How many of us have been out walking our dog and you notice another walker being pulled along the trail by their dog? It really does beg the question – is it possible to teach an old dog to do new tricks?Kelly Robbins, from K9 Principles, says absolutely yes! K9 Principles is the area’s top-rated dog training professional. They provide training courses through, and in support of, the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA. Kelly says if the dog is healthy, how old it is – or how many bad habits it has acquired – it doesn’t matter. Just like an elderly person can learn new things, maybe more slowly than younger folks, an older dog is capable of learning, too. One problem, of course, is that an older dog can have many bad habits, and habits are hard to break.
Do you own a dog that has some not-so-favourable habits?You are not alone, every dog owner has been there at some point or another. Whether it is a dog that pulls too much on a leash, a dog that jumps up and almost knocks you over, or a dog that insists on being heard with it's persistent barking - these behaviours are trainable.
It takes consistency and patience on the owners part, along with lots of love!It is just as much as learning process for the humans as it is for our beloved furry friends!
She tells the story of a family that adopted a 10-year-old dog, and they were able to teach it new habits to replace the bad ones he had acquired. It took a while and they needed to be patient, but they were successful. On the other hand, if the dog is unhealthy, training won’t likely be successful, she said. “Even if he has, say, a sore leg, that will be a distraction and the training won’t work.”Dogs and people don’t think the same, she said. If you put the dog on the leash and try to control them, they will pull in the other direction until they are taught another behaviour that they get rewards for.
You also have to give dogs enough time to break their bad habits, she said.We as owners need to take responsibility for the behaviours of our dogs. “You can’t complain about the work you haven’t done,” she said. “There’s no one to blame but yourself.” We must use what they want to our advantage, she said, such as waiting for good behaviours to reward with a positive - like food.
Whether you decide to use kibble to train, or a favourite treat - those food motivated dogs will do what they can to impress you! Dogs are smarter than what we as humans often give them credit for, and it is the owners responsibility to know their dog enough to be able to communicate with them effectively.
It is up to the owners to learn how to best train their dogs, as not all dogs are the same. Some dogs take more patience and structure than others, and other dogs learn tricks as fast as they run! No matter which type of learner you have, if you provide your dog with guidance, patience, time, and love - you are sure to see some results!
K9 Principles also offers Expert In-Home Private Training sessions that you can access through the HBSPCA for those dogs and families that need a bit more attention.This private training journey starts with an in-depth assessment so the trainer can better grasp your dogs behaviours and where they may need work - as well as the owner(s)! These training experts are always ands-on, providing you with insightful feedback and a custom-made training plan that suits your family and your pet. K9 Principles offers continuous support and education along the way - so you’re never in the dark about your dog’s progress.
They walk this journey with you every step of the way so you and your dog feel supported and encouraged during this critical learning experience. The HBSPCA is a proud partner with K9 Principles, bringing you and your dog closer together.
Whether you have an old or a young dog, training is a worthwhile investment. K9 Principles says its mission extends beyond obedience—it’s about forging a lifelong bond filled with trust, love, and mutual respect. They are honoured to be the trusted dog trainers for the HBSPCA, setting the gold standard for responsible and heartfelt pet ownership. Through the HBSPCA, you can sign up for multiple Dog Training programs. Each service we provide is part of a greater narrative about friendship, compassion, and community.
Our doors are open to everyone - offering different levels of participation to fit the individual needs of every animal and guardian - from the energetic puppy discovering the joy of play and discipline, to the elderly dog finding a new lease on life through compassion and understanding.Contribute to a legacy where each paw print found on our flooring represents a life transformed, a relationship forged, and a tale worth sharing. Because at HBSPCA, we believe that the best beginnings lead to the most beautiful journeys.
