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Can Old Dogs Learn New Tricks?
written by Tori Holmes
Hearing the expression "you can't teach an old dog new tricks," might leave you feeling discouraged about training your senior canine companions. However, contrary to popular belief, age is not a barrier when it comes to teaching dogs new skills and behaviors. In fact, dog training can be an enriching and fulfilling experience for pups of all ages, including our beloved seniors!
Why dog training is important at any age
Dog training is not just about obedience – it has a wide range of benefits, including:
● Fostering communication: Teaching your dog commands establishes clear communication through consistent cues, fostering a better understanding between you and your furry companion.
● Strengthening your bond: As you both become attuned to each other's body language and responses, your bond deepens, enhancing your overall relationship.
● Keeping their minds active: Learning new commands helps to keep our furry friends mentally stimulated and engaged, warding off boredom and preventing behavioral issues.
Regardless of age, the journey of learning something new together is an enriching experience worth pursuing.
If you’re ready to get started, you’ll want to have a good supply of Freshpet treats on hand, as they can greatly enhance the effectiveness of dog training sessions. Freshpet treats are available in a variety of flavors and textures, so you can cater to your dog's preferences, while their fresh ingredients maximize palatability, maintaining your pup’s interest and focus. Plus, being free from artificial additives, Freshpet treats offer a guilt-free indulgence that contributes to your dog's overall health and well-being!
Easy tricks to include in your dog training
Older dogs may have a reputation for being set in their ways, but with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, they can surprise us with their capacity to learn. Here are a few easy tricks that dogs of any age can learn, proving that it's never too late to embark on a training journey:
● Basic obedience commands: If your senior dog missed out on formal training earlier in life, it's never too late to teach them basic commands like sit, stay, and come. Not only are these useful tricks to know, they can actually enhance your pet’s safety. In an emergency situation, having strong stay and recall commands is critical.
● Shake a paw: Teaching your dog to shake a paw is a fun trick that dogs of any age or level of mobility can quickly learn. Start by gently lifting their paw while saying the command "shake," and reward them with praise and a tasty Freshpet treat. It won’t take long before your dog realizes that lifting their paw results in them getting a treat!
● Leave it: Leave it is another command that is as practical as it is fun. You can teach your dog the "leave it" command by showing them a treat, saying "leave it" firmly, and redirecting their attention to a different treat as a reward. With consistency and patience, they'll learn to ignore unwanted items and focus on your command. This can come in handy if your dog ever tries to pick up something they find on the ground while you’re out for a walk or at the dog park!
● Find it: You can tap into your dog's instincts by teaching them to search for hidden items. Start by hiding an item – such as their favorite toy or treat – in plain sight and encourage your dog to find it after you’ve given the "find it" command. Once they start getting the hang of finding the uncovered item, start to make things a bit more challenging by progressively covering up more of the item until it’s fully hidden. You can keep this game fun by hiding the item in new spots every time, encouraging your dog to use their nose to find it.
With a little bit of patience and consistency, you will quickly see that the saying "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" couldn't be further from the truth. So, why not embark on a training journey with your senior canine companion today? You might be surprised by the tricks they have up their sleeve!
