Forget the old, learn the new
If you are a dog owner and wish to teach an old dog new tricks, start step-by-step. Practice shows that both human and dogs require more time to unlearn already existing skills (good or bad), than they do for learning new ones. As such, take the training history of your four-legged friend into account. If you’ve adopted an old dog, try to learn more about their previous parents and how they were treated. If you canât find any previous information on your adopted old dog, give them some basic commands like sit or stay. Should your dog not show any reaction to this, start from scratch with the basics.
In addition, unlearning dog bad habits, such as chewing furniture or destructive digging can be also a challenge for newly adopted dogs. But donât worry, thereâs a solution for that! Make sure to keep your furry buddy well exercised and busy with the right chew toys. Always remember that there is nothing that patience and love wonât achieve. The best thing to do is to know your dog well, create a trusting bond and only afterward start teaching them new funny tricks.
Find food that fits your pet’s needs
“You cant teach an old dog new tricks,” might be a cliché saying, but is it true? Read on for the real scoop on teaching an old dog new tricks, and learn tips for training an older dog.
Pay attention to these signs of exhaustion
The age and health condition of your four-legged friend should be seriously considered before deciding on the teaching sessions. Remember that your dog buddy is not a puppy anymore, so consequently, donât treat her like one. Your dog will get easily tired, so be aware of signs of exhaustion. These can include:
7 Dog Tricks in 5 Minutes!
Contrary to the old saying, old dogs absolutely can learn new tricks and, if given the opportunity, your senior dog will surprise you with his enthusiasm for trick training. Dogs love to learn, and learning can and should be life-long.
My oldest dog Mercury is 17-years old and is a titled Intermediate Trick Dog. Of course, tricking training isn’t a magical fountain of youth, but his vets have always been in agreement that the mental and physical activity he gets from trick training has helped him maintain muscle tone and mental alertness. As a super senior Mercury has developed some age-related complications including blindness and partial deafness but even though he will be turning 18 this summer, he’s still extremely active and enjoys hiking and swimming and constantly practicing tricks and learning new ones.