If you know that you are planning on getting an older dog, then it is important that you prepare for their arrival. You have to make sure that they are comfortable, and that you train them so they understand and respect your house rules.
Training
Stock up on as many treats as you can. This way, you can reward them while you are training. If the treats are big then break them up into much smaller pieces so you don’t overfeed them. When you are training your dog, you have to do it in a quieter place without any distractions. The backyard would be a great choice because this way you are not having to compete for the attention of your dog.
When you are training, you should never train for more than 15 minutes every single day. Remember that your dog can only concentrate for so long and that if you continue past this, then you may put them under a lot of stress. If you are getting your dog from a shelter, try and make sure that you take on-board any dietary requirements that they may have so that you can give them the support they need.
Teeth
When you welcome an older dog into your home, you have to remember that their teeth might not be in the best condition. They may struggle to eat certain foods, so you need to take this into consideration. If you want to help your dog to stay healthy then it may be a good idea to buy them some soft and chewable dental sticks. This way they aren’t putting too much pressure on their teeth. Of course, taking your dog to the vets for a routine appointment is also very important as this will help you to find out if they have any underlying health issues that you need to be aware of.
Grooming
Grooming is very important for older dogs because they might not be able to do it themselves as well. They may struggle with arthritis or they may not be as mobile. If you want to invest in some quality grooming products, then it is a good idea for you to check out doggie solutions. They can
help you to get everything you need for when you are ready to bring your new dog home.
Walking
Older dogs may not be as keen on walking when compared to younger dogs. You do have to remember however that walking is a vital part of a dog’s day, and even though they might not feel like it, you still need to actively encourage them. If you don’t then they may end up becoming overweight and they may also struggle to be as active. If you want to encourage your older dog to walk then consider taking some treats with you, and reward them when they get to the end of each street. This will help them to get out and it will also remind them that walks can be fun.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
