Pat Miller says training an older dog requires some accommodations, but it can be done. She discusses a number of factors that influence how much and what mature canines can learn. She recommends talking with a veterinarian before starting a senior dog in a physically vigorous training program.
Source: Whole Dog Journal, October 16, 2016 (repurposed from December 2007 issue).
Factors influencing older dog learning capacity include:
- The dog’s training and behavior history
- Physical conditions that limit his mobility
- Your skill as a trainer and commitment to the dog’s training program.
- What you are trying to teach him.
- What methods you have used – and are using – to teach him.
- Mental conditions that limit his cognitive abilities.