Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

Yes, it's possible! Whether you've rescued an adult pup or yours has slid back into old habits, every dog can learn. We asked the experts how.

- LIZZ SCHUMER

Rule Out Medical Issues

With older dogs in particular, first make sure their behavior isn't related to a physical problem. Older pets may urinate in inappropriate places because of continence issues, explains Mikkel Becker, a certified dog behavior counselor and lead animal trainer for Fear Free, or may be slower to respond to your call because of a new or worsening mobility problem like arthritis or degenerative joint disease. Link My Pet dog trainer Brandon McMillan says he's always keeping an eye on older dogs' weight, which can contribute to those mobility-limiting issues. Also, cognitive decline can cause dogs to forget training they've had for a long time or may contribute to confused barking or whining, especially in new environments. All dogs should visit the vet every six months to help spot and treat issues early and manage their weight if necessary, but bring them to the vet right away if they've started struggling with a behavior that never used to be a problem.

Look at Their Environment