Dog Training - How To Communicate With An Elderly Dog

As dogs grow older, their senses become less sharp and this can lead to communication difficulties developing.

Other problems, such as a breakdown in toilet training, can also arise, and while the effects of aging cannot be cured, regular veterinary check-ups should help to combat them for a period.

Your vet can advise you on the best way to care for your senior pet.

Making Adjustments.

The relationship between you and your dog will inevitably alter as your dog grows older.

Dogs are now living much longer than in the past, thanks to advances in both nutrition and veterinary care, with even larger dogs now reaching their teens.

Sadly, however, a gradual decline in your dog's physical health is inevitable.

? Try not to let your dog wander off too far when you are out walking: its failing senses mean that he may come across difficulty in finding his way back to you.

? One of the obvious signs of aging, especially with bigger dogs, can be joint pain and stiffness. This will restrict your dog's ability to play, but some exercise is still important to maintain the dog's level of fitness. Preventing your dog gaining weight at this stage is especially important, so as not to place undue extra strain on his skeletal frame. Encourage your dogs to chase after toys, just as he did when he was younger.

? Be prepared to lift your dog into your car, or up stairs, because a combination of failing joints and deteriorating eyesight means that a dog will be reluctant to jump up as he may have done eagerly in the past.

? Make allowances for your dog if he does not respond immediately when called: it may be that he has hearing problems.

? If the dog's eyesight starts to fail or develops cataracts, try not to move furniture from its usual position, as the dog will find this disorientating.

? Pay particular attention to the dog's teeth and gums as these can develop infections and infect other organs.

Aging Problems.

As dogs grow older, so they become more reliant on routine. This is often then consequence of failing senses, with the result that they feel more secure in familiar surroundings.

His ability to hear will decline with age, as will his eyesight. Not surprisingly, dogs find this loss of sensory input disturbing, because it leaves him feeling isolated.

These changes often result in a dog becoming disorientated, especially at night, and being reluctant to settle down to sleep. Your dog may then bark repeatedly but for no obvious reason.

Dealing with this situation is difficult: if you persist in going to see what is wrong with your dog, this pattern of behavior soon becomes habitual. Arrange a veterinary appointment for your dog, to see if any medical aid may help.

Amy Howells is the owner of a website dedicated to teaching you the short-cuts to dog training.

You can also sign up to a free e-course and discover the astonishing short-cut secrets to dog obedience training

---

Spaying or Nuetering Your Dog-Get The Facts... Be Responsible

Bringing a new puppy or dog home is a huge... Read More

Secrets of Kitty Body Language

Kittens communicate in a very distinct way. Did you know... Read More

Responsible Dog Ownership

With all the companionship and love that our dogs give... Read More

Preparing For Your New Dog - What You Need to Know Before He Comes Home

Preparing yourself and your household before, during, and after your... Read More

Horse Training Equipment: The 6th of 6 Keys To Developing A Partnership With Your Horse

The 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With... Read More

Is Nail Trimming Time A Battle?

Does the idea of trimming your dog's nails send chills... Read More

What You Should Know About Your Dogs Sleeping Habits

It's important to understand your dog's sleeping habits and how... Read More

Dogs and Old Age, How To Care For Your Aging Canine

Now that you're dog has shown you so much love... Read More

What Type Of Food Should You Really Feed Your Cat?

What should you feed your cat to make sure he... Read More

Dog Training Collars: Teaching Your Dog Basic Obedience and Breaking Bad Habits

Dog Training CollarsHaving a pet means having to provide for... Read More

Herbs For Your Dog

Herbology, basically, is the use of herbs in the treatment... Read More

Can Cats And Dogs Live Together As Friends?

Can cats and dogs live together without constantly being at... Read More

West Highland White Terriers- Fascinating Facts

West Highland White Terriers began their history as the undesirable... Read More

Facts About Rottweilers

Looking for some quick Rottweiler dog facts? Here's a quick... Read More

Dog Anxiety - Fear of Thunderstorms, and Other Dog Fears

How to Deal With Anxiety in Your DogAnxiety in dogs... Read More

GPS Pet Tracking

If you have a dog or cat that is an... Read More

Keeping Discus Fish Disease Free

So you want to keep discus fish or are already... Read More

Water Chemistry For The Discus Tank

Much has been written about the Discus, or Symphysodon aequifasciatus,... Read More

Dog Health Conditions and Terms You Should Know... Part 2

Cryptorchidism is peculiar to male dogs and a condition present... Read More

Tips on Easy House Breaking Your Puppy

If you are lucky enough to get a 7-week-old puppy,... Read More

But My Pet Will Never Run Away (or Why We Need Licenses)

The city I live in just increased its fees for... Read More

Holistic Pet Care?From a Distinctly Christian Perspective

As a business, I've not been in the holistic pet... Read More

Buy Dog Supplements Online

Dog SupplementsA good nutritional program of dog supplements is just... Read More

Mosquitoes Are a Hazard to Your Pets Health Too

None of us likes to be bitten by mosquitoes and... Read More

Is He Chasing His Tail? What You Always Wanted To Know About Fleas

My dog has fleas. That one statement is enough to... Read More

Aromatherapy for Pets

Pets can enjoy the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy as much... Read More

No, No, No! Drop It, Drop It! Give It To Me Now!

Puppies can be so exasperating! They know what we want,... Read More

Natural Dog Shampoos are Good for Your Dogs Skin and Coat

A Healthy Skin and Coat for Your Dog ...Does your... Read More

Raw Feed? Are You Joking?

Let's think about this for a minute: God did not... Read More

Should Your Family Get a Purebreed Dog?

Many people ask the question: "Should we get a purebreed... Read More

My Dog Won?t Stop Digging - What Can I Do?

Lonely, bored, tired of eating that same old stick, then... Read More

Seeing Past Cuteness When Selecting the Best Dog Breed For You: Part 1 of 3

Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More

Which Of These Horse Catching Mistakes Do You Make?

The other day, I was invited to see my friend's... Read More