and ive not really done much training with her, although she will come back on command (when she wants to). Is it to late for her? Where should i start if not? I have just bought her a hault lead which is a godsend now she doesnt take me for a walk as i have that little bit more control.Any tips on what to do first?????

[Cherry Heart]

It isn't to late at all. People take in rescues that are older then that and still can find success in training them. You'll need time and patience but with dedication, a well behaved/trained dog can be in your future. Look for some basic obedience classes in your area and start there. Even a dog who has been in class before can use a refresher course now and then. This will help bring the two of you closer and bond, and it may just be fun. Your trainer can also help you with building a training plan more specific to you and YOUR dog as they will be able to meet with you face to face and see both of your personalities up close.

[HerculesMomma]

I adopted my male Rottie at 2 1/2 years old. When I got him he only knew sit and shake - and neither one was consistent.

He has since learned down, stay, come, leave it, watch me, stand, speak etc.

We went ahead and enrolled in a formal obedience class 4 months after I got him. So, it certainly is not too late! I recommend getting into a formal class though, you learn all kinds of neat things you might not think of on your own (such as if you give a command do not repeat it more than once and make sure you can make your dog follow through with it etc).

It's great fun to have a dog who is well behaved, especially such a big dog. Mine too pulled me around on the leash when I first got him, but training and a prong collar taught him that was unacceptable.

So start looking for a class to join!

[Burnsway]

I don't think it is ever too late to train dogs things. I was training my half blind and half deaf senior chow mix new things all the way up till her last year at 17 years old.

[Canadianrotti]

Formal classes are for dogs of any age. In our grade 1 class last year, of the 12 dogs, 3 or 4 were older dogs, and one of them was a 7 y/o lab!!

There is sooooo much to learn about training dogs, and building a relationship with your dog, that can be found at a good trainig class. Even though I have been through the training a few times with different dogs, the next pup I get will be doing the same, I learn something new every class!

Good luck, and let us know how things work out.

[Judi W]

It is never to late to train. Even those that have spent their lives in training are continuously learning new skills.

It is possible however to leave it late to introduce your dog to the world. If that is the case, expect the training to be much more difficult.