Lassie could climb a ladder, walk a tight rope and point to the well Timmy fell into. Very few dogs need this much training, but basic obedience skills are good for all dogs.
By learning the simple commands of sit, stay and come, headstrong pups improve their behavior and decrease their risk of straying into danger.
Training can also benefit your dog’s personality, allowing shy dogs to gain confidence and raucous ones to learn control. Owners learn how to lead, further strengthening the human-animal bond.
It’s best to start at an early age before bad behaviors set in, but obedience training and classes are available and useful at all ages and stages.
Books, trusted websites, trainers and your vet can all offer advice to get you started. With patience, understanding and a little knowledge, your old dog will be doing new tricks in no time.