Can you teach an old dog new tricks?

The expression ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ dates back to 16th-century Tudor England. But is it really true, or just a statement that has more bark than bite? 

The truth is, training isn’t just for puppies. Whether you’ve adopted an older dog, adjusted your routine or noticed some changes to your senior dog’s behaviour, it’s definitely possible to train an older dog.

It might take them longer to learn something new, but it’s not necessarily harder to train a senior dog. Petplan surveyed over 1,000 dog owners across the UK, and the research revealed that 73% believe it’s possible to train an older dog. 

However, you may need to adapt how you deliver this training. If your older dog has joint issues, reduced eyesight or hearing problems, this can affect their ability to follow specific commands. 

Before refreshing your older dog’s training, it’s therefore a good idea to book a health check with your vet. They’ll be able to rule out any underlying health conditions that may be impacting your dog’s behaviour.

Behavioural challenges can happen at any age, but some are more common in older dogs. The most common dog training issues include:

• Lead pulling
• Excessive barking
• Jumping on people 
• Separation anxiety 

Finding the time to refresh an older dog’s training is also a barrier for 27% of dog owners. Petplan research revealed that a quarter (25%) of dog owners find it hard to train their dogs consistently, while 23% find professional dog training too expensive. 

But the good news is that training using positive reinforcement methods doesn’t have to be time-consuming, need a consistent routine or be expensive. Here’s how to overcome some of the common issues facing owners of senior dogs.

Older dogs may experience age-related incontinence, which means they may need the toilet more often. Changes in routine, environment or health can also affect a senior dog’s toileting habits, leaving you wondering: how do I house train an older dog?

The steps for toilet training an older dog are the same as for puppies, including recognising signs that your dog needs to go to the toilet, and giving them plenty of praise and rewards when they get it right. Discover expert tips on how to toilet train an older dog here, or watch our step-by-step video guide below.

Remember: if accidents are happening frequently, speak to your vet to rule out any health issues.

Senior dogs may need to spend time in a crate if they’re recovering from illness or injury, but it’s also a good way to ensure they always have a quiet, safe place to rest. 

When crate training an older dog, start by following these initial steps:

• Introduce the crate in a calm but engaging way, such as by placing toys, treats or blankets with a familiar scent inside
• Show your dog how to go in and out of their crate
• Practise slowly closing the door with them inside
• If they seem comfortable, start moving away from the crate
• Finally, once your dog seems settled, try leaving the room

For more detailed tips, read our full guide to create training. Just remember not to rush the process, and make sure your dog feels comfortable in their crate before you start closing the door or leaving them alone for longer periods.

As your dog ages, changes in hearing or vision can affect how they walk on a lead. If you’re looking to refresh their training, take a read of our guide to walking nicely on the lead, or watch our training video below.

Before you start training, double-check that your dog’s collar and harness are comfortable, as changes to their body shape may affect how these fit. Then, use positive reinforcement techniques to reward your dog when they stay at your side.

Your senior dog’s recall training might become less reliable if they experience changes to their hearing or vision. Distractions may also make it harder for them to stay focused, especially in new environments. 

Recall-train your older dog by using high-value rewards and practising in a safe, enclosed area, such as your garden. Then, follow these steps:

• Take one step back from your dog
• Use a flat hand (palm towards your dog) and tell them to ‘stay’ at the same time
• Pause for a few seconds
• Then, call your dog to you using an excited tone of voice and positive body language (such as by opening your arms)
• Reward your dog with a treat and lots of praise when the return to you, gently holding their collar so they’re not tempted to wander off

Keeping your dog on a longer lead can help guide them back to you if they lose focus. If your dog has hearing or vision changes, experimenting with different visual cues, hand signals or noises may help you identify a cue that suits them better.

For a more comprehensive guide on recall training, read our full guide.

Make training sessions with your older dog as effective as possible by: 

• Keeping sessions short
• Using positive reinforcement techniques
• Making sure everyone in the home uses the same cues and rewards 

Senior dogs may also develop cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), which can affect their ability to retain training. Symptoms include confusion, restlessness, barking without cause and disorientation. 

If you’re unsure about how to train a senior dog, or don’t feel like you’re making progress, speaking with a qualified dog behaviourist can help. If you have dog insurance with Petplan, you can also speak with a professional through our Pet Expert Chat feature. To try it, log in to your My Petplan account.