• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Dog's Best Life

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Teach old dog new tricks

Posted July 22, 2017

By Terry Jester

Although the average age for a dog in an adult dog training class seems to be between 6 and 9 months, is there an upper age limit? Is there ever a time when a dog is simply “too old” for training?

old dog new tricks

According to professional dog trainers, the answer is, “no.”

“It is wonderful to see people of all ages getting out and interacting with their pets,” said Dr. Katie Lauren, a licensed clinical neuropsychologist in Fort Collins, Colo.

“There is a bonding that happens when you take your dog into a class situation with other dogs. It doesn’t matter if you have a puppy or an older dog, it’s great to watch that relationship grow.”

Jim Spencer of Fort Collins agrees. He and his nine-year-old Lab cross “Gus” just finished a beginning dog training class.

“It’s amazing how much better he walks on a leash now. I never though I’d enjoy taking the dog out for a walk but it’s truly a pleasure now. He walks right at my side, never pulls, and behaves himself when we see another dog or wildlife. I can’t believe I waited this long!”

Are there any reasons why an older dog shouldn’t go into a dog training class?

“As long as the dog is in relatively good condition, is up to date on his shots, and enjoys being out and about, there really isn’t any reason why a geriatric dog can’t enjoy a dog training class,” says dog trainer Juanita Dudley.

“Taking into account the possibility of arthritic changes maybe he’s not going to do automatic sits at the heel position as fast as a younger dog, but, he should still be able to go to class.”

Fort Collins resident Jenny Phillips took her dog “Lissy”, a seven-year-old Siberian husky, to class in order to establish ground rules. The dog, a very dominant female, had been living away from Phillips for awhile and when she got the dog back, Lissy didn’t want to play by the rules.

“We got that straightened out pretty quickly,” says Phillips, “The class helped reestablish me as the boss. Plus, it was fun.”

Fort Collins counselor Dr. Sarah Gabbay has rescued many off-the-track and older greyhounds over the years.

“It’s never too late to take your dog through a training class,” she says. “I’ve adopted some pretty rascally dogs in my time and I know for a fact, as long as there is breath, there is hope.”

Benefits to Teaching Your Old Dog New Tricks

  • Older dogs have a longer attention span. What didn’t work as a puppy might be much easier now that he’s older.
  • Older dogs usually know all the common obedience commands – they just don’t always do them when asked. This means that half the work is already done!
  • Older dogs don’t get as excited about things. It’s much easier taking an older dog for a ride in the car and into new places than it is taking a 6-month-old puppy.
  • A dog training class is a healthier alternative – for both the dog and the owner – to sitting in the easy chair watching TV all evening.

Terry Jester is a nationally recognized expert on companion animal behavior. She is regarded by The Humane Society of the United States as being, “Humane and effective in dealing with problem pets and their owners.” Connect with Terry on her website.

Save

Related Posts

  • get your dog's attention
    Dog training: Get your dog's attention

    To get your dog's attention, don't yell. Speak in a…

  • To manage arthritis in dogs, veterinarians recommend controlling the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis with medication. This should also be accompanied by a suitable diet and exercise and supplements.
    Help older dogs age gracefully

    Older dogs need extra care including special grooming and regular…

  • A terrific way to help your new dog bond with his older companion is to walk them together.
    Take steps to help older dog adjust when you add new dog

    Older dogs usually accept a new dog, but some struggle.…

  • dog cold weather dangers include hypothermia, dry skin and cracked paws
    Keep dogs safe in cold weather

    Prevent dog cold weather dangers by limiting time outside, protecting…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Training, Home Page Tagged With: Dog training tips, Old dogs

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • The most common warning signs to watch for in your puppy's behaviors include snarling, growling, mounting, snapping, nipping, lip curling, lunging, dominance, challenging stance, dead-eye stare, aggressive barking, possessiveness, and of course, biting!

    Take action immediately when you spot aggressive puppy warning signs

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

Tags

Dog manners Beagle Dog brushing Chewing Emotional support dogs Dog sounds Maltese Non-shedding breeds Biting Dog nails Dog business Yorkshire terrier Separation anxiety Dog safety Golden retriever Allergies Adopt a dog after a breakup First-time dog owner Rottweiler Old dogs Boxer High-tech dog gadgets Dog clothes Cancer Pandemic Dog tail Big dogs Dog training tips Children Moving

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • Everything you need to know to start a dog training business
    To start a dog training business you need two basic things — the skill of teaching hounds and a love for animals. Business skills are a plus. […]
  • 7 tips to calm down your high energy dog
    Calm your high energy dog with a mix of exercise, training, healthy chews, puzzle toys, distractions, and companionship. […]
  • Help! Why is my dog is limping? Understand canine lameness causes
    If your dog is limping, take action. A limp may mean a minor injury or a severe problem such as hip dysplasia or a bone tumor. […]
  • Consider 5 things before you introduce your dog to a snake
    Anyone considering introducing a snake into a house with dogs should think carefully about how their dog will react. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2022 Dog's Best Life online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkRead more