Older adult dog training requires some adaptability. When you’re working with older canines, you need to keep in mind some pet tips about senior dog. Here are four important things to know about “teaching old dogs new tricks.”
1. Older dogs may have joint problems. There are some things your older dog isn’t going to be able to do.
Let’s say, for example, you’re trying to teach your senior dog to jump up. If he isn’t doing what you want, it may be because the jump is physically difficult for him because he has joint problems. Even simple tasks like sitting and lying down can be hard for older hounds.
Be aware that your dog might not be responding because of pain or stiffness. Don’t get impatient.
2. Many senior dogs have trouble hearing. Training techniques must take into account the possibility that hearing loss is preventing your student from hearing commands.
If you’re not sure if your dog has hearing loss, do a little experiment. Wait until your senior citizen has his or her back to you and then say the dog’s name. If your dog doesn’t respond, he likely can’t hear you.
To compensate for the dog hearing loss, incorporate hand signals into your training. For example, use a come here motion when teaching “come.” Use a flat hand, palm facing away from you to teach “stay.” Point to the floor to indicate “sit.” Make a motion with your hands like an umpire calling a batter safe when you’re communicating, “stop” or “off.”
You may need to use your hands to give praise too. Most training uses treats and verbal praise for the best effect. If your dog can’t hear the praise you give, it could slow down your efforts. Choose a hand or body movement that tells your dog you’re happy with him.
3. Senior dogs can have bladder control issues. When you’re considering potty training older dog techniques, keep in mind that your old girl may have problems with her bladder. The potty training efforts will go more smoothly if you take her outside frequently. The fewer accidents you allow, the easier it will be to potty train.
4. Older dogs can have attention-span issues. You know how people tend to get more child-like when they get up in years? Dogs do too. They can revert back to some puppy-like qualities. One of those qualities can be a shortened attention span. Be sure to take this into account.
Teach your senior canine in small chunks of time. A few minutes several times a day is better than one longer block of time.
When you keep these senior pet tips in mind, you’ll have far better results with your older adult dog training.