I meant from the novice owner to you over the phone. But now I've got Barbara bullying me like I'm some kind of munchausens graphic designer.

Maybe the trainer had a different reason for not wanting the project and picked an easy out.

I've been known to claim "I don't know how" with a customer when I don't want to work with them. Its a way to blow off a client that nobody can argue. Who wants to have somebody work on them if the "expert" claims they can't do it?

Truth is, when it comes to my job I know how to do everything you could ever need to do. Sometimes my warning bells are ringing and I know its better to just not deal with that person.

 Quote: steve strom

But now I've got Barbara bullying me like I'm some kind of munchausens graphic designer.

EXACTLY the phrase someone just said about you in a PM to me! What are the odds????

I'm not crying though.

 Quote: sharon degaramo

but I AM interested what others think about "old dog, new tricks" from a global, generic view (i.e., not case-specific).

We've all heard the saying "If you don't use it, you lose it." Now, it's easy to make jokes about it, but in all seriousness, I think this applies to the function of the brain as well as anything. And specific to this topic, I think it applies to canine brains as well as human brains!

So, accordingly, I think that, barring certain physical or mental disabilities in older dogs, they can and do benefit from training, even if they have never done it before.

Marker training would be a great place for a new dog owner to start, and this person you mention would probably learn a lot from the Leerburg Marker Training DVD. I believe the principles are easily understood even by someone with no prior dog experience.

As far as taking an older dog to classes or hiring a private trainer, common sense is called for. There are many types of training to choose from, starting with basic household manners, all the way up to advanced obedience competition and the various dog sports. An owner needs to do a little homework and make sure they are tailoring their training to their expectations of what they wish to accomplish with their dog.

 Quote: steve strom

I'm not crying though.

Sure... sure. Just those nasty allergies kickin' in all the sudden, huh?

Training for old dogs is good for them the way that puzzles are good for old people. If you don't continue to get those synapses in the brain firing they die off.

Its the difference between staying sharp and mentaly healthy or becoming confused and depressed. Super important stuff.

I am training my 13.5 year old girl for the new AKC Beginner Novice class and it is quite a bit of fun. Obviously not looking for perfection in the routine and out there just for fun but it is just fantastic to see this happy old girl toddle alongside me and sit crookedly for the finish all while looking at me with tongue hanging out adoration :-)

As long as a dog is physically and mentally able to do the training I cannot fathom why a person would advise against it. My Tessa thinks she has died and gone to heaven with all the treats involved in training :-P

 Quote: sharon degaramo

but I AM interested what others think about
"old dog, new tricks" from a global, generic view (i.e., not case-specific).

I think my 12 year old dog would go nuts if I didn't do anything with her. Especially as she watches me outside with the other two. She still wants to work and still needs something to do. She's still learning new things and very happy about it!

So I wouldn't discount any dog due to age.

I am constantly looking for something new to do with my dogs. Toni will be 7 this summer and we just started learning Flyball. Her sister Caterina will be taking an Advanced Rally class. My almost 8 year old Lab Tyra will be learning Dock Diving this summer.

I am hoping to be able to teach my dogs new things until they physically can't anymore.

Age is all in the mind.

Just my 2 cents...

--Kel