Have you recently adopted a senior dog? Or perhaps your older dog needs some behavioral training? The common saying that “Old Dogs can’t learn new tricks” is untrue; dogs can learn new things at any age. Though older dogs may have health complications, such as arthritis, tire more easily, and can be set in their old ways, they can still thrive and learn like any other dog. Training a dog also helps keep an older dog mentally and physically stimulated, helping them stay happier and healthier. We’ve written this guide to help you learn how to train a senior dog.
But first, what is a Senior Dog?
There’s a common misconception that dogs age at a rate of 7 years for every human year. A 2020 study published by Cell Systems 2020 found that dogs age at a logarithmic pattern, meaning they age faster in their early years and then slow down. The commonly accepted rule is that a dog’s first year equals 15 human years, the second year is about nine human years, and every subsequent year equals five human years. Based on this, most dogs are considered senior by around 8 years old, with giant breeds like Great Danes reaching seniority by 6 to 7 years.
Senior Dog Training Tips
Slow Down
When training puppies, we use quick repetitions to promote fast learning. However, older dogs can have joint pain and won’t want to jump around when they are sore. To help them out, we recommend using duration-paced behaviors with slower repetitions. Commands that emphasize longer durations include down stay, place, and wait.
Mind that Florida Humidity
Older dogs are more susceptible to the weather than puppies, and Sarasota’s humid summer months can make this worse. We recommend training your dog inside when possible. When exploring Sarasota’s Bayfront Riverwalk or other local places, always bring a bottle of water with a collapsible bowl, and stay in shaded areas when possible.
Adjust your training techniques for dogs with limitations.
Older dogs may not be able to hear as well, and some dog breeds, such as Dalmations and Australian Cattle Dogs, can be prone to hearing loss. We recommend using more hand signals than verbal cues. If your dog is vision impaired, we recommend using more verbal cues. When figuring out how to train your senior dog, ensure they are comfortable, as training should be a fun and rewarding experience for them.
Senior Dogs need healthier treats.
Senior dogs have different dietary requirements than puppies. You should provide them with low-calorie treats and dog-safe fruit and vegetable treats. Overfeeding an older dog can lead to weight gain, which will be tougher on their joints.
Have a training routine.
Senior dogs (just like puppies) enjoy a routine but will tire out more quickly than younger dogs. You can organize short training sessions to occur after potty breaks or after a walk. You’ll find that your dog will enjoy the consistency, and even a few minutes of training a day can lead to significant changes.
Keep it fun
Whether strolling through Bird Key Park or socializing at the Old Salty Dog at Siesta Key, you could fit in a few minutes of training. When learning how to train your senior dog, remember to praise and give them treats; they’ll love the positive reinforcement.
Do you need help with training
Does your senior dog need help with any training or behavioral issues? Perhaps your dog is reactive to other dogs at the park or is scared of passersby. You can schedule a free consultation with our Pet Behavior Team, who can offer expert training advice . Our programs are customized to meet your unique training goals through one-on-one training at home and in your local Sarasota neighborhood. You can listen to our Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Sean Savage, discuss the importance of puppy socialization here.
If you live outside the Sarasota or Tampa Bay area or prefer to meet virtually, our Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Echterling-Savage, provides virtual consultations to discuss your training goals and design a training plan to achieve them.
