The age-old adage insists that trying to “teach an old dog new tricks” is an exercise in futility. But is there any scientific merit behind this well-worn phrase, or is it an antiquated myth worth debunking? As dog owners and animal behavior experts will attest, the reality is more nuanced than a simple yes or no answer. In this article we talk about Can You Really Teach an Old Dog New Tricks.
While puppies are often seen as adorable little sponges capable of rapid learning and training, senior dogs shouldn’t be dismissed as unable to change their ways. With the right approach, techniques, and mindset, an old dog can absolutely pick up new commands, skills, and behaviors – even if they may require some extra patience and creativity compared to training a younger pup.
So before you resign yourself to the idea that Fido’s “too old” to learn anymore, let’s dig into what the research says about an old dog’s cognitive abilities and explore some tips for successfully teaching them those coveted “new tricks.”
The Canine Mind Is Built to Learn
First, it’s important to understand that dogs of all ages retain the fundamental capacity for learning and developing new associations throughout their lifetime. Their species’ survival literally depended on this very ability to adapt to changing circumstances and environments as they evolved.
A 2008 study by researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna found that even after undergoing targeted aging of their cognitive abilities over the course of a year, senior dogs were still able to learn simple discriminations and form new associations without issue. Their learning functions remained largely intact compared to younger cohorts.
The Key Factor of Neuroplasticity
So if old dogs can learn new things just like their pup counterparts, what exactly is the potential obstacle that perpetuates the “you can’t teach an old dog” notion? The answer may lie in the concept of neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to reorganize neural pathways based on new experiences and learnings.
Like humans, a dog’s neuroplasticity is highly flexible and enabling during the critical developmental periods of puppyhood. This early lifestage essentially serves as the “tabula rasa” period where new skills are most easily acquired and hardwired into the brain via structural changes.
As dogs reach seniority, the neural pathways become less plastic and more ingrained in established behaviors and associations. Essentially, the older a dog gets, the more “stuck in their ways” their behaviors may seem on the surface.
However, modern neurological research has proven that neuroplasticity continues to some degree even in senior aging brains – both canine and human alike. You can indeed “rewire” those old circuits and ingrain new patterns with the proper training techniques and cognitive enrichment.
Tips for Teaching New Tricks to Older Dogs
So now that we know senior dogs aren’t necessarily doomed to their old ways by age or cognition alone, what are some best practices for getting them on board with new tricks and training? Here are some tips from the experts:
Keep Sessions Short and Sweet
It’s a common misconception that dogs won’t have the attention span for a longer training session as they get older. While this fading ability is somewhat true, the smarter solution is to simply keep your training sessions short and high-impact. Experts recommend a limit of 10-15 minutes per session for senior dogs.
Break Skills Into Smaller Steps
Just like when teaching children, breaking down new skills into smaller, more digestible training steps is key to helping an older dog’s brain make new neurological connections and build on success. Take potty training or teaching a new obedience command and progressively shape the desired behavior through positive reinforcement.
Focus on Consistency and Repetition
While senior dogs’ brains can still learn, the process may require more repetition and consistency than it did when they were puppies. That makes sticking to a daily training routine at the same times and reward systems all the more important.
Provide Mental Enrichment
Like cross-training for the human brain, introducing other novel enrichment activities like puzzle toys, scent games, and obedience exercises can help keep those neural pathways primed and ready for more learning. Finding what motivates an older dog also keeps training upbeat.
Understand Potential Health Factors
While cognitive decline isn’t guaranteed as dogs age, issues like canine cognitive dysfunction, joint pain, loss of hearing/vision, and other health factors can make learning harder. Always consult a vet to identify and treat potential obstacles before dismissing a dog as “too old to learn.”
Celebrate Small Wins
One of the biggest reasons old dogs are deemed “untrainable” is often due to human impatience and improper technique rather than ability. Recognizing small progressive improvements and rewarding accordingly allows the senior learner to gradually build confidence.
By now it should be clear that writing off an older dog as incapable of acquiring new skills and behaviors is simply an unfair generalization not rooted in fact. While the learning process may require more time and nuanced technique adjustments, the senior dog brain retains an impressive plasticity.
With the right positive reinforcement training approach that accounts for health needs, mental enrichment, and a commitment to consistency, even an old dog can expand their repertoire remarkably. Pet owners willing to invest the extra effort are often amazed at the “new tricks” their beloved canines can pick up well into the golden years.
So don’t let harmful misnomers and low expectations deprive your senior companion of opportunities to continue growing their skillsets. Embrace the joys and possibilities of lifelong learning together – one tiny but celebrated “new trick” at a time. I sincerely hope you find this “Can You Really Teach an Old Dog New Tricks?” article helpful.
Dr. Katie Lawlor is a seasoned expert in pet care with over 8 years of experience dedicated to enhancing the well-being of pets and their families. As a passionate advocate for animal health, Dr. Lawlor combines her extensive knowledge with a compassionate approach, offering valuable insights and practical advice on pet wellness. Her commitment to improving the lives of pets and their owners is reflected in her engaging content on PetPawsitively .com. Follow Dr. Lawlor’s work and connect with her on Instagram for expert tips and support.
