How old is too old?

Tank_N_Moose · 07-25-2011, 06:52 PM

I'm looking at getting sent back to the states from the UK and I'm bringing my dogs with. Once I get settled I'd love to get into something like tracking or search and rescue with my shepherd, Tank. Problem is he's five years old. Is that too old to learn something like that? Maybe I should keep him as just my companion and get a younger dog for the more extensive stuff? Has anyone on here started a dog on specialized training late?

**lhczth** · 07-26-2011, 01:28 PM

No reason why he can't learn tracking. My first GSD started tracking when she was 7 and I put her tracking title on her just before she turned 9.

SAR might be a different story since even if suitable there are a number of years of training involved and he may just run out of time.

Alphak9 · 02-12-2012, 01:24 PM

It's never too late for tracking. The most important is how much time you have to track with your dog.

07-25-2011, 06:52 PM	#1 (permalink)
Tank_N_Moose New Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Shreveport LA Posts: 23	How old is too old? I'm looking at getting sent back to the states from the UK and I'm bringing my dogs with. Once I get settled I'd love to get into something like tracking or search and rescue with my shepherd, Tank. Problem is he's five years old. Is that too old to learn something like that? Maybe I should keep him as just my companion and get a younger dog for the more extensive stuff? Has anyone on here started a dog on specialized training late?

07-26-2011, 01:28 PM	#2 (permalink)
lhczth Administrator & LOTR Addict Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Michigan, USA Posts: 13,715	No reason why he can't learn tracking. My first GSD started tracking when she was 7 and I put her tracking title on her just before she turned 9. SAR might be a different story since even if suitable there are a number of years of training involved and he may just run out of time. __________________ Lisa Clark Zu Treuen Händen Working German Shepherd Dogs *South Michigan SchH and Police Club*

02-12-2012, 01:24 PM	#3 (permalink)
Alphak9 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 37	It's never too late for tracking. The most important is how much time you have to track with your dog.

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