GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) – November is Senior Dog Month, and dog lovers and local shelters are spreading awareness and information on senior dogs.
Dog trainers say the most important thing to do when you have a senior dog is to keep in contact with a veterinarian.
As dogs mature, they can develop age-related health problems that can contribute to their behavior. If you notice your dog acting out, it could be a health-related issue.
Experience brings confidence
Professional trainers say an older dog will have life experiences that will help them be more confident in certain situations. They’ll also have more focus and might be able to learn skills quickly. They won’t be as impulsive or enthusiastic as a puppy would be.
“Senior dogs are special for a lot of reasons. Maybe the main reason is that they’ve spent their entire lives with us. And so we should be celebrating them and the warmth they bring to our home, the relationship we have with them,” said Bradley Phifer, executive director for the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. “But it’s also important to remember that senior dogs can still learn. We have that old wives’ tale that says old dogs can’t learn new tricks. And the good news is that learning does not stop with age.”
Good fit for many households
When it comes to adopting a senior dog, trainers say senior dogs are great for everyone.
Every dog is different, but senior dogs are typically calmer and great for families or single households. They also have less energy than younger dogs, so they work great in tiny apartments or big houses.
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