Training an older dog?

[Edgar 1]

I have a black Labrador bitch that is three years old. She was bought as a pet and had only basic obedience. House training, her name, sit, stay ect. Recently I have started taking her beating and she has behaved ok. I am training her to hunt game, retrieve dead birds and wounded and I think she is making some progress. But someone told me I was wasting my time training an older dog and that I should start from scratch with a pup. I'm not going to get another dog but can you teach on older dog properly or am I wasting my time?

[welshboy454 3]

I have a black Labrador bitch that is three years old. She was bought as a pet and had only basic obedience. House training, her name, sit, stay ect. Recently I have started taking her beating and she has behaved ok. I am training her to hunt game, retrieve dead birds and wounded and I think she is making some progress. But someone told me I was wasting my time training an older dog and that I should start from scratch with a pup. I'm not going to get another dog but can you teach on older dog properly or am I wasting my time?

My dog was exactly the same except a springer. 3 years old originally bought as a pet but had basic obedience.The best bit is they have never picked up bad habits - eg allowed to range too far. I played (and still do) games of hide and seek with his dummy- making him sit and laying trails out of sight sometimes with a fishing rod to cast a bit with a double line so I could release it so my scent was not there.He loves it and has carried the understanding into the hunting field. Also I used to hide his food in the hedges and then take him for walks so he got a reward when I gave him a hand direction. 4 years later he is brilliant but good company also. Having said that I would have loved to have had him as a pup because of his intense concentration and desire to please/communicate. Its a yes got that whats next attitude.

Best of luck - if it does what you want what more can you ask ?

[Edgar 1]

Glad to hear it, thanks a lot, that's really encouraged me.

[j davies 8]

Glad to hear it, thanks a lot, that's really encouraged me.

yes mate you can teach your dog and it will work out ok its all about the brain in the dog he or she will learn from what you do whith it 3 years old is not bad at all. if its got the brain as i think it has it will make a good one. take your time thats all i will say

[Edgar 1]

Thanks for the advice. Shes a bright enough dog, will let you know how I get on.

[j davies 8]

Thanks for the advice. Shes a bright enough dog, will let you know how I get on.

thanks mate only you no your dog like i do mine one thing i will say dont ever hit her mate take my word for it and bear with her.

i did with mine and its now him that noes more than me we go out rabbiting and if there is none in the hole and i ferret it he sits there looking at me as if to say hurry up there is nothing in that oe try this one

[tanit1 3]

just a quot iv heard u cant teach an old dog new tricks'

[j davies 8]

just a quot iv heard u cant teach an old dog new tricks'

thats right but you can fetch it out of a dog that has the brain to

[Dave C 63]

You may not get a trial winner but so what, if the dog has enough hunting instincts, it will put game out for you and with time i am sure the Lab will pick up retrieving well enough, the stop whistle may take some work, but if you put the time in you could end up with a dog you will be proud to take rough shooting and the dog will love it as well (as well as it being good for it).

Let us know how you get on.

 

Dave.

[littlefish 588]

just a quot iv heard u cant teach an old dog new tricks'

 

 

And now for a quote I've heard - "Don't listen to old wives' tales".