Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks?
Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks?
Or... can you?
Hello and welcome back.
Whether it’s been here - focussed on the power of learning - or over on our chart-topping podcast - helping you keep to your goals - we hope we’ve supported both you and your dog in starting 2023 off on the right paw.
Speaking of right paws - did you know that your dog can be left or right pawed, just like we can be left- or right-handed? And that there are even thoughts that lean towards right-pawed dogs being more trainable (for example being more successful as Guide Dogs) and left-pawed dogs being more prone to aggressive behaviours?
What’s been interesting in some of the various studies around paw-bias (handedness of dogs), is that the % of left/right paw-bias the studied dogs favour appears to differ in the younger group of dogs to those who are older. When studied, elderly dogs showed a tendency for a stronger right-paw preference than younger dogs. So… could that mean that actually, despite the old saying, our older dogs are easier to train than the youngsters?
Paws aside, I personally think we’re limiting the fun and enjoyment our old dogs can experience in their twilight years if we excuse them from training simply based on age.
We know that earned food can create happier reactions in our dogs than free food. We know that mental workouts are good for all mammals to fend off cognitive decline. We also know that by using their brains, training can give a great alternative to walks when a dog is limited physically as it can tire them out more quickly. And, as I mentioned last time, we know that the way we train our dogs can even change their perspective on life.
You hopefully wouldn’t be teaching your senior dog to sit on their hind legs or compete in agility, but that doesn’t mean they can’t excel in many other areas of training. Training protocols such as ‘Real Dog Yoga’, ‘Do as I Do’ dog training, or even Hoopers can provide fantastic mental enrichment for our older dogs. You can also investigate Canine Conditioning or Free Work to help your older dog to move their body in different ways or be able to observe them for any potential signs of injury or pain.
So, can you teach an old dog new tricks? Not only can you, but it will help them live their best, fullest lives.
Until next time, keep on training!
Caroline
Really interesting column, Caroline - thanks!! We definitely see a right/left paw bias in veterinary medicine. I found it was helpful to pay attention to this aspect of the dog (or cat) in an intake appointment when we're going to draw blood or place a catheter, as the veins were definitely more prominent (and generous) in their "go-to" leg. Intriguing to think there's also a possible personality connection to that bias!