Many say that you can't teach an old dog new tricks, we believe the myth can be busted! Even the oldest pooches can still learn a thing or two!
Canines are extremely intelligent animals that thrive off mental and physical stimulation. This means training your older dog can help to keep them active while preventing cognitive decline. Here’s how.
The best method to train any dog is said to be with positive reinforcement. Think of psychologist B.F Skinner, who developed the idea that behaviour is determined by its consequences. In your dog's case, positive reinforcements will make it more likely that they perform the desired behaviour again and again. If your dog associates the correct behaviour with tasty treats, they will be far more motivated to learn and these retain new tricks. It’s all about reward training.
When you begin to teach your senior furry friend new tricks, start slow and small, making sure to take into account the history of your pet. If you’ve recently adopted an old dog, try to learn all about its previous owners, lifestyle and how it was treated. This can impact the way they respond to training. If you're not sure or can’t find any history on your pet, just start with the basics and be aware of the effect it’s having on them.
How can you start the journey towards teaching your old dog new tricks?
Build trust and friendship with your dog- they're your companion after all!
Take time to understand your friend and what they respond to
Recognize and respect your dog’s’ physical limitations
Keep training sessions short
Over time move from treats as the motivator to praise
Start with a single trick so they don’t get confused
Don’t exhaust your best friend! Senior dogs are different in this aspect and don’t have the stamina that puppies do. Learn to look out for the telltale signs that the old soul is experiencing exhaustion and give them a break, they’ve worked so hard already! The following signs can mean it's time to replace training with a cuddle on the couch:
Dropped ears
Excessive licking
Yawning
Loss of interest
Panting
Sniffing the ground
Excessive thirst
Remember that dog training is a long term commitment, so make sure you have the time to remain consistent. Teaching an old dog new tricks is possible, but it won’t happen overnight. While dogs of all ages have the same capacity for information retention, in some cases it can take almost double the time to teach an old dog new tricks, making patience a must! Older dogs have a stronger focus and better attention span in comparison to puppies, making training a rewarding experience for dogs and humans alike.
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