Dan Oas Webboard User Reg: 09-21-2004
Posts: 190
Loc: MI
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Dogs remain somewhat juvenile throughout their lives, which is why we can reshape their behaviors. It is said "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" because it is more difficult than teaching a pup, but quite doable. Old habits do die hard,but they can be dispatched with patience, bonding, praise and once you know the dog knows the command, corrections.
Howard Knauf Webboard User Reg: 09-24-2003
Posts: 1555
Loc: Melbourne, Florida
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My PSD didnt start his bomb training until he was 3 yoa. He is excellent and there were no problems whatsover. As long as your lab has the drive for the work you should be fine.
Anne Vaini Webboard User Reg: 07-14-2005
Posts: 775
Loc: Wisconsin
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If your dog has the ability to do the work and has solid nerves, is confident in all environments, it is not impossible. (With this said, I have not trained a scent detection dog, but several others on this board have -- I'm sure they will correct me if I am wrong.)
Training an adult dog for detection work has been done before. Diane Jessup takes pre-evaluated APBT's out of shelters and trains them for scent detection through her LAWDOGS program.
One of Ed's DVDs compares video footage of selection testing for drug dogs. That would be the thing to see. I don't remember which DVD it is though!!
David C.Frost Webboard User Reg: 01-23-2002
Posts: 1204
Loc: Nashville, TN
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I don't buy puppies at all. I only use dogs that are from 1 to 3 years old. The three year mark is set because of useful life expectancy once training is completed. Over 50% of the 42 dogs I currently have working are rescues from pounds, shelters or rescue agencies. While the chances of finding a patrol dog this way is extremely remote, there are many good labs/Goldens etc in pounds just looking for a job.
As has been said, old dogs can learn new tricks.
DFrost
Any behavior that is reinforced is more likely to occur again.
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