Your dog’s ability to learn depends on a few different factors
Training a dog involves multiple variables: Genetics, socialization, environment, and your relationship are just a few. Luckily, our Invisible Fence® Brand experts know a thing or two when it comes to training pets! This article focuses on two factors we get asked about all the time: Age and breed.
Age is More than a Number
Research has shown that while dogs of all ages can learn, older dogs don’t learn as quickly as younger ones. So patience in training mature dogs is a must!
Changing Habits is Harder for Older Dogs
Just as it often is with humans, when dogs reach full adulthood they can be stubborn about releasing old habits. Remember when you train an adult dog that he may be trying to unlearn or relearn old behaviors, acquire new behaviors, and make you happy all at the same time!
Dogs Mature at Different Rates
Remember that puppies grow up fast at first, but their development doesn’t continue at the same pace. Most dogs tend to become socially mature between age 1-3 years.
Even Older Dogs Need Challenges
Remember that puppies grow up fast at first, but their development doesn’t continue at the same pace. Most dogs tend to become socially mature between age 1-3 years.
Canine Senior Citizens Need Special Consideration
If your dog is in the last quarter of his life, focus on health, diet, and just enough activity. Expect their attention, mobility, and stamina to limit the ability to learn.
Breed is More than a Personality
Historically, breeding takes a dog’s natural talents and tendencies and develops them for certain types of work, so your dog’s breed can give you an early indication of what to expect when training starts.
Terriers are Tenacious
They tend to be very determined and feisty. Be alert to when their natural tendency for being energetic and willful goes overboard into being disobedient. It takes time to train a terrier.
Check out how we trained two West Highland White Terriers on Invisible Fence.
Herding Dogs Take Care of Business
We’ve all heard stories about how intelligent and trainable Border Collies are (and herding dogs in general). They are task-focused and amazingly serious about their work, making them often very easy to train. But be on the lookout for a strong independent streak and the tendency to watch their surroundings rather than their trainer.
Check out how we trained a Border Collie on Invisible Fence.
Hounds are Born to Hunt
This can sometimes mean that they’ll be more focused on what they smell than what they’re supposed to be learning. We love hounds for their independence, but it can sometimes be a distraction.
Check out how we trained a Redbone Coonhound Mix on Invisible Fence.
Mixed Breeds Often Have Their Own Instincts
What makes mixed breeds so interesting is that you can see different tendencies emerge in them over time. Sometimes it takes an experienced trainer to navigate their personality and train them in the best behaviors. Pet parents, try to get as much information as possible about your dog’s ancestry.
Check out how we trained a Mixed Breed on Invisible Fence.
Since 1973, Invisible Fence® Brand’s innovative solutions, industry-leading training and expertise have given more than 3 million pets newfound independence and security - while also instilling confidence in their owners.
