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Yes, we've all heard the motto: you can't teach an old dog new tricks. But where did that come from? It isn't even true!
Training a senior dog is possible, and it isn't as hard as you think. While training puppies is easier, it isn't the only way to train a dog. Like us humans, dogs can learn - and enjoy learning - throughout their whole life.
Here, we discuss if you can actually train a senior dog, the challenges, how to do it and why it's highly rewarding.
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Can you train a senior dog? Yes, here’s how!
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Yes, there's no reason to put off training if you think your senior dog will benefit from it. But we only recommend training for behaviour changes or mental stimulation if your dog is very old.
Physical training, like tricks or sports, may be more difficult for them, especially if they have issues like hip dysplasia. But a lot of this depends on your dog's overall health.
If your old dog is fit and healthy, however, basic training might be a good excuse to get some more exercise in their life.
Challenges and differences
As mentioned, the main challenge with training an older dog is likely to be physical. They might not be able to hop, skip and roll over like they used to.
Another challenge is the dog's temperament; your older dog has seen it all before, and they can be less eager to learn new things.
But this isn't a problem with them. It's a problem with the training. They should still respond to positive reinforcement, and as long as you're not stressing them out too much or doing anything they're not comfortable with, they will eventually learn.
One major thing to note is this: you need patience. Training is slow at the best of times, but older dogs will take longer to learn new things. Never show frustration or use negative reinforcement.
How to train an older dog
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Start with a vet check-up
First, make sure your dog is in good shape. Preventative pet care is one of the most important parts of health, and you don't want to do something that might accidentally hurt your golden oldie.
This is especially important if you're going to train them for something physical, like jumping.
Key training tips
Here's how to make senior dog training easy:
Patience - As mentioned, older dogs can have less energy, so they may take longer to teach. It's essential you're patient with them.
Keep training sessions short - Your older dog may not have the energy for long training sessions, so keep them short and regular. You shouldn't go beyond 20 minutes.
Start simple - Start with small, easy-to-learn tricks and make your way up. You can't expect your dog to learn the hardest things around immediately - build the training habit first.
Consistency - Make sure you have regular, consistent training. We recommend making it at the same time(s) daily and being consistent with your rewards, duration and structure.
Use positive reinforcement - Our article on positive reinforcement training explains the details, but training your dog in this way gets better results without stressing them out or causing anxiety.
Can you train a senior dog to use pee pads?
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Can you potty train an old dog? Is it only for puppies? No, it's not: older dogs respond well to potty training, and it's sometimes needed for medical reasons.
As dogs reach their senior years, they may need some help getting to the bathroom. Thankfully, pee pads can help, especially if your dog has incontinence or limited mobility.
It's also a good option if you live somewhere with limited outdoor access, like high up in a flat.
Steps to train an older dog to use pee pads
Put the pad in a consistent, easy-to-access spot. For example, don't put the pee pad near the stairs if your dog struggles with them. Try not to move it around, as this can confuse your dog.
Use treats or toys to incentivise them to go there.
Don't use negative reinforcement if there are accidents. This will stress out your dog, slow down learning and cause bigger problems.
Teach them a "potty cue". Be consistent with this, and use positive reinforcement to reward them.
Regularly check for accidents with a blacklight.
Practice patience. These things take time.
Our puppy housetraining guide can help, even if it's directed to younger pups.
How long does it take to train a senior dog?
Senior dog training takes a little longer than with younger dogs. But consistency and celebrating those small wins go a long way to making the process feel easy.
We encourage you to follow one of the main tenets of positive reinforcement training and encourage small, steady progress. Celebrate those small wins, and realise that older dogs love learning just as much as puppies.
Senior dog well-being: mental and physical health
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Even if your senior dog is the most well-behaved doggo in all the lands, training can still give them a mental and physical health boost.
Training keeps senior dogs active
Mental stimulation is essential to keep ageing brains active and healthy. Training is an effective way to bring enrichment to your dog's day, meaning it's a win-win for you and your dog.
Tailored training for their physical health
Some training can net physical health benefits too, but only up to a certain point. You need to make sure training is a part of your senior dog's exercise regime and doesn't lead to overtraining or wear and tear on problem areas like the hips and elbows.
How dog insurance helps with senior dog training
Overall, training a senior dog is not only possible; it's beneficial. It's an excellent way to maintain health, happiness and fun in their older years.
Dog insurance can be the best training partner you can ask for. We offer up to £15,000 vet fee cover and 24/7 access to a professional through FirstVet, meaning you're well-equipped for any training woes or mishaps.
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