COLUMBIA, S.C. — We all know that dogs can be loyal companions, but what if your furry friend missed out on some manners? Kevin Coolidge, a canine behavioral specialist at PETSinc in West Columbia, says he's never found a dog "that’s a complete no-go.” He mentions that it is misleading to say that older dogs cannot learn new tricks.
According to Coolidge, dogs can become stubborn as they age or just plain cranky. “They're more set in their ways. So it's harder for them to change out of it and change into a new schedule,” says Coolidge.
“Once they're motivated, they’re willing to do lots of stuff," Coolidge says. The key to success is patience and, of course, positive reinforcements like treats.
You want to make sure your dog feels successful. If they can feel at least a little success, it may encourage your pet to achieve more and more, according to Coolidge.
“They're not going to learn immediately. They may struggle one day, and the next day, suddenly, they get it. Be very patient. Of course, be consistent. The saying that you can't teach an old dog new tricks is definitely false,” Coolidge says.
There are plenty of well-mannered dogs and cats available for adoption at PETSinc in West Columbia.