How To Train Senior Dogs
You might have heard the saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, but we’re here to tell you that’s simply not true! Our older four-legged friends are just as capable of learning as their younger counterparts – they just need a slightly different approach.
Whether you’ve recently adopted a senior dog, or your loyal companion is entering their golden years, here’s everything you need to know about training your distinguished pooch.
The Difference Between Training Senior Dogs And Puppies
Training a senior dog brings its own unique set of challenges and advantages. Unlike energetic puppies who might struggle to focus, older dogs often bring a sense of calm and wisdom to their training sessions. They’ve had years of experience reading human cues and understanding basic commands, which can actually make them excellent students!
However, our senior friends might face certain challenges:
- Reduced energy levels requiring shorter training sessions
- Potential hearing or vision changes affecting how they receive commands
- Physical limitations that need consideration
- Set routines that might take longer to adjust
But don’t worry – these aren’t obstacles, they’re simply factors to consider when planning your training approach.
Training Tips For Your Senior Dog
Ready to start training your senior dog? While our older pups might need a gentler approach, they’re more than capable of learning new skills. Here are our tried-and-tested tips to help make training sessions enjoyable and successful for your distinguished companion.
- Keep It Short and Sweet: Small, frequent training sessions work best for senior dogs. Think quality over quantity – 5-10 minutes of focused training can be more effective than longer sessions. Watch for signs that your pup needs a break and always end on a positive note.
- Choose the Right Treats: Treats are essential for positive reinforcement, but choosing the right ones matters even more for senior dogs. Pointer’s grain-free range offers perfect training treats that are easy to digest and absolutely delicious. Our Duck and Orange Rolls can be broken into smaller pieces, making them ideal for multiple training rewards without overfeeding.
- Create a Calm Environment: Senior dogs often learn best in quiet, familiar spaces without too many distractions. Start training in your home where they feel comfortable, then gradually introduce new environments as they progress.
- Focus on Practical Skills: Consider teaching skills that will enhance your dog’s daily life. This might include:
- Hand signals (especially helpful for dogs with hearing loss)
- New routes around the house
- Gentle recall exercises
- Basic commands with treats like our Salmon Burgers as motivation
- Make It Fun and Rewarding: Training should be enjoyable for both you and your dog. Use our tasty Pointer treats to create simple treasure hunts or reward successful responses. This not only reinforces good behaviour but also provides mental stimulation, which is crucial for senior dogs.
- Be Patient and Consistent: Your older dog might take a bit longer to pick up new commands, and that’s perfectly fine! Consistency is key – use the same commands and reward system each time. Keep our Meaty Beefy Rolls handy as high-value rewards for those breakthrough moments.
The Joy Of Training Senior Dogs
Training a senior dog isn’t just about teaching new skills – it’s about strengthening your bond and keeping their mind active. The process might take a little longer than with younger dogs, but the results can be incredibly rewarding.
Plus, with tasty Pointer treats as motivation, you’ll be surprised at how eager your senior friend is to learn!
Remember, every dog is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Pay attention to your dog’s cues, adjust your approach accordingly, and celebrate every small victory together.
We’d love to hear about your experiences training senior dogs! Share your stories with us on Instagram or Facebook. For more senior dog care tips and tricks, visit our blog.
