ANIMALS After a certain age, are dogs able to change their behaviors and learn new ones?
Raising an older dog is different than raising a puppy, but not impossible. — Fabian Gieske/Unsplash
Raising a dog is a great adventure, but also a job and a responsibility. to take very seriously. Whether it’s a puppy or an adult animal, it takes time, patience and discipline. The two scenarios are quite different, but many vets feel that raising an older dog is a good thing. is not more difficult; it just requires another approach. That we’re adopt a dog already big in a shelter or trying to correct the bad habits of the animal of the house, the task is far from being impossible. Patience and perseverance will have to be the key words of this rehabilitation, because it represents daily work.
Where? start?
It is essential to take into account the past. of the animal in order to adapt its education according to its deficiencies, its needs, its fears, its traumas, etc. If it is a new adoption, you must learn as much as possible about the dog’s experience, and observe it to understand some of its behaviors. If it’s an animal with re-educate, the teacher will above all have to question himself and understand what is happening. where he failed to correct his mistakes. And that is probably where the greatest difficulty lies!
However, the recipe is the same as with a young dog: you reward and encourage good behavior and ignore what is unpleasant. On the other hand, learning takes place over a longer period, because an older dog needs more repetitions than a puppy to assimilate something new, just like humans do! In case of difficulties, do not hesitate to contact us. get help from a canine trainer or a behaviourist, who will be able to give sound advice.
Operation Dean
In order to promote the adoption of the oldest dogs and thus offer them a retirement worthy of the name, the 30’millions of Friends Foundation has set up “operation deans” ; which several shelters located throughout France participate. For any adoption of an older dog 10 years and over in one of these shelters, the 30 millions of Friends Foundation is committed to pay any veterinary costs, up to €600, upon presentation of invoices.
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