Training isn’t just for puppies with boundless energy. Whether you have adopted an older dog, your dog has developed bad habits, or your dog needs a refresher course, training an older dog requires adjustments to your training methods. Older dogs often thrive in training when given the right approach. In this blog we will provide a guide on training a senior dog.
Let’s take Jack as an example. Jack is a 10-year-old Blue Heeler and native Houstonian. Though he’s grey in the muzzle and wiser than his younger years, he’s taken to selective hearing and being a little naughtier during walks. Find out below how we adjust training to fit Jack’s age.
Adjust the training pace
Senior dogs often have sore joints, tire more easily, and are more sensitive to the Texas heat. Puppies thrive on quick repetitions and high energy trials. Training a senior dog calls for a gentler approach. You should focus on duration-based commands, such as “Down Stay” and staying on “Place,” which provide mental and physical stimulation without wearing them out. We should always be mindful of any physical limits, keep their minds engaged, and make training fun.
Jack for example has developed arthritis and has a hard time changing position. We give him slower, duration-based commands. Instead of foraging for crumbs as his owner is cooking, we practice Jack staying on his bed. Jack is rewarded for being on his bed with treats and his mom can cook without tripping over him.
Adjust training techniques for dogs with hearing or vision difficulties.
As dogs age, their senses may become less sharp than they once were. Unfortunately, hearing loss is more common in particular dog breeds, including Australian Cattle Dogs and Dalmatians, while some senior dogs may be vision-impaired, which is more prevalent for certain dog breeds, including Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
You should adjust our training techniques for dogs with vision or hearing issues:
- Dogs with hearing difficulties will respond better to clear hand signals.
- Dogs with vision impairments benefit from more verbal cues.
Since Jack is a Blue Heeler, it can be challenging to determine if he is selectively hearing or experiencing hearing difficulties due to his age, as Blue Heelers are more prone to hearing loss issues. During training, we have begun using hand signals to help him understand obedience commands.
Keep training short and consistent.
Senior dogs do not have the same level of stamina as puppies. You should keep training sessions short; even a few minutes of training spread throughout the day can make a big difference in their manners and enrichment.
You should incorporate training into their daily routines, such as right after potty breaks, just before meals, and after walks. Your dog will enjoy the routine, the treats given as a reward, and cherish the quality time with you.
Jack loves his routine, and after his evening walk, he enjoys a quick training session. A common obedience command that we include in his routine is “wait” at the front door. Instead of barging through the door, we practice calm manner both before leaving the house and before coming back inside.
Pay attention to that Texas heat.
Senior dogs are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures, and this is particularly true for Texas, where the humidity and heat in summer can feel like walking into a swamp. First, check out our article on “Heat Safety for Dogs” to help you and your dog navigate the harsh summer temperatures.
It’s best to train outside during the early morning or late evening, when the weather is cooler. Always bring water and a collapsible bowl with you, and check if the pavement is too hot to walk on. If you place your hand on the pavement for seven seconds and it’s too hot for your hand, it’ll be too hot for their paws. During the summer months from June to September, it’s best to train indoors whenever possible.
Choose healthier treats for senior dogs.
No matter what age, treats are a great motivator for training. Just keep in mind that senior dogs tend to have more sensitive stomachs are prone to weight gain. It’s best to choose treats that are best suited for these needs.
Look for low-fat options with simple ingredients and preferably high fiber content. These tend to be more digestible and better for weight management.
Jack prefers sweet potato treats; they help alleviate his sensitive stomach and are easier for him to chew.
We’re here to help
Do you have any obedience, manners, or behavioral concerns with your dog that you would like to address? Perhaps your senior dog is reactive to other dogs during walks, or has become territorial over their favorite spot on the couch? We would love to help! You can schedule a free phone consultation with our Pet Behavior Experts. Our training programs are designed to meet your training goals, and we offer private one-on-one training at your home or in your local Houston neighborhood.
Do you prefer to connect remotely or live outside our service area? Our co-founder and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Echterling-Savage, provides virtual consultation programs. During these programs, she will develop a personalized training plan and provide support to achieve your training goals.
Beyond the Dog Houston offers Board and Train Programs, where your dog will stay at the trainer’s home and receive follow-up lessons with you after training has been completed.
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