Old Dogs

I am blessed to have clients that have been with me since the day I started this business. Over the years, some have lost their dogs, some have dogs who are now old and some have acquired new dogs. I’ve had the opportunity to watch them grow and develop from a very young puppy or adolescent dogs into lovely, mature adults and further still, into their golden years. Some aren’t around all the time, they come back when a new puppy or rescue dog arrives, need help or advice on an issue that crops up or come for refresher training every now and then. Then I have those who come back every month, year after year, to keep up their training … even though their dogs are well past the point of actually needing help with it. I value these people more than you could know, and I absolutely adore their dedication to their canine companions.

The people who come back for the joy of working with their dogs are so inspiring, and our friendships forged through training are like no other. I truly wish everyone would take a bit of time to still work with their old or aging dogs. Sometimes old dogs “get left behind” because maybe they can’t do as much anymore, don’t have the stamina or they need help, but when they get left behind, we loose the opportunity to keep their lives enriched, keep them socializing, their brains active and their bodies moving. Just like us humans, when we stop “doing things” we slow down, we age faster, our brain power reduces quicker and depression can set in.

The old dogs who come to classes, are genuinely happy to be there. They may not be able to participate in all of the activities and we may have to modify things so that they are comfortable and safe, but the joy I see in these dogs eyes when they are allowed to get out, be with their friends, keep active, use their brains, is so worth it. They have a pep in their step when they enter through the training hall door, and they put in maximum effort out of pure love of working with their people.

These dogs are given breaks when and if needed, and we go per their pace. Some are upwards of 11 plus years old, and though parts of their bodies might be failing, they find joy in working with their owners and come alive when allowed to do so. We respect the old dogs, we listen to their bodies and we appreciate who they are. There is nothing like an old dog that has spent his or her years with you, at your side, included in the activities as a large part of the family.

So please consider not leaving your old dog behind. Take a bit of time in the day to work with them on easy things. Keep their brains and bodies active as this helps to increase life expectancy. Keep them involved, as this reduces depression and dementia. Make considerations for them per their health level and fitness, but try to include them where you can. Take them for outings, take them to a class and watch the joy in their eyes when they get to work with you still, even though the stamina might not be there and they might not be able to do things the way they used to.

And remember, an old dog can definitely learn new tricks.

Happy Training!