Senior Dog Comfort & Care

A dog is never too old to learn new tricks! Lifelong training is essential to keep the mind sharp. And for newly adopted senior dogs, training can create a stronger bond and help them settle in.

An older brain may need more time to learn something new, but it’s important to challenge your dog so they get adequate mental enrichment and don’t get bored. While senior dogs may already know the basics, there are many useful training skills for safety, cooperative care (Tip #88), and even physical conditioning (Tip #18). Focusing on skills that help your dog maintain body awareness and balance is crucial. And let’s face it — teaching tricks is just plain fun!

As your dog ages, you may notice they have “forgotten” some of their previous training. That’s normal. Whether it’s potty problems (Chapter 8), anxiety, or other behavior issues, it’s not too late to help them through it. So, grab some treats or their favorite reward and set aside just a few minutes a day to play training games with your dog.