Is 9 years old too old to learn?

Re: Is 9 years old too old to learn?

Susan Jackson — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 15:54:10 GMT

Hi, I'm not a behaviourist but I'm hoping to train.

Not sure it's training classes she needsd more behaviour related.

What you say is demanding reads to me as anxiety. She seems to not want to be left alone and the behaviour is escalated when in stressfull situations - like the car journey.

I believe your right that the illness could be the start. As humans we are rubbish at providing the right attention at the right time. I think you may have spoilt her at the times she was anxious which has fed the nervous behaviour. It could even be learned behaviour now.

My suggestion is you get a Vet to check she's not got any illness (Brain related) then get a fully qualified behaviourist that does home visits to come and see the behaviour. I'm Southampton area and the behaviourist cost approx £85 for the home visit. Home visits are best as the dog is in their natural surroundings. The one i know does full reports and she's brilliant.

Good luck

Re: Is 9 years old too old to learn?

Carolyn Edwards — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 15:27:00 GMT

Sorry I haven't replied sooner. I thought of early senility as your dog is fairly old and some of what you described matched some problems a client had with her old dog. They improved when she was put on Vivitonin.

How are you getting on with her?

Re: Is 9 years old too old to learn?

Lynn Perry — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:02:54 GMT

[quote user="Carolyn Edwards RVN"]

I'm just wondering if some of this could be down to early senility.

Whatever the cause I'm sure some behaviour modification exercises and training classes would help. Last year I got an 8 year old Greyhound that had always lived in kennels of some sort or another. He learnt 'house rules' very quickly so I don't think her age would be a barrier to learning.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

[/quote]

Oh? What makes you wonder that?

I'm still definitely leaning toward some sort of obedience activity though now that my concerns about her age have been assuaged somewhat.

Re: Is 9 years old too old to learn?

Lynn Perry — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:00:49 GMT

There's actually quite a lot of breeders in the country, but more and more are breeding into the imports as opposed to staying with English lines. Which, well I personally don't like it. If he's field trial then that's why I don't recognise the name as I was on the show circuit as opposed to the working trials :)

Re: Is 9 years old too old to learn?

Carolyn Edwards — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:59:23 GMT

I'm just wondering if some of this could be down to early senility.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

Re: Is 9 years old too old to learn?

Caro Laithwaite VN — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:57:50 GMT

Ahh ok yes is in the field side of things l assumed only few folks breed not about the imports and as not involved did not realise 2 sides to things. He lives in Northumberland.

Re: Is 9 years old too old to learn?

Lynn Perry — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:49:53 GMT

Is this in the UK? I'll be honest, the name doesn't ring a bell and I've been in the Gordon circuit the last 10 years or so. That or he's in field trials.

The Gordons are a vulnerable native breed in the UK but too many breeders are bulking out the line with American and Australian imports which means there's a lot of change to the tradition English Gordons.

Re: Is 9 years old too old to learn?

Caro Laithwaite VN — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:39:15 GMT

I know Bob as he lived in Rhodesia and we met online. His storys from Game Parks days are amazing. He was involved in the Kariba Dam rescue back in the 60s as Kariba filled up 1000s of animals were trapped. Parks rescued them they were NOT allowed to carry guns and had to rescue every sort of African animal with nets and their wit's. It took incredible courage and brains to go up against these animals who were scared and often hungry armed like that.

He is now one of the main breeders of Gordon's and very careful with them unlike the majority of dog breeders in fact l think in general Gordon breeders are careful as the breed is on the endangered dog breeds list.

Re: Is 9 years old too old to learn?

Lynn Perry — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:39:47 GMT

[quote user="Caro Laithwaite VN MBVNA"]

Ohh did you get her (gordon) from Bob Truman?

[/quote]

Nope, her breeder's Hazel Drew :) Her mom came from Dora Bristow and her dad was one of Ian Hill's boys (before he died). That's if you know anyone in the Gordon circles :P

I really do hope something like training will give her something to think about, although she has her very 'blonde' moments, she really is very smart. She's just driving me to distraction with her naughtiness and because I'm getting frustrated at her, it's worrying the Springer too.

We do that thing with the food when we can, it slows her right down when she's eating too (she's a bit of a wolfer) but we have to be careful as if the kitten gets out and tries to get the food, she'll attack the cat as she has in the past (always over food).

Re: Is 9 years old too old to learn?

Emma Bartlett — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:32:58 GMT

Dog training a really good idea........helps the bond and is also using her brain to do something other than demanding!

I like clicker training with my dogs and once they (and you) get the hang of it you can teach them all kinds of stuff. I also like to feed my dogs outside on the garden, i get a bowl full of biscuits and scatter it everywhere.....making them work for their food which keeps them busy and they love it, they have to use their noses lots to find each biscuit, this also uses brain power and energy.

http://www.apdt.co.uk/ for details of training classes. Why not try the kennel club good citizens training with her and then take the tests? Gives you a goal to work towards

Re: Is 9 years old too old to learn?

Vicky RVN — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 01:18:27 GMT

If i were you i'd go back to some (decent) training classes with him, run by someone who is clued up on their dog behaviour. If you were in my area i'd def recommend the person i took Jack to! I can't see any age is too late to learn...if she's learnt how to behave the way she is, she can learn how not to! Good luck

Re: Is 9 years old too old to learn?

Caro Laithwaite VN — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 01:07:10 GMT

Ohh did you get her (gordon) from Bob Truman?

Re: Is 9 years old too old to learn?

loopylou711 — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:15:39 GMT

aw That sounds bad!

I don't have an answer but I do have a demanding cat! His names Luka he is deaf and used to be fat! He take huffs by attacking my other 2 cats Poppy and Niamh, by chasing your feet when your walking and biting your ankles, by forcing himself onto you when he wants a cuddle (7kg of cat on ur chest 1st thing in the morning not good!), biting and miaowing so loud we have had complaints from the neighbours! So your not the only one with a spoilt little brat! Of course a dog can be trained..... here is hoping anyways!

Good luck with yours sorry no advice!