Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks
Old dogs can (and should!) learn new tricks! As our pups slow physically with age, we may assume that their mental faculties follow suit- but this doesn’t have to be the case. Old dogs need continued mental stimulation, but the strategies for providing this may be different than what worked when they were younger.
Adopted dogs are usually happy to have a loving home and are anxious to please their new owners. These mature dogs enjoy bonding with their owners while learning a few new tricks. Dogs that have been with a family since puppyhood also relish the time spent with their owners in novel activities, and learning is a fun activity for them.
Here are some tips to help keep your dog sharp.
1. Buy toys that are specifically made for senior dogs. Kong, a popular dog toy company, makes a toy specifically for seniors which is made of softer rubber. Your pup’s aging teeth and jaws may not be able to handle the hard materials of toys made for younger dogs.
2. All dogs benefit from experiencing new sights and sounds. Letting your older dog sniff in a new place or play with a new dog will help keep his or her brain sharp. Going for walks in new parks or on new streets is a good way to do this.
3. Be patient. Your dog may not want to play or to walk as much as before- let your pup’s behavior guide your play. If he suddenly becomes lethargic or apathetic, though, it’s best to check with a vet and make sure everything is okay.
4. Make sure you speak loud enough that your dog can hear you! Many dogs experience decreased hearing with age, so if he seems to be ignoring you when you talk, make sure he is hearing what you say. If your dog has a hearing deficit, use hand signals. If his vision is diminished, stay in his direct line of sight, and use louder verbal cues.
Learning techniques are the same regardless of a dog’s age, but some tweaks may be required for older dogs. Frisky pups are energetic enough to perform physically demanding tricks for extended periods of time. Fetching a ball for 30 minutes? No problem! But older dogs with creaky joints may not be able to withstand the rigors of such a strenuous exercise.
Keeping the brain active is always a good thing. Just use your experiences and common sense to pick tricks that are on par with your dog’s physical abilities or ask your veterinarian if you aren’t sure. And rewrite that old adage: you can teach an old dog new tricks!