Teaching an old dog new tricks?

[Rocketmam77]

I have inherited a nine year old Dalmatian from my father. I have no experience with dogs and all I know is from quick Google searches.

He pulls like a horse on the lead, barks at other dogs when out and has had no training. He is also quite fearful of strange people.

Is it hopeless and should I just leave him, or could I actually manage to train him, even at this age?

I was planning to let him live his life out in comfort but I’ve seen a huge change in him even since making sure he has gotten enough exercise. He is a lot more ‘cuddly’ and seems to be a lot more attentive to me.

As you are new to dogs, I would get an APBC registered behaviourist to assess his behaviour and give you a plan of action.

In my experience, older dogs are just as capable as younger ones of learning new things. plus if he’s already showing an improvement with the change in home, routine and care, then there’s every reason to think you can modify his more difficult behaviours.

APBC Behaviourists Search

As moosemama said you can modify his behaviour but please get a certified behaviourist there are too many out there that have done an Internet course and can do more damage than good.

Have a look at Absolute Dogs on facebook. Lots of excellent info there.

9 really isn't ancient, and the dog is just as capable of learning as someone in late middle age - especially if well motivated with small chunks of cheese or sausage.

Learning is like a muscle - the more a dog learns, the easier they find it to learn even more.

Plus, done right, learning is great fun and mental exercise for them - something that becomes even more useful as they age and exercise is no longer what it ued to be, for them.

However, some of the thing you have described (barking and fearfulness) are less about learning as such, and more about changing his underlying emotional state/reaction. For all sorts of reasons, this is best done with the help and support of an accredited behaviourist (e.g. APBC members). Especially if you are new to dog ownership or "problem" dogs. It really helps to have someone with you who can see the dog and describe exactly why he behaves as he does and then support you as you help the dog.

It's worth doing, though. A dog that behaves as you describe is not as happy as they could be - so it's worthwhile just from a quality of life angle.

If your dog is fearful of strangers until you can help get a bandana. There is nothing worse than strangers going up to pet a fearful dog. Does he growl or bark at strangers while out walking ?