FAQs

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My dog doesn’t have any serious issues. Why should I train my dog?

We all know that dogs need exercise. Daily walks, romps in the park, games of fetch in the backyard, and energetic games of tug-of-war are all wonderful ways to both play with our dogs as well as give them a good physical workout. What is frequently forgotten is that our canine friends are very smart animals indeed. Training is just another word for teaching. Just like us, our dogs benefit from the mental stimulation of learning new things throughout their lives.

How old should my puppy be before I start training?

Just like human babies, puppies start learning as soon as they are born. It is never too early to train.  Young puppy minds are like sponges and they will happily soak up anything you teach them. Actually, they are learning whether you are actively teaching them or not, so it is much better to guide them in the right direction from the very beginning.

My dog is already 10 years old. I’ve always heard that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Is it too late for my dog?

It is never too late! While it is true than an older dog who  isn’t an experienced learner might be a bit slower, in the beginning, teaching your adult or older dog new things will enhance their mental and physical well being and enrich their lives. Even if he has a touch of arthritis there are tricks he can learn. Even some dog parkour moves can be tailored for the elderly dog and it will help them keep their mobility as they age. 

Can you really train a cat?

Absolutely! Cats love to learn and enjoy training. In zoos lions, tigers, and other big cats are being trained all the time to follow a target stick so they can be easily moved from one enclosure to another, and to present a tail for a blood draw without restraint. If large, wild cats can be trained to cooperate with people, training your domestic cat is certainly possible. 

Why should I train my cat?

Cats enjoy learning and it can add enrichment to their lives, especially if they are indoor cats.  Training cats can keep them from getting bored, help an anxious cat become more confident, give you tools to use when trying to introduce them to new pets joining your family to make the transition smoother. It also really enhances your relationship with your cat as they learn that you are a source of fun as well as a source of food. 

What are some of the things I can teach a cat?

It is also useful to teach a cat to hang out in a specific location such as the top of a cat tree or a specific place on a counter. Teaching them to follow a hand target or target stick is an easy way to ask your cat to move without having to push them out of the way. Learning how to go into a cat carrier makes it easier to take them to the vet without stress. You can outdoor time to the life of an indoor cat if you teach your cat how to walk on a leash. And it can just be fun for all to learn all kinds of tricks. 

Can I train other kinds of pets? Like a bird, a rabbit, or a gecko?

Of course. The learning principles are the same regardless of the species. We just have to figure out what is a valuable reinforcer for that animal and how to deliver it. After that, you just have to decide what you want your pet to learn. All animals benefit from the mental enrichment training provides. I know people who have taught fish, turtles, and butterflies. There are rabbits, chickens, and even goldfish who have learned agility moves. It can be a lot of fun and the animals often ask for more once they get started.