is the saying "You cant teach old dogs new tricks" true?

[Chubby]

OK...here's the story.

I'm getting a boxer/lab mix dog tomorrow who is around 4 yrs old. I know thats not too old, but he is a rescue...and will be new to a good home.

The question I am wondering is, when 'chubby' gets more settled down here, is it possible to teach him more tricks? I know he's not a puppy but i just like that kinda stuff.

any info is appreciated, hopefully ill be getting him tomorrow and will have pics up!

thanks


jarrett

[lovemyshiba]

Welcome to Pet Talk!! And thank you for saving a pup!!!
I am no expert, but there are many of them on here, however I believe you can teach him more tricks!! There's no reason you shouldn't be able to, especially if you are dedicated to doing it, and it will be fun!! You could check into agility or flyball or something fun like that too!!
I can't wait to see pics!!!

[wolfsoul]

Wow, lovemyshiba, exclamation marks after very sentence! lol I think it would be more difficult with older dogs, but not impossible. lovemyshiba is right, you should put Chubby in agility or something. I can't wait to see some pics!

[gkristian]

I believe that you can teach old dogs new tricks but it depend on the dog.

[wolf_Q]

Of course you can! Dogs are very intelligent creatures. Congrats on rescueing him, I hope we get to see pics!! Both labs and boxers are very sweet dogs, so I bet he's a great mix! Hey, and he might even come already knowing a few tricks too!

[RockyRoad]

Well I cannot say for dogs, but my rabbit is being litter trained now, and she is three years old. She is doing well, but it does take time.
The House Rabbit Society said that it is easier to teach an older rabbit to be litter trained than a younger one.
I'm assuming it would be the same for dogs?

Puppies are easily distracted, IMHO, because they are young and playful. I think it would be easier to train an older dog because they aren't as playful and energetic as puppies. (IMO)

[Chubby]

WOW!! thanks so much for the feedback!! It is much appreciated and we should have pics up tomorrow of CHUBBY!


jarrett

[clara4457]

You absolutely can teach an old dog new tricks. Your first step is to make sure you are bonded and then he/she will do anything to please you. Although dogs (just like people) learn more quickly when they are younger - the learning never ends. Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are the keys. I rescued a Lab 10 years ago (at 4 years old) and he had never been trained. After a couple of years he knew all kinds of commands.

Good Luck to you!!!

[tracsgirl]

You sure can teach an old dog new tricks. When we stayed in Alasks for 2 years we were given a team of older huskies for dog sledding. We not only got a couple of them house broken but I taught basic obedience to one of the wheelers. I've never seen a dog that couldn't learn something at any age. By the way I'm new here and this site looks like it is alot of fun.

[Chubby]

Right on... again much thanks for the responses...wow, that's cool...

I think obedience / agility looks really cool.




jarrett

[Sara luvs her Tinky]

I think Chubby is such a cute name for a dog!! I can't wait to see the pictures!!!!!

[stacwase]

You can most definitely teach an old dog new tricks! In fact, in Jake's case, he was much EASIER to train when he got older!. He's almost 7 now, and much easier to train now than he ever was. I taught him to heel in about an hour. Taught him "go to bed" in one day. When he was younger, he was just too energetic.

[Aspen and Misty]

I just recently trained my mothers Dog Teddy bear to Beg and Shake and he is 12 years old. Also, I've trained a Lab who has never had a day of training in her life to sit, stay and shake. It took a long time but I just used patinece and it worked. I am also curently working with an older dog who doesn't know anything and within 3 weeks she has learned to dance and Say (speak).

So no its not true and yes you can teach old dogs new tricks. We want pics!


Ash

[Chubby]

here is a pic!

believe it or not, he is a very obedient dog...knows 'heel'

he's a sweetheart, i love him sooooo much. they told me he is a mix between boxer and akita or lab possibly... I"m not too sure, but i love him!

hes VERY laid back, VERY sweet, just looooves attention, and couldnt care less about the other 2 cats i have around. he is just a wonderful, perfect dog!



thanks for all your great replies, they are a help , and i cant wait to start teaching him some other cool tricks and obedience.

[iceyshiver21]

I also think it depends on the dog.