Training Tips and Tricks for Old Dogs

There is an old saying you can’t train a senior dog, a new trick. In reality, it is just the opposite of that saying. It is easier to teach an old dog a new trick than a new one. Old age makes a dog more attentive. Hence, dogs listen to the trainer. It gives a boost to their training sessions.

It is believed that self-control in dogs comes with age. It helps the dog to grasp the new trick much more quickly. However, as a dog owner, you must provide continuous support aided with rest or breaks to your dog because of its growing age. Proper rest stimulates their mind and develops their mental stature and agility.

Sound mind and stability in senior age make your dog healthy and happy, which is more required for their old age. These things happen under some conditions. Their health should be in good shape. It becomes a big challenge for them to cope. It’s better to consult a vet before a new training session.

Newer tricks make the bond more stable between you and your dog. A positive training session is more enjoyable and cheerful for the dog. Another added advantage is that you can train them in your place with minor adjustments.

There are some processes you should follow to do the job better.

Below are some furnished tips for you to achieve your goal. It’s effective for new owners who adopted an old dog. It helps them to teach the old one a new trick.

Tranquil

In case of adult dog adaptation in your house, give them some time to accustom to the area. A senior dog has some past, which makes them anxious in any fresh establishment.

Never lose hope if they take some time because adjustment can take months to settle the dog or habituate them to the surrounding. It would be best if you had some patience to train a shelter canine, and you may face more challenges than usual.

Removing the bad habits

Over time, old dogs make some bad habits on their own. At first, you have to remove them during a training session. You may say sessions of unlearning. The good part is most old dogs are eager to learn those things which make their owner happy.

For their motivation towards the training session give them some treat. It helps them be more attracted to the new habit than the older one. Remove some bad habits they develop in the previous place, like chewing household objects, being loud to others, etc. the main feature of this process is to guide them towards positives.

Elimination or fix the house-training issues

This is where you need to work hard on the old dog. Fix the issue regarding those training. Start right from the beginning. Create a schedule regarding this issue. Go for a walk at a particular time every day.

It helps them to habituate and be time conscious. If an accident occurs, clean it properly. Don’t scold him; that becomes scary for them. Praise him before and after the outdoor jobs so they can recognize it. It helps him to develop good habits.

Read Also: 5 Essential Questions to Ask Before Adopting A Old Dog

Repetitive work

Due to their old joint problem, the senior dog didn’t like to do a repetition of the same work. Don’t command the dog for the same thing repeatedly, like making your dog sit a few times more without rest.

It irritates them, and gradually they don’t reply to your command.

Short training session

It applies to every dog but is more effective in aged dogs. A prolonged training session makes them bored or exhausted. It makes them tired, and their joints become painful due to age restraint.

Vet consultation before vigorous physical activity

If you are thinking about the vigorous activity with your old dog, it’s better to take him to your vet. Know about your dog’s physical capacity to achieve whether the task is possible or not.

While some dogs can perform such activities during their golden age, some can’t. As they differ from others, it’s better to consult the vet before any such experiment.

Signal

Select some particular signs for your dog if they are physically handicapped due to age. For the blind dog, it’s verbal, while for the deaf dog, it’s hand or gesture. Teach signs because you are unsure whether they turn deaf or blind as age progresses.

Temperature

Be careful about their body temperature during training as they are becoming old. Senior dogs are less adjustable to the temperature than the younger ones. These dogs may not feel so in comfort or become stressed.

Comfortable training surface

In command training, your dog likes to stay, sit, stand, and provide a soft surface to your old dogs. It will be comfortable for them, and your dog will respond well to your command.

Don’t force beyond their abilities

Never force your dog to perform beyond his ability. Due to old age, it becomes painful, and it irritates them. For example, you can’t command an old dog to stand on its hind leg for long.

Stop in time

If you observe that your dog is feeling pain, stress, and fatigue, stop immediately and take him for a rest. Never force your dog to perform. Otherwise, worse conditions may occur.

Read Also: 7 Easy Ways of Making Your Senior Dog’s Life Happy

Conclusion

If you have adopted a senior dog, you should know that learning will be slower. You can teach older dogs simple tricks like rolling over, fetching, shaking hands, standing on their hind legs, kissing, and playing dead. Staying positive and having a bit of patience prove effective in training the dog.