Many trainers will say you have to start preparing your puppy for Schutzhund as soon as possible. But your dog might not be a pup anymore, and you wonder if it’s too late to get started. So let’s find out how old is too old to start Schutzhund Training.
Is It Too Late For Your Dog To Start Schutzhund Training?
Whether a dog is 16 months, 2 years, or over 6 years old, it’s never too late to start training for Schutzhund. As long as the dog has the proper temperament and physical conditions, age doesn’t matter. It’s always better to start young, but old dogs can also learn and train for Schutzhund.
A mature dog with the appropriate disposition should be able to develop and improve obedience, tracking, and protection skills at any age. It may take more time if the dog has bad habits or behaviors that you need to modify, but it’s possible.
That’s why training a puppy right from the start is generally better. It doesn’t mean you can’t do it with an older dog. Some trainers even wait before the dog matures to start Schutzhund training. Thus, age shouldn’t be a reason that stops you from going forward.
Learn more about when to start Schutzhund training!
How Old Is Too Old For A Dog To Participate In IGP/IPO?
Technically speaking, a dog is never too old to compete in Schutzhund. There’s no maximum age to participate in the sport. As long as the dog is in good health and physical condition, how old he is doesn’t matter. But in reality, some dogs might be too old to participate in IGP/IPO.
As your dog ages, he will be more prone to injuries and have less energy. Thus, there might be a time to stop training and competing in Schutzhund. But now you probably want to know when your dog will be too old for this type of work.
At What Age Do Most Dogs Stop Training In Schutzhund?
In general, dogs retire from Schutzhund between 7 and 9 years. However, every dog ages at a different pace, both mentally and physically. So it will vary a lot from one athlete to another. When I say retire, it doesn’t mean to stop completely. It’s just a dog that doesn’t do serious Schutzhund training anymore.
Many handlers will continue to work with their dog in certain aspects of the sport. For example, the sense of smell generally doesn’t fade with age. So most senior dogs can still do and enjoy tracking. It can keep them active mentally without putting them at risk of getting injured.
Obedience training without jumps and other high-impact exercises is also appropriate for old Schutzhund dogs. Thus, there are some ways you can adapt the sport to your dog’s age and keep working together once he’s getting older. Just make sure to respect his conditions and limits.
Some dogs can still do protection after 10 years old without any problem. Nonetheless, they will probably not be as good and energetic as they used to be. I even heard of a dog that was almost 14 and still works in all three phases of Schutzhund for fun sometimes. So age isn’t the only factor you should consider.
When Should You Stop Training Your Dog For Schutzhund?
Once your dog is around 7 years old, you should consider adjusting the intensity and time of your Schutzhund training sessions. When your dog’s body and mind can’t keep up anymore, it’s time to stop more serious training. You should also consult your vet every year to make sure your dog can still do Schutzhund.
While age is just a number, old dogs will generally have less energy and become more fragile. So you have to notice when it’s not appropriate nor safe anymore to do intense Schutzhund training. Then, you can adapt how you work together to your dog’s conditions.
Is Schutzhund Dangerous For Old Dogs?
Schutzhund training always involves some risks, regardless of the dog’s age. This canine sport can lead to injuries, accidents, and tooth tears. With a senior dog, the chances of injury increase because their overall health and physical condition are declining. Thus, Schutzhund training can be dangerous for old dogs.
However, it doesn’t mean you should completely stop working with your dog at a certain age. Just keep adapting the way you train as he gets older. A Schutzhund dog enjoys being on the field, so stopping everything overnight would cause more harm than good.
Last Thoughts About Old Dogs And Schutzhund Training!
Finally, older age doesn’t matter when it comes to Schutzhund training. As long as the dog is well-suited for the sport and in good health, you should be able to start or continue working together. So regardless of how old your dog is, it’s never too late to get started.
However, keep in mind that most dogs stop serious Schutzhund training between 7 and 9 years old. Just make sure what you do with your dog is appropriate for his conditions, and everything should be fine. Now, old or not, it’s time to go on the field and have fun with your dog.
Let’s Train That Old Dog!