Teach your old dog new tricks – Happy Birthday Theo!

A dog celebrating his birthday

Our Chief Canine Officer, Theo, officially turns double digits at 10 years young this month! Since we began our training journey 5 years ago when Theo was adopted, learning new skills and tricks has been a key part of building Theo’s confidence, his trust and bond with his favorite humans, and his overall goodboy-ness. These days as Theo settles into his golden years, he spends less time doing Barkour and more time snuggling on the couch. Nonetheless, practicing his tricks and learning new things remains a favorite activity. If you’ve ever thought that your dog is too old to learn new tricks, think again! 

In fact, with a bit of patience and understanding, dogs of any age can learn new skills, and training is an excellent form of mental and physical stimulation. Let’s dive into why you should continue to work on new skills with your senior dog and explore a few age-appropriate tricks to keep their mind sharp and tail wagging.

The Benefits of Training for Senior Dogs

While older dogs might not be as active as their younger selves, their need for mental stimulation is just as important. Training engages their brains, releases endorphins, and gives them a fulfilling sense of achievement. This mental engagement can be especially important for senior dogs, as it helps them stay sharp, happy, and fulfilled.

Embracing training can also be a way to continue building your bond with your dog, even if they can’t join you for the long hikes or early morning runs that you used to do together.  For busy NYC dog owners, short indoor training sessions are ideal and can fit easily into your daily schedule.

Easy Tricks for Senior Dogs

Here are some gentle and rewarding tricks to start you off:

  1. Nose Touch
    This simple but fun trick involves teaching your dog to touch their nose to your hand or a target. It’s easy on the joints and provides great mental stimulation. Begin by holding out your hand and rewarding your dog with a treat each time they bring their nose close to your palm. Over time, you can add a cue like “touch.” This skill can even help guide your dog in the busy NYC streets or crowded dog parks.
  2. Cuddle or Chin Rest
    This trick has your dog rest their chin or head on a specific surface like a small pillow, mat, or even your lap. It encourages focus while giving your dog a moment of relaxation—perfect after a day of exploring dog-friendly spots around New York City.
  3. ‘Find It’ or Scent Work Games
    Hide treats around the room and let your dog use their nose to find them! This engaging game doesn’t require much physical effort but taps into their natural sniffing abilities, which is especially useful for apartment living.

Tips for Training Senior Dogs

You have notice that your dog is not quite as eager to show off tricks he used to be super excited about. For example, Theo used to happily plop into his “Down” as soon as he was given the cue, but these days he hesitates unless he’s on his bed or a soft surface! When working with a senior dog, a few adjustments can make training more comfortable and enjoyable:

  • Use Soft Mats or Carpets
    Senior dogs, especially those with arthritis or other joint issues, may appreciate softer surfaces when training. Use a padded mat or rug to provide a more comfortable training space that’s gentle on their joints.
  • Shorter Training Sessions
    Senior dogs may tire more quickly than they used to, so keep training sessions short and focused. Aim for 5-10 minutes per session, and make sure to end on a positive note with plenty of praise and treats.
  • Use High-Value, Soft Treats
    Small, soft treats are often easier on a senior dog’s teeth and can keep them motivated throughout training. Find treats your dog loves and reserve them just for training to keep their interest high.

Need professional help or more training ideas for your older dog?  Dig up some local trainers by searching on DigUp! Happy training!