Old Dogs Can Learn New Tricks

Some people believe you can only train a puppy. They believe that if you wait too long, a dog will just never learn anything you try to teach them, including how to break bad habits.

This is a major problem with the trend of adopting versus purchasing puppies today. Don't get me wrong, I am all for the adoption movement. I am a huge supporter of it. And I think that adopters should know there are some things you can teach your dog at any age. Like these:

To stop the crying

With babies, we are told not to go to them when they are crying. No matter how loud and how long they cry, we are to resist the temptation to go and comfort them. Yes, we have to endure their piercing cries. But why? To possibly set it up so that one day, there will just be no cries. You put up with a little now, so that you don't have to put with it forever! The same goes for dogs. If you don't respond to their cry, they get it in their heads that crying doesn't accomplish anything. But if you go to them, pet them, or even so much as make eye contact with them when they are crying, that says to them, "This works. I will continue this tactic." Give your dog one or two firm no's when he cries, and then completely ignore him. It may take weeks or even months, but so long as you are consistent with this approach, in most cases the dog will begin crying drastically less.

To stay out of certain areas

Every house is different and so are the rules in it. If you adopt a dog, he may have been allowed to roam all over his last home and may not realize it's not okay to do that in your home. Whenever your dog goes into an area he is not allowed in, say "No!" and usher him out. This could mean leading him out by the collar, or simply walking behind him so he has no choice but to leave. Also, any time you see him approaching the area, yell, "No!" You must do this every time though, because each time they are allowed in there without repercussions, they are back at square one and all negative associations with entering that room vanish for them. My friend who teaches singing lessons to small children has a Great Dane. The dog is so sweet but, its large stature frightens children and it could even unintentionally hurt one by jumping on them. So, whether or not there are children in her studio learning how to sing better, my friend keeps the dog out of there at all times. She doesn't want to confuse the dog by allowing her in there when no kids are there, and suddenly kicking her out when kids are there.

Vera Esther covers topics in luxury living, healthy habits and relationships. Her articles and blog posts have been published on dozens of websites and her unique titles such as "How to Tell If You're A Dating Addict" and "Improve Your Voice With Your Computer" (an article about an interactive site created by a renowned Los Angeles voice coach) have grabbed the attention of various audiences.