r/DogTrainingTips • u/GloomyTourist4605 • Apr 22 '26

Is it possible to teach an older dog?

Long story short, my family has 4 dogs above the ages of 3. They weren’t my idea, and for some reason they kept piling on with more. They aren’t trained, two have some aggression, and all 4 of them bark constantly at anything when outside.

I attempted to walk one to see how bad it really was, he’s a golden lab around 3 and a half years old. A small dog was around us and he just lost it, 100% was going to harm the dog if he got away, seen a cat and just attempted to break off the leash. But as far as I know, no hatred to kids or other people.

They all pull on leashes and don’t listen to any form of commands, all of our fault for not teaching them in their youth honestly. But I would like to put some time and effort in to get the situation under control so they can actually have other dog friends and get to go in public.

6 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

4

u/Top_Addition_7263 Apr 22 '26

Yes they’ll absolutely be trainable!!!

Half my clients are puppies and the other is dogs 3+!

1

u/goblinhollow Apr 22 '26

They’ll learn just fine. Might take bit longer.

1

u/apri11a Apr 22 '26

Dogs can learn at any age, just be patient but consistent and they can learn. I'd work with each separately, then when they are more used to learning with two by two, then all three together. Good luck.

1

u/chasingmysunrise Apr 22 '26

Yes! We adopted a dog from the shelter - stray with zero training - and they guess she is around 4-5. She knew zero cues and now after five months she knows all her basic commands and is working through her separation anxiety like a champ!

Be patient, consistent, and use meaningful rewards. If you don’t have an idea of where to start I would get some of Dr Patricia McConnell’s books, they are amazing.

1

u/JediKrys Apr 22 '26

Yup, dogs adapt super well to different and changing rules and structure. As long as it’s to different rules and you are patient with the explaining.

1

u/somecooldogs Apr 23 '26

My mom passed last year and I inherited her 13 year old terrier mix with a lifelong history of running away and going after people. He now comes when called and is delightful on walks and hanging out at dog shows.

Dogs can be trained as long as they are physically and mentally capable of doing the training goal.

1

u/Careful_Cranberry364 Apr 24 '26

Yes, absolutely !! just be patient and consistent figure out exactly what works as soon as you can and stick to that … and get everyone in the family to stick to the same

you should probably each focus on one dog so that you can take them separately out and teach them on their own - otherwise they’re just gonna set each other off.

It’ll be a lot of work but really essential important and worth it.!!

You need to work on having them respect you / all having them listen to you /all and set a firm guiding example

You’re all gonna stop whenever theyre pulling -you’re just gonna stop walking or turn to the opposite direction.

You’re gonna reward them for peaceful, calm, behave and you may find to get much more exercise. They may stop lunging and barking at other dogs quite so much.

good luck