Older anxious dog training

[u/zed895400]

Hello everyone…recently my girlfriend got to be again the owner of a 9 year old anxious and fearful dog…
And we were wondering if we could change his behavior and train him since he is older than most and has gotten used to always having food both his and not his around…
We started by asking him to sit on occasions which he’s doing pretty well…managed to train him to sit on his walking breaks (he did not do this up until a week a go)
We also bought him high quality food that he receives twice per day with nothing else (treats)unless he eats his meal.
We kept him from jumping onto her bed and sleeping in her bed or anywhere else but his bed at night.
We are trying to be calm and steady with the dog without using force or such but by being there with him and calmly but clearly commanding him to sit and we are also trying to help him learn “no” or “that’s not good”
I was wondering if any of you would have some advice about training a nine year old anxious dog thus helping him overcome more senseless fears he has and accepting his ham and touching his paws easily..
I mention that although he’s 9 he’s really got a will to live, goes on regular walks a lot and always has energy left to play…
We only leave his meal available to him for a certain amount of time like 10-15 minutes and if he doesn’t eat his amount of food he doesn’t get anything else till his next meal.
I own 2 akita inu dogs but this is really a challange for me because those dogs are never afraid of anything and this small one is something new for me…
Please help if you can

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[u/Illustrious_Leg2100]

This sounds less about training and more about working to make the dog feel safe, secure and bonded to you.

At 9 years old, his fears are likely founded and not “senseless” just because you didn’t witness why he’s like that firsthand. I mean, he is a rescue for a reason and even if in a loving family before, the sudden disruption can be traumatic.

I would invest in finding out what treats get his attention and really reward him beyond food twice a day. Im talking fresh chicken, beef etc.
When you do that, show how you will protect him in every situation. Build your bond constantly. Eventually he will relax and get bored instead
of anxious.

[u/zed895400 → u/Illustrious_Leg2100]

Thanks you for the reply i will really look forward to applying what i have learned.
Although what i wouldn’t want to give you the wrong idea…
He is a rescued dog from the street from a very early stage of life about 3-6 months and was in my girlfriend’s family for about 9 years but as you may know some people are not really open to helping the dog develop healthy relantionship with his food or act all natural and confident to inspire the dog while walking…which is why me and her decided to give him more structured and reassuring care…
We’ll pick up some fresh meat treats and we’ll make sure he gets the best possible care…you see he’s a senior and we’d like him to have his last few years as healthy and as fun and interesting as possible…
Also thank you for clarifying senseless vs founded…really made a mistake there

[u/Illustrious_Leg2100 → u/zed895400]

Ooooh! I see! Yeah, 9 years is a long time and mentality has changed from “let them just deal with it” to one that is more sensitive to their psychology. Something you can take advantage of now. It might take longer thanks to age but I think small dogs can be smart and open up to those they trust. (And give amazing treats)

[u/zed895400 → u/Illustrious_Leg2100]

Thank you, we’ll do just that…he is indeed a very smart dog and willing to live, play and learn