Training Older Dogs, Cats and Other Pets

Whether you have recently adopted an older pet, or are trying to correct your older pets bad habits, it’s never too late to learn how to train your older pets as long as you do it right.  From house training to digging and chewing, here are some tips on training older dogs, cats and other pets.

Keep in mind that consistency and positive reinforcement are the key to training a pet of any age.  In fact, older pets may be easier to train than puppies and kittens because they have a longer attention span.

Training Older Dogs – Teaching Your Old Dog New Tricks

In house potty training is easier for older pets as they have less urgency problems and have better control.  Keep a close eye on your dog or confine him to a specific area while indoors.  If he pees where you want him to indoors, immediately give your dog a treat and give him plenty of praise afterwards.

A delay in positive reinforcement, the treat, won’t work.  If your dog pees in another area of the house where you don’t want him to, bring your pet to that area and tell him in a firm voice, “No.  Bad dog.”  But don’t ever hit your dog.  Another trick you can try is if you catch your dog mid pee where he’s not suppose to, carry him or bring him where he is suppose to pee and let him finish the job.  A bit messy, but it works.

Training Older Cats – Solving the Litter Box Blues

Training your older feline companion will be easier if you use the same brand of litter that she previously used. If you don’t know what kind of liter was previously used it is a good idea to try several different types.

This can be done by using the disposable aluminum trays and filling each of them with different litter.  You will find that the litter that she digs in and uses the most is the litter you should use.  Also keep in mind that cats have preferences for the texture and smell of litter, so buying a scented litter may cause your pet to avoid the litter box.

Teaching Your Older Pet Commands

Treats and other forms of positive reinforcement will help your pet learn basic commands such as “sit,” “stay” and “come.”  Plan your commands ahead of time and make sure that everyone in your household or who is in constant contact with the pet uses the same commands so your pet doesn’t get confused.

Say the command once and then physically put your pet in the position you desire if he doesn’t obey.  So if you want your dog to sit, and your dog doesn’t sit you can gently push his bum down and get him to sit.

Older Pets Love Toys Too

Toys as reinforcement aren’t just for puppies and kittens.  Older pets also toys and lots of exercise to prevent them from digging and chewing out of boredom.

Chewing in kittens is common, but they usually outgrow it.  Consult your veterinarian if your older cat is still chewing; she may have a medical problem that needs attention.

In Summary

In general, keeping a close watch over your pet so he doesn’t have an opportunity to misbehave and using consistent praise to reinforce good behavior should eliminate most behavior problems.  Never ever physically punish your pet.  This may lead to biting out of fear, scratching or other aggressive behavior.  Use praise and attention to reward your pet when the desired behavior is exhibited.

If your pet continues to display unwanted behaviors despite your best efforts, visit your veterinarian to discuss the problem. Your veterinarian will examine your pet to rule out medical conditions that could be causing or contributing to the behavior, as well as provide advice and additional resources to help solve the problem. Another option is to contact a behavior specialist.

The most important thing to remember when learning how to train older dogs, cats and other pets is to be patient, you may have years of bad habits to break that cannot be accomplished in a day or two.