My Golden Retriever, Samson, is 14 months old this month. We've gone to the first puppy obedience training, back when he was 8 months old. He did really well, but is starting to slip in some areas (mainly, he doesn't come when called if he's off sniffing, or meeting some new people....he also pulls a lot when walking on leash.) Is he too old to train? Any suggestions?

They are never too old to train! Dogs are quite willing and capable of learning throughout their lives. Once 'trained' the training needs to be maintained, by periodically reviewing and reinforcing the skills. 'Bad habits' might take a while to change, and may 'resurface' on occassion, but it is never too late to put the commitment into training the behaviors you do want. You might be surprised how quickly they can learn.

I have a Golden mix who will be 15 in January. She can't see or hear all that well, but she has a great nose and we do some nose work play in the house with her. We just started it in the last 6 months. She gets it.

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Barb, Rick and Tayla (STAR Puppy)



Cheyenne (CGC) and Jesse (CGC) who will be always loved and never forgotten.

Here is a 3 videos (3 parts) for teaching polite walking. Samson has a few bad habits but if you work on giving him alternative behaviors to replace those habits you don't like and reward him for making correct choices he will most likely be happy to do as you ask. It will take some time, patience and consistency on your part.

Polite walking Parts 1, 2 and 3


part 1

part 2

part 3

For Samson's recall you may want to start over with a new cue. It sounds like he thinks your recall command means I have to come sometimes not all of the time.
You can actually use enviromental rewards in training the recall. If Samson likes to sniff, call him from sniffing (have a party and reward with something yummy for coming to you) but then immediately let him go back to sniffing. (that is also a reward to him) Change it up sometimes just give the reward (food) and other times let him go back to doing what he likes to do as long as it can't harm him. You can do this with people to. You want to do it with someone that will know your rules and obide by them. Let him go greet them, call him back give great rewards and let him go back to them.
Same thing with coming in from the backyard. Call him in even if you don't really want him in, give him great rewards and then let him go back out there.

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Never too old to train. Ky is 5 1/2 yrs old and trained but we're starting over in puppy training when I feel better because her 'Queen Bee' status has gone to her head

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Dogs should get regular tune-ups. A little refresher course from your helpful trainer.

Buddy did not know anything til I got him last Dec. He was over 2.5 years old then- He was not even housebroken! He was a beast in a leash! He is now CGC with TDI pending. He was the star of his obedience classes, too!

It is never too late to train

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I do what I like and like what I do. Yorkies- Cozy (4/1/06), Roxy & Zoey (2/11/08), Lucy (4/6/09); Golden- Buddy (4/13/09- Rescued 12/11) Maine Coon cats- Mika (1998) and Tallulah (2000)