Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Looking Into The Idea That Old Dog Can't Learn New Tricks

By Robin Setser


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.

If you've been told that your old dog can't learn any new tricks, you've been lied to. One of the reasons for this is that, compared to puppies, senior dogs possess greater focus. Believe it or not, this makes teaching easier, since you won't have to worry about their attention deviating to another location. This is just the start of the knowledge that companies like Assisi Animal Health, as far as teaching older canines is concerned.

Much like training a puppy, taking a senior dog under your wing is no small feat. As a matter of fact, you'll have to go through the motions to ensure that your pet understands the tricks that he or she is being taught. One of the best tips is to use treats, offering praise beforehand. What this does is foster a sense of familiarity as far as the tricks are concerned. Before long, your pet will start to sit, beg, and the like without the need for a treat.

You can also make training easier by ensuring that your senior dog gets plenty of exercise. As a matter of fact, when they grow older, it's that much more important that dogs get out and play. Even if it's a simple walk around the block, any activity is better than no activity at all. When your pet is physically fit, able to move without any difficulty, you'll be amazed by how much easier it is to teach simple and complex tricks alike.

If you think that teaching an old dog new tricks would be impossible, you can clearly see that this isn't the case. As a matter of fact, it's easier than you might think, provided you follow the right steps. Sticking with the regimen goes a long way, but make sure that you don't overwork your pet either. The more consistent you are with this endeavor, the sooner your dog will perform tricks that others would consider to be impossible.




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