This is a partnered post with Purina, but all opinions are my own.
Adopting a senior pet is one of the most rewarding experiences we have had in our family. Since it is “Adopt a Senior Pet Month”, I have to share how much we love our dog, Rio, who was adopting from a shelter after he lost his elderly owner. He came to us calm, trained, and so happy to have a second chance. He lived with my father as a companion dog until my father passed away. Not only was he great company to my dad, snuggling beside him on the couch and sleeping beside his bed, my father enjoyed taking care of him. The one thing I would have done differently with Rio when we first adopted him was use some of these tips provided by Bill Berloni and continued with his training to help keep him healthy and mentally sharp. Mr. Berloni is a tony award-winning animal trainer who rescues dogs from shelters and trains them to perform on stage. Presently, two of hid dogs, the rescued 10-year-old Cairn Terriers, are being trained for the role of Toto in The Wiz Live!, NBC’s live TV musical, airing on December 3rd. As Mr. Berloni explains, “Mental stimulation paired with the right nutrition, like Purina Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND Adult 7+ for senior dogs, can go a long way to keep dogs “performing” at their best.”
Mr. Berloni suggests we teach our dogs, no matter what their age, these five commands:
1. Sit. This is the first thing to teach. Use this technique: Remember to be kind, consistent and clear. With a treat in hand, say your dog’s name and lure your dog’s nose up with the teach hand as you gently push their rear end down and say “sit” once. Quickly your dog will follow your hand up in front of their nose and avoid the push at the other end. If your dog does not sit, make sure you are luring them correctly. If they still do not do it, start over again by saying their name and giving them the command. They only get the reward when they do it right. Keep practicing and eventually you will notice you won’t even need to raise your hand. All of a sudden your dog knows “sit.”
2. Stay.Teaching “stay” is important to teach your dog patience. Use this technique: With leash and treats in hand, ask your dog to sit. Say their name and “stay” and treat them immediately. In effect you are rewarding them for staying one second. Each day in a week, add five seconds. Take your time – do not graduate five seconds until they are doing it perfectly.
3. Up and Down. Use this training technique: Put your dog on a leash and hold it at the buckle. In the other hand have a treat. Say their name, then say “down” and lure them to the floor gently putting pressure on the leash – once they get down give them the treat. Get another treat and say their name and “up” while luring them with the treat and gently pulling up and giving them the treat as soon as they sit up.
4. Wave.This is a simple, fun technique, especially since dogs have a natural tendency to do this one. I’ve watched dogs do this at various events I’ve been to and everyone loves it. Use this technique: Simply get down on the floor with your dog. Hold the treat in one hand by your face, say their name and the word “wave” and gently lift their paw with your other hand. Hold it for two seconds and then give the treat.
5. Mind Games/Pick a Paw. This is to provide mental stimulation. It reminds me of the game we used to play on the playground as children. Use this technique: Show your dog a treat and then put your hands behind you and switch the treat around. Bring both hands if front of you and let your dog choose. If your dog picks the correct hand, they win the treat, if not try again.
Are you thankful for your pet?
Do you have a pet you are thankful for?
What a cutie!! Our husky Bella is still a spring chicken and we are so thankful for her and all her hyperness lol
Definitely good to stay on top of commands, even when dogs get older. Theses are great training tips!
We are thinking about getting a dog. These are good tips for our family.
Great tips for training dogs. We actually been thinking about getting a dog but when and if we do, we would probably end up going for a puppy.
I have a little yorkie. Unfortunately, she doesn’t know too many extra commands.
It’s never too late, we have an older dog we need to teach a few things.
These are all wonderful training tips. My dog is part of my family and I am very thankful for that.
These are great tips for senior dogs. I am thankful for my pup for sure!
I am thankful for all of my pets. They are part of our family.
So you can teach an old dog new tricks! These are a great collection of tricks that all dogs should know, regardless of age.
So freakin’ cute. I have so many pets I’m so thankful for, I’m seriously the worst when it comes to my animals I treat them like my little babies and I have no idea what I’d do without each one of them!
These are adorable photos. It is never to late to teach your dog. I always teach the basics. Pick a paw is always a fun one for the kids to teach the dog.
These are great tips. We don’t have a senior dog, yet, but this will come in handy.
We adopted a 30 month old beagle. Poor little boy was so thin and scared. He is now a happy dog, and we named him Tofu. I wish I could adopt more, but space will be a big issue in the house.
These are great tips! My sister has an older dog…..totally sending her this article!
Great tips! Though, we worked and worked with our senior dog and she never caught on to any trick. So we just let her lay around and be lazy all day lol.
Great tips! I definitely have a soft spot for older dogs. They deserve to be pampered!
I love that people are placing a focus on senior dogs. I am certainly thankful for my sweet Harvey. He has been such a ray of light in our lives.
These are great training tips. They say it can be really hard to train older dogs, so tips are more and more helpful!
Those are great tips. We don’t have a senior dog yet, but will keep in mind.
Those are really helpful tips! I always wondered how you go about starting to teach tricks. I guess old dogs need this kind of mental stimulation too!
Older dogs can be harder to train. These tips are beyond helpful. I will have to bookmark this.
I do not have any dogs. They sound like reasonable tips for obedience. What a cute dog!
Awww so cute! Great tips, every pet should have a loving home, including the senior ones!
these are great commands to teach my dog. She knows sit but doesn’t really do anything else. I love the paw mind game trick though! that is cool. Love to hear about Purina’s card sharing campaign! Will definitely share a card.
These are some great ideas, we do try and teach Sal a little – she’s stubborn though she will do it only when she wants. x
I’ve always wondered how hard it is to train a dog, as we’ve never had pets due to allergies. Interesting!
This is a great post. I’ve always heard you can’t teach old dogs new tricks. I guess that’s not true!
Love these! I have an older dog – she is at least 12 – and her previous owners taught her nothing. We’re on a slow and steady pace to training her but she is definitely improving!
I feel awful for the senior pets, always. Wish I could take them all home.