It's been repeated several times: you can't teach an old dog new tricks. The idea behind this statement is that when a canine becomes too old, they're incapable of learning anything new, whether it's the ability to sit on command, offer their paw, or what have you. What you may not know is that the statement in question isn't as true as you might think. As a matter of fact, you'll start to see that it's nothing more than a common myth.
While you may think that older or senior dogs cannot pick up on new abilities, the truth is that their focus aids this process along. According to companies such as Assisi Animal Health, it's not out of the question for a canine in his or her twilight years to pick up on skills that they might not have obtained earlier in life. It's a simple matter of how much work you're willing to put into this, as a pet owner. If you're determined, you can make it happen.
One of the most important things to know about training a senior dog is that repetition is key. You may see this as monotonous, but it's the only way that your pet will retain the information they're given. For instance, if you're trying to get your dog to sit on command, try to maneuver them in the position that they should be. By doing this over and over again, repeating the term "sit" as well, eventually your pet will get the idea.
Perhaps the best way to make teaching tricks easier on yourself is by getting your dog the exercise they need. Keep in mind that older pets need to be active the most, seeing as how their joints and muscles can stiffen over time. Everything from walks around the block to games of catch can go a long way. The more physically able your dog is, the easier it'll be for you to teach tricks that they didn't know before.
While it's fair to assume that teaching an old dog new tricks is impossible, it's nothing short of a myth that doesn't seem to fade. Fortunately, there are ways to carry out this practice so that the best results come about. Whether it's a matter of sitting, begging, or what have you, your older dog is capable of learning anything. However, you have to be willing to put in the work that's expected of a pet owner.
While you may think that older or senior dogs cannot pick up on new abilities, the truth is that their focus aids this process along. According to companies such as Assisi Animal Health, it's not out of the question for a canine in his or her twilight years to pick up on skills that they might not have obtained earlier in life. It's a simple matter of how much work you're willing to put into this, as a pet owner. If you're determined, you can make it happen.
One of the most important things to know about training a senior dog is that repetition is key. You may see this as monotonous, but it's the only way that your pet will retain the information they're given. For instance, if you're trying to get your dog to sit on command, try to maneuver them in the position that they should be. By doing this over and over again, repeating the term "sit" as well, eventually your pet will get the idea.
Perhaps the best way to make teaching tricks easier on yourself is by getting your dog the exercise they need. Keep in mind that older pets need to be active the most, seeing as how their joints and muscles can stiffen over time. Everything from walks around the block to games of catch can go a long way. The more physically able your dog is, the easier it'll be for you to teach tricks that they didn't know before.
While it's fair to assume that teaching an old dog new tricks is impossible, it's nothing short of a myth that doesn't seem to fade. Fortunately, there are ways to carry out this practice so that the best results come about. Whether it's a matter of sitting, begging, or what have you, your older dog is capable of learning anything. However, you have to be willing to put in the work that's expected of a pet owner.
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