Training Older Dog 

Training older dog issues require some adaptability.  When you’re looking into training older dog techniques, you have to think about what senior dog problems your older dog has.

Here are some of the training older dog considerations you need to keep in mind: 

Older Dog Joint Problems 

Older dog joint problems may get in the way of training.  There are some things your older dog isn’t going to be able to do.  If, for example, you are trying to teach your senior dog to jump up, if your dog isn’t doing what you want, it may be because the jump is physically difficult for him because he has older dog joint problems.  Even simple tasks like sitting and lying down can be hard for dogs. 

Be aware that your older dog might not be responding because of pain or stiffness.  Don’t get impatient with a slow-to-respond older dog who could have older dog joint problems. 

Dog Hearing Loss 

Dog hearing loss can be a problem in older dog training.  [TIM-link to main page] Training older dog techniques must take into account the possibility that the dog may have dog hearing loss and not be able to hear commands. 

If you’re not sure if your older dog has dog hearing loss, do a little experiment.  Wait until your senior dog has his or her back to you and then say the dog’s name.  If your dog doesn’t respond, he likely can’t hear you.

You may need to use your hands to give praise too.  Most training uses treats AND verbal praise for the best effect.  If your dog can’t hear the praise you give, it could slow down your training older dog efforts.  Choose a hand or body movement that tells your dog you’re happy with him.

My dog, Muggins, is 14 years old, and she can’t hear a voice in normal range.  She can hear very high ranges, so I can squeal to make her hear me.  That’s not my first choice, though.  I prefer to clap my hands and they wave my hands upward a little to communicate my pleasure with her.  She can sense this body language is positive, and she always reacts with tail wags and body wiggles when she gets this enthusiastic response.   

Dog Bladder Problems 

Dog bladder problems may be an issue for senior dogs.  When you’re considering potty training older dog techniques, keep in mind that your older dog may have dog bladder problems. 

The potty training older dog efforts will go more smoothly if you take your dog outside frequently.  You may also have better results if you consult a vet for possible medical treatment of dog bladder problems.  The fewer accidents you allow because of dog bladder problems, the easier it will be to potty train your older dog. 

Senior Dogs Attention Span 

Senior dogs may have attention-span issues.  You know how people tend to get more child-like when they get older?  Dogs do too.  Senior dogs can revert back to some puppy-like qualities.  One of those qualities can be a shortened attention span.  Good training older dog efforts take this into account.

Teach your senior dogs in small chunks of time.  A few minutes several times a day is better than one longer block of time.

When you keep these special senior dog considerations in mind, you’ll have far better results when you set out to succeed at training older dog.

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