How Late Is Too Late to Train a Dog? Can You Train Older Dogs? 

Many dog parents wonder: Is it too late to train my dog? Whether you’ve adopted an older dog or your pup missed early training, the good news is—it’s never too late to start. Dogs of all ages can learn new skills, behaviors, and routines with the right approach. Here’s everything you need to know about training older dogs and why age is never a barrier.

What is the best age to train a dog?

The ideal age for training your dog depends on various factors, mainly your dog’s age, your commitment to the training process, and time you invest in daily training. 

The best age to start training a dog is between 8 to 16 weeks old. ¹ Puppies at this age are curious, eager to learn, and pick up new things quickly. Early training helps them grow into well-behaved dogs and prevents bad habits. But training doesn’t have to stop there. Dogs between 4 to 6 months can learn leash walking and basic rules, while older dogs can learn more advanced things.

Even if your dog is already grown up, you can still train them. It might take a little more time, but they can learn with love, patience, and practice.

Understand how we train our dogs

We started training our dog Enzo when he was around 3 months old. At 5 months old he understand commands like sit, stay, yes, no, up, down, shake hand, turn and come. We also trained him to have his food always at a specific spot. He is potty trained. At 5 months he is not fully pee trained yet but he will get there once he gets older. He is not an expert in following these commands but will improve if we keep repeating these commands and also teach him new ones.

Also, our older female dog Blessy is 11 years old and she is still able to learn new tricks. For example we taught him how to fetch newspaper without shredding it to pieces. But this required sacrificing lots of newspapers over a course of 3 months and having a cool mind.

So, training a dog at any age is possible. This is what we believe.

Can you train older dogs?

Yes, absolutely. Older dogs can learn just as effectively as younger ones. While puppies may absorb lessons faster, adult and senior dogs often have longer attention spans and a better sense of routine, which can actually aid in training. With patience, consistency, and positive rewards, training works at any stage of life.

Why training might feel harder with age?

• Ingrained habits take longer to change.
• Older dogs might have limited mobility or sensory decline.
• Some may have past trauma or fear-based behaviors (especially in rescues).

But these aren’t limitations—they’re just factors to adapt your training style around.

What are the benefits of training older dogs

Training isn’t just about obedience—it’s about connection, communication, and well-being.

Mental stimulation

Learning new things keeps older dogs mentally active, preventing boredom and cognitive decline.

Strengthened bond

Training builds trust and deepens the bond between you and your dog.

Better behavior

You can address issues like leash pulling, barking, or jumping—even if they’ve been happening for years.

Easier integration

Training helps adopted adult dogs settle better into their new homes and routines.

Common Myths About Training Older Dogs

How to train senior dogs effectively?

Older dogs may have physical limitations or health issues that affect their ability to learn certain commands or perform specific actions. As a responsible pet owner, consider your dog’s age and health when designing a training plan and make necessary adjustments.

• Be patient and gentle – Training older dogs might require a bit more time and understanding. Patience is essential when they are learning new commands or behaviors. Always use positive reinforcement and reward them for their efforts and progress.
• Use positive reinforcement – Reward-based training using treats, praise, and affection is effective for dogs of any age. It motivates them to learn and reinforces good behavior. Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for training older dogs.
• Shorter training sessions – Older dogs may have shorter attention spans and can tire more quickly during training sessions. To prevent frustration or fatigue, keep training sessions short and focused. This approach ensures that both you and your dog enjoy the process.
• Prioritize basic commands – Focus on essential commands like sit, stay, come, and leash manners. These commands are not only practical for everyday life but also enhance safety for both your dog and those around them.
• Consider professional help. Get a dog trainer – If you face any challenges in training your older dog or if your dog has specific behavioral issues, consider seeking assistance from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can provide expert guidance to your dog’s unique needs.
• Start from the beginning – When training an older dog, remember that you are building new neural pathways in their brain. Be patient and take small steps.
• Make training fun – Engage your dog with enjoyable training sessions. If it’s fun for you, you’ll be more consistent in training, leading to better results.
• Be imaginative – Try various training methods and approaches to encourage desired behaviors. Keep training engaging and interesting.
• Consider physical limitations – Older dogs may have mobility issues. Adjust training exercises to accommodate their comfort and abilities.

What you can teach older dogs?

• Potty training/ house training or re-training
• Leash walking without pulling
• Staying calm when guests come over
• Being alone without getting anxious
• Learning tricks for mental stimulation
• Crate training or safe space creation

What are the basic commands to teach your dog? 

When it comes to training your dog, there are several basic commands that you can teach them.  Some of these fundamental commands include:

• Sit – Teaching your dog to sit is one of the most basic and important commands. It helps to control your dog in various situations, such as before crossing the road or when greeting guests.
• Stay – The “stay” command is crucial for keeping your dog in one place until you give them permission to move. This command is essential for their safety and prevents them from running into dangerous situations.
• Come – The “come” command is valuable for calling your dog back to you, whether they’re off-leash in a park or simply in your backyard. It’s essential to ensure they return to you when called.
• Down – Teaching your dog to lie down on command is useful for calming them in certain situations and preventing them from jumping on people or furniture.
• Leave It/Drop It – These commands are essential for preventing your dog from picking up dangerous items or ingesting something harmful. It’s particularly valuable when walking your dog and encountering potentially hazardous objects.
• Heel – The “heel” command is useful for teaching your dog to walk calmly and closely by your side, rather than pulling on the leash.
• Place or Bed – Teaching your dog to go to a designated spot, such as a bed or mat, is helpful for controlling their movements and providing them with a safe and comfortable space.

Can a dog ever be untrainable? 

While it’s true that some dogs are more challenging to train than others due to their individual temperament, history, or behavioral issues, it’s generally rare for a dog to be completely untrainable. Most dogs can learn and adapt with the right training techniques, consistency, and patience.

It’s never too late to train your dog. Whether they’re 2 or 10, they can still learn. Training helps them feel more confident and improves your bond with them. All they need is your time, kindness, and a bit of daily practice.

Common questions pet parents ask

1. Teaching good behavior to puppies is essential: AKC