We have all heard the adage, “you cannot teach an old dog new tricks.” Have you ever wondered if there was any truth to this quotation? Can older dogs and cats learn new information and apply it to everyday situations, or is there an age where this is no longer possible?
Dogs can learn at any age, but the way that they learn is different as they go through the different age stages. Young puppies are very impressionable, but they do not possess much focus. As such, they can only train for short periods of time. Juvenile dogs from 16 weeks-1 year of age are the easiest age group to train. They enjoy training and can concentrate for a longer period. Adults are adept at training practices as well.
As dogs approach a senior status, there are different perspectives we must keep in mind. This age group has the most capacity for focus and patience, so in some ways they are easier to train because they are not as easily distracted. They do generally, however, require more repetition. Another important item to keep in mind is that senior dogs may have additional training obstacles such as impaired vision, loss of hearing, and discomfort related to certain positions due to age-related changes. These factors should be taken into consideration when deciding how to train your senior pet.
Cats are another topic altogether. Whereas dogs love to please us and may generally work just for praise, cats tend to require concrete and tangible rewards, or they lose patience. Kittens, like puppies, are harder to train due to lack of focus but will pick up tricks and behaviors more quickly than older pets. The same age group for optimal training would be from 16 weeks of age to 1 year of age. Senior cats possess the same concerns that senior dogs have in relationship to the method of training.
Teaching your pet tricks is a great way to bond with your pet. Make sure to pick a trick or a sport you both enjoy. This is a good way to spend time with your pet and to strengthen your bond and respect in the eyes of your animal.
Senior pets do present some challenges, but they are very capable of learning. Approach training with patience, respect, and consideration. Be prepared that it can take several repetitions for a behavior to be learned. This should be done over a series of days to weeks. Training should not be continued to a point where the pet becomes bored. It is also important for senior pets to make sure that the positions or tricks you are trying to train do not cause pain or discomfort.
Tricks and training exercises are a great way to stimulate your pet’s mind and to keep the brain healthy. They can also be helpful in different circumstances. Teaching your pet to come when you call and to sit on command can help to keep your pet safe from other animals and potentially from other dangers. Fetching is a great form of exercise. Pets love to receive praise and training exercises help to promote self-esteem and happiness.
Remember when training to make it a positive experience. Use treats and words of praise. If the training is not going well on a certain day, wrap it up, and try again tomorrow. Training requires consistency and patience, but the end results will be very rewarding for both you and your pet.
The most common and useful examples of training to teach your pet are, sit, stay, come, paw, shake, high five, crawl, beg, twirl/spin, fetch, and give kisses. This can be a wonderful activity for you and your pet. Enjoy each other and have a great time!
