| Bringing home an adult dog is very different from | | | | of it as a safe haven. |
| bringing home a puppy. A puppy is able to learn | | | | Alternatively, you can begin crate training on your |
| new commands fairly quickly but an adult dog is | | | | own terms. Always start off gradually. Get him to |
| accustomed with the old tricks. He may also have | | | | enter the crate and keep him inside for a short |
| developed some bad habits which his previous | | | | period of time, and then let him out. On some |
| owner allowed. If you found your dog from a | | | | days, keep the door latched. On other days, keep |
| shelter, chances are he had learned different | | | | it opened so that your dog can leave it freely. |
| commands and undergone training. However, old | | | | This way, he will not associate it with a prison. |
| dogs can also adapt and change their behaviors to | | | | Teaching Your Adult Dog New Behaviors |
| your expectations. You will just have to be | | | | When carrying out adult dog training, focus more |
| patient with your adult dog training. | | | | on teaching your dog new commands rather than |
| House Training Your Adult Dog | | | | correcting his behaviors and punishing him for it. |
| If you are bringing home an adult dog from a | | | | Remember, it is not entirely his fault that he |
| shelter, the first thing you have to ascertain is | | | | developed these bad habits. His previous owners |
| whether or not he is housetrained. If not, you will | | | | may have encouraged him. Instead, you may |
| need to train him immediately. Having been | | | | want to ignore his advances. For example, if he |
| shuffled around many foster homes, your dog will | | | | comes up to you and begs for food when you |
| need some time adjusting to the new | | | | are at the dining table, you should turn a blind eye |
| environment. Be sure to show him his litter | | | | to it. Only when he tries bolder moves such as |
| bathroom area where he should excrete. | | | | jumping on you or the table, you would then have |
| Compliment him as he does it right. | | | | to reprimand him. |
| Crate Training | | | | The best way to get your adult dog to kick this |
| Crate training is always one of the hardest | | | | habit of his is to teach him new behaviors. |
| aspects of dog training for an older dog. Most dos | | | | Execute basic commands and get him to stay in |
| do not enjoy being in a crate and they think of a | | | | another room as you are dining. Bring your dog to |
| crate as a prison. You should always ensure that | | | | the spot you want him to be and instruct him to |
| the crate is spacious and comfortable for your | | | | stay put. Repeat this training until he gets that |
| dog. You can place some toys in the crate and | | | | you want him to remain in this spot as you eat. |
| make it homely. You can even place some | | | | Adult dog training requires much patience and |
| blankets inside the crate. As a start, you can | | | | effort on your part. It won't be easy but once |
| consider leaving the door of the crate open and | | | | you have successfully trained your dog, you may |
| allow your dog to discover it on his own time. He | | | | have a very meaningful relationship with him. |
| will begin to explore it and in time come to think | | | | |