Teaching An Older Dog New Tricks?

[J...]

Just wondering what peoples experiences have been in taking on an older dog and working with them in obedience?

My dads kelpie bitch is 6 yo, she's not coping with him being retired and the daily 20 mins walks are not enough to keep her mind busy. Not surprising! :D

She's a typical kelpie, loves to work and a pat will keep her happy. She can be very sensitive of loud noises etc and she's not a dog you can raise your voice with (courtesy of her breeder/trainer :D )

I'd like to take her on and give her a go obedience wise, but not sure how a true working dog would go? I've worked with both sides of the line but never crossed it! I'm thinking of taking her to training tomorrow. Even if she stayed where she is with M&D but I take over her training and exercise. No 20 min walks here I can tell you! ;)

I'd give her a go at agility but she's a dud jumper, can barely make the back of the ute on a good day!

Edited October 13, 2007 by feralpup

[Tapferhund]

FP...you CAN teach an old dog new tricks...so give the dog a go......she will more than likely love it !

[The Spotted Devil]

I know it's not quite as old your girl, but my first obedience dog was an ACD who I didn't do anything with until she was 2 years old. Prior to that she was my dad's dog but he did nothing with her. I had a ball with Dolly - she taught me soooo much and, despite me, gained her CDX in good style, had a ball with agility (couldn't quite get that elusive 3rd leg for AD :D ) and was a fabulous 'tricks' dog. All the mental activity did wonders for her....I just wish I knew then about dog training what I know now....she had so much more potential.

[kelpiechick]

My first 'grown up' dog - who is now 13, didn't do anything in regard to training until he was 6.

Started obedience with my husband at 6, although he never trialled due to lack of interest on the hubby's part, he did get to class 5 at our local club, which is equivalent to novice trialling standard.

When he was 7and a half, I 'borrowed' him to have a go at agility training, as obedience didn't really interest me.

I always thought he was a bit of a 'dud jumper' too, especially as I knew nothing about actually training dogs how to jump then, but he did manage to get his novice titles in ANKC at almost 9 years of age and then ran fairly successfully in NADAC veterans for a couple of years after that.

So from experience, I would say give it a go!

[BC]

I think you will be pleasantly surprised :D

Just remember a Kelpie will want to work regardless of what the work is !!!