Training Myths

My dog is too old / too young to be trained: We frequently train pups as young as 5 — 6 weeks of age, with superb results. The oldest dog we have ever trained was a 19 year old Fox Terrier — this was also a success.; Dogs can be trained at any age or stage of their lives.; Yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks!
My breed is (almost) impossible to train: All dogs can be trained.; Some breeds are more intelligent than others, some breeds love to work, some breeds love to play, some breeds follow instinctive behaviours for which they were specifically bred, some breeds love to please you, some breeds love to please themselves.; No dog is untrainable, although some are easier than others. With patience, practice, and persistence, all dogs will respond to positive training methods.
My dog has always done this / has been doing this for years and its too late to try to change this behaviour now: It is easier to retrain when undesirable or problem behaviour first occurs, prior to its becoming a habit. But even behaviours which have become habits over a long period of time can be changed with strong, positive training techniques, and the right motivation.; Often people leave a problem until it becomes a crisis and then they despair. It causes stress in their relationships, friends and family will not come to the house, or they consider rehoming their dog.; It is never too late to retrain your dog! A good trainer can always help. For best results though, intervene early in problem behaviour.
My dog is a small breed and doesn’t need training: To be well adjusted and happy, every dog needs positive leadership and training. It helps him know his position in the pack (your family), and what the boundaries are.; Small breed dogs are no exception — they are bound by the same instincts as all other dogs. Pulling on the leash, not coming when called, jumping on people, constant attention seeking, yapping and snapping should not be tolerated or considered acceptable in any dog — large or small.; A happy, well adjusted dog does not engage in these types of behaviour.