--- title: "Fun Tips on Training Your Dog Regardless of His Age" id: "199721" type: "post" slug: "fun-tips-on-training-your-dog-regardless-of-his-age" published_at: "2020-09-10T17:07:40+00:00" modified_at: "2026-02-27T19:02:02+00:00" url: "https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/fun-tips-on-training-your-dog-regardless-of-his-age/" markdown_url: "https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/fun-tips-on-training-your-dog-regardless-of-his-age.md" excerpt: "Training puppies is an easy endeavor but training an old dog is really hard. Or so you’ve heard. “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Wrong on both counts. First off, training any dog, regardless of age, is relatively..." taxonomy_category: - "Tips & Tricks" --- [Home](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/) / [Blog](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/blog/) / [Community](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/petland/) / **Fun Tips on Training Your Dog Regardless of His Age** [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog/) # Fun Tips on Training Your Dog Regardless of His Age September 10, 2020 · Carley Kuehner [Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandchillicothe.com) Training puppies is an easy endeavor but training an old dog is really hard. Or so you’ve heard. “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Wrong on both counts. First off, training any dog, regardless of age, is relatively easy if you use the two most important tools: treats and patience. Declining health might mean your senior dog can’t perform certain tasks, but within his physical limitations, older dogs can learn new things. Puppies may train faster, but older dogs outperform the pups in logic and reasoning tasks. Like humans, they learn from life experiences. They are also able to focus longer than a young dog. So what to teach your dog to do? Here is a list of tricks to teach any dog of any age. Using the techniques of consistency, repetition, and positive reward, any dog can learn these. Using a clicker to signal correct responses speeds this training up many times over. The most important thing about clicker training is timing. You absolutely must time the click to coincide with the correct behavior. A moment too late and he won’t understand what you are rewarding him for. 1. **Touch.** This is the basic command–targeting– that will be foundational in teaching other tricks. Simply hold out two fingers in front of your dog. When your dog reaches out and touches your fingers, immediately click and then give him his tiny pieces of his favorite treat. After he gets the idea, move your hand away so that the dog must come to your hand in order to touch it. When he is reliably touching your fingers every time you hold them out, add the verbal word, “touch.” (If he’s hearing impaired, just skip the word. The visual gesture will be all he needs.) 2. **Come.** If you have taught touch, give the touch command and hold out your fingers. When he touches your fingers, toss his treat a little ways away from him so he has to go get it. Then command “touch” again and repeat the sequence of command, touch (click), toss, repeat. As soon as he starts eagerly coming to you when he sees your hand outstretched, change the command from “touch” to “come.” 3. **Lie down.** Start with your dog in front of you and hold two fingers out as before. When he touches your fingers, click and treat. Next time, put your fingers on the ground and say “touch.” You’ll be amazed how quickly he will lie down to touch your fingers. Remember to click the moment the behavior is correct. When he’s reliably lying down to touch your fingers, change the command to “lie down.” Repeat it until he will lie down on command. 4. **Sit.** This time, use the touch command to teach your dog to sit. Start out the same way with the dog touching your extended fingers. Then lift the fingers up and slightly over his head. He will lift his head to touch your fingers and will probably lower his hindquarters at the same time. When he is sitting each time you lift your fingers above his head, add the “sit” command. 5. **Follow.** Teaching your dog to follow your moving fingers at this point should be very easy. Keep the fingers just slightly ahead of him and out of his reach. When you finally allow him to touch your fingers, click and reward. This one will be a lot of fun for him, so teaching “follow” will seem more like a game. 6. **Ring the bell** to go outside. One secret of clicker training is to capture behavior you want to reinforce. Instead of extending your fingers, hold a string of bells and command your dog to touch. At first, he may look at you confused. Just wait. Repeat the command “touch” and wiggle the string of bells a little to encourage his attention. As soon as he touches the bells, click and reward. Next, hold the bells a little higher than his nose so he reaches for the bells. When he touches them, click and reward. Next time, move the bells to a door or gate and when he touches them, open the gate and reward him after he passes through the door. You no longer have to verbally cue him, but *every time* he goes through the gate, take him to his potty spot. Slowly wait to treat him until he is closer to his spot, and eventually stop rewarding him for going outside and reward him for doing his business. Building on targeting, you can teach your dog to go get things, to pick up his toys, to open doors, and so much more. Any dog of any age can learn this way. So head to your nearest Petland, grab some Lil Gimmes training treats and start mastering some new tricks with your dog! To see videos of how to use this technique with your dog, watch this [Treehugger video.](https://www.treehugger.com/tricks-you-can-teach-senior-dog-4863692) [Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlandchillicothe.com) Available Now## If you loved this, you'll *love our puppies* Meet the happy, healthy pups ready to join your family today — browse the whole litter below. [Browse all puppies](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/) - 138 views Very Popular ## [Daryl - Male #19600](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/cavapoo/cavapoo-19600/) ### [Cavapoo](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/cavapoo/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(740) 773-1982](tel:(740)%20773-1982) - 116 views Very Popular ## [Darlene - Female #19599](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/mini-goldendoodle-2nd-gen/mini-goldendoodle-2nd-gen-19599/) ### [Mini Goldendoodle 2nd Gen](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/mini-goldendoodle-2nd-gen/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(740) 773-1982](tel:(740)%20773-1982) - 123 views Very Popular ## [Romeo - Male #19593](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/yochon/yochon-19593/) ### [Yochon](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/yochon/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(740) 773-1982](tel:(740)%20773-1982) - 301 views Very Popular ## [Winston - Male #19583](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/french-bulldog/french-bulldog-19583/) ### [French Bulldog](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/french-bulldog/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(740) 773-1982](tel:(740)%20773-1982) - - 296 views Very Popular ## [Lilly - Female #19590](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/beagle/beagle-19590/) ### [Beagle](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/beagle/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(740) 773-1982](tel:(740)%20773-1982) - 275 views Very Popular ## [Belle - Female #19588](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel-19588/) ### [Cavalier King Charles Spaniel](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/cavalier-king-charles-spaniel/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(740) 773-1982](tel:(740)%20773-1982) - 291 views Very Popular ## [Honey - Female #19585](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/rat-terrier-chihuahua/rat-terrier-chihuahua-19585/) ### [Rat Terrier/Chihuahua](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/rat-terrier-chihuahua/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(740) 773-1982](tel:(740)%20773-1982) - 250 views Very Popular ## [Freddy - Male #19578](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/golden-retriever-19578/) ### [Golden Retriever](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(740) 773-1982](tel:(740)%20773-1982) - - 433 views Very Popular ## [Toby - Male #19577](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-pinscher/miniature-pinscher-19577/) ### [Miniature Pinscher](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-pinscher/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(740) 773-1982](tel:(740)%20773-1982) - 429 views Very Popular ## [Gidget - Female #19576](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-schnauzer/miniature-schnauzer-19576/) ### [Miniature Schnauzer](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-schnauzer/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(740) 773-1982](tel:(740)%20773-1982) - 458 views Very Popular ## [Zeus - Male #19574](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/shiba-inu/shiba-inu-19574/) ### [Shiba Inu](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/shiba-inu/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(740) 773-1982](tel:(740)%20773-1982) - 430 views Very Popular ## [Moss - Male #19571](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/dachshund-19571/) ### [Dachshund](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-for-sale/dachshund/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [(740) 773-1982](tel:(740)%20773-1982) Loading more pets… You've reached the end. Still looking?### We can find you the perfect pet. Tell our pet counselors what you're looking for: breed, gender, color, anything. No extra cost, no obligation. [Start a Special Order](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/special-orders/) #### **Related** Articles [View All Articles](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/blog/) - [https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/) [Blog](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog/) ## [Understanding Puppy Body Language: What Your Pup Is Telling You](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. Living with a puppy can feel like discovering… October 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/) [Blog](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog/) ## [The First 5 Commands Every Puppy Should Learn](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. Bringing home a puppy is one of life’s… September 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/) [Blog](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog/) ## [Finding the Perfect Puppy: A Breed Comparison Guide](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. Bringing home a puppy is exciting. It also… August 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/) [Blog](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog/) ## [Your Dog’s Summer Job Would Definitely Be…](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. Summer is officially here. The grills are grilling.… June 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/) [Blog](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog-2/) · [Pet Store](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/pet-store/) · [Petcare](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/petcare/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog/) · [Veterinary](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/veterinary/) ## [Myth Busting: Why Petland is a Good Choice When Bringing a Puppy Home](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. Sometimes, the biggest decision isn’t which puppy steals… May 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/) [Blog](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog-2/) · [Petcare](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/petcare/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog/) · [Veterinary](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/veterinary/) ## [AKC Registration With Health Testing: What Every Future Puppy Parent Should Know](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. New puppy parents quickly encounter many unfamiliar terms.… April 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/) [Blog](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog/) ## [Spring Fever, Fur Real: What Happens to Your Dog’s Personality When Winter Ends?](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/) dog behavior changes in spring March 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog/) ## [Bringing Home Your Dream Puppy: How Petland Financing Makes It Possible](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. Bringing home a puppy is often a heart… February 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/understand-dog-love-languages/](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/understand-dog-love-languages/) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog/) ## [The Love Languages of Dogs (Yes, They’re Real!)](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/understand-dog-love-languages/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. Fact: your dog is absolutely saying “I love… February 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/healthy-habits-for-dogs-2026/](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/healthy-habits-for-dogs-2026/) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog/) ## [New Year, Happy Dog: 10 Healthy Habits to Kick Off 2026 With Your Pup](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/healthy-habits-for-dogs-2026/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. A new year brings fresh routines, renewed energy…… January 7, 2026 - [https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/petland-puppy-ethics/](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/petland-puppy-ethics/) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog/) ## [The Ethical And Welfare Implications Of Buying From Petland Explained](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/petland-puppy-ethics/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. Bringing home a puppy is a big, emotional… January 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/category/blog/) ## [12 Ways Puppies Remind Us What The Holidays Are Really About](https://www.petlandchillicothe.com/puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/) Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides. The holidays sparkle a little brighter when there’s… November 30, 2025