It is a myth that you cannot teach an old dog new tricks.

When my Ryker (gone five years now) was a senior, we stopped taking part in Agility competitions when he developed congestive heart failure. Physically he was in the shape of a much younger dog – except the old ticker. When he was 11, we started training in Rally Obedience. At almost 13, Ryker completed his Rally Novice Title and was working toward Rally Advanced. He was competing until the day he died.

I love the times I get to work with an old dog. My favorite clients are the adopted senior dogs given a second chance. However, there are things the owner must consider before bringing an old dog out of retirement.

1. Get a complete senior vet exam done. Aches, pains, deafness, vision loss, and other age-related problems can affect a trainer’s and your ability to work with your dog.

2. Use positive motivation training only. No dog needs to learn with pain, nagging, intimidation, shocks, ear tweaks, pushing, etc. Additionally, senior dogs may have physical issues that could be worsened by these old-school tactics. Be kind, gentle and slow.

3. The longer an undesired habit has gone on, the longer it takes to work out. It is not impossible to retrain a senior dog; you just may need more patience.

4. Be respectful of your senior dog. Have others respect him, too. As things change with age, he may startle faster, reaction times may be slower and he may not be as willing to tolerate a young dog in class bouncing on him. He may need more breaks during a class. A good trainer who works with senior dogs will understand this.

5. Adapt things as needed. If your dog is arthritic and your trainer states “Sit for greetings,” I would opt for just four paws on the floor and no jumping. The pace for an exercise may not be so fast. Who cares? You are doing this for fun!

• Also from Karen Peak: I am not bad, I’m sick
  

So what if your working dog cannot do his job anymore? Is there a way you can adapt it or find a new activity? Boomer might not be able to hunt anymore, but you can still take him out to tree a few squirrels. My favorite classes at some dog shows are the veterans. The old-timers still love to show! When my D’Argo retired, he became the learning dog for my children. My old Great Pyrenees, Seven, still enjoys attending Career Days, even though dog safety demonstrations are too much now. Even a senior pet needs to do something besides go stale.

Get your old dog, dust off the cobwebs and teach him new tricks. He may enjoy it!

Via: Inside Nova