Training Senior Pets

Practical Tips For Training Your Senior Dog

If your senior dog is struggling to pick up new tricks, it’s probably not because they won’t (or can’t!) learn them. More likely, your young-at-heart cutie has the will to learn, but something about their senior status is standing in their way.

Get around these old-age roadblocks with a few simple senior-friendly training tips:

  • Check your expectations. Some tricks, like roll over or the begging pose, are just not compatible with creaky joints. Better choices are tricks that don’t stress old limbs, like touch or sad puppy, happy puppy.
  • Keep it short. Your older dog is bound to fatigue faster than their younger selves. Keep training sessions short and sweet to avoid pushing your pooch beyond their abilities.
  • Use padding. Even senior-appropriate tricks, like shake or go to place, can get ouchie when you’re asking your pet to sit or lie down on hard ground. Eliminate the ouch by giving them a nice, padded spot to practice on.
  • Speak up and add in hand signals. Your friend’s vision or hearing may not be 100%, so projecting your voice (without yelling) and adding some visual cues may be all your dog needs to understand your instructions.
  • Consider soft treats. If your senior dog has oral or dental pain, hard treats may not be the best reward. Soft treats are easily chewed, allowing your dog to return their focus to their training faster.
  • Be patient. Sitting down takes some time when you’re a senior citizen. The same is true for your elderly dog. Give your command and then wait a little bit; your dog may be working themselves up to the right response.

If you’ve given these tips a go and are still making no progress, speak with your veterinarian to make sure something else isn’t getting in the way, like canine cognitive dysfunction or uncontrolled arthritic pain.

Check out joint supplements designed to help creaky senior dogs stay limber. >>

Get Your Free First Exam For New Patients
detection for early signs

Expert Pet Conditions Resources

*Covered services vary by plan. Unlimited exams exclude specialty and telemedicine exams. Plan includes (i) one Specialty Care consult at a participating VCA Specialty Hospital and (ii) one waived fee (up to $300) for an emergency or specialty consult at a participating BluePearl Pet Hospital, per year. Fees will apply for other services or products provided, including emergency stabilization, treatment, diagnostic tests, medications, and hospitalization. Plan pricing requires 12-month commitment.

CareClub Memberships are preventive pet health care plans and not pet insurance.
CareClub Membership covers only the selected health care services and products which are specifically identified in the applicable CareClub Membership agreement.

VCA Animal Hospitals, BluePearl Pet Hospitals, and Banfield Pet Hospitals are affiliates of Mars Inc.

**Live Chat with a licensed veterinary professional is free for VCA clients through the myVCA mobile app, available at Apple’s App Store and Google Play.

Free First Exam only for new clients (including those not seen in 3+ years) and eligible existing clients adding a new pet. Limit two pets (dogs or cats only) per household. The exam includes a status check on weight, nutrition and general health, parasite discussion, dental check and vaccination overview only. Not valid toward any other services including: any specialty, emergency, telemedicine and/or urgent care veterinary services; boarding or grooming services; any diagnostics or treatments; or any vaccines, medications or retail items. Not to be combined with any other offer. Redeemable only at the VCA Animal Hospitals location listed. For pet owners who are aged 18 and older. No cash value.

Florida Residents: THE PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION, OR TREATMENT THAT IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT.

NJ Residents: First Exam Regular Price Range: $75 to $150. NJ Licensee: Anthony Loomis, DVM.

Free First Dose offer valid for new patients receiving a qualifying initial exam at participating VCA Animal Hospitals. Offer applies only where an eligible parasite prevention product included in the program is prescribed and dispensed during the visit, as determined by the attending veterinarian. Eligible products only; not valid toward other products or services. Limit two pets (dogs or cats only) per household. Not combinable with other offers. Must be 18 years or older. No cash value.