--- 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: "2026-02-27T19:06:55+00:00" url: "https://www.petlanddayton.com/fun-tips-on-training-your-dog-regardless-of-his-age/" markdown_url: "https://www.petlanddayton.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.petlanddayton.com/) / [Blog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/blog/) / [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) / **Fun Tips on Training Your Dog Regardless of His Age** [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) # Fun Tips on Training Your Dog Regardless of His Age September 10, 2020 · 5 min read · [Carley Kuehner](https://www.petlanddayton.com/author/cosmick/) [Stay connected via Google News Follow us for the latest pet updates and guides.](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=petlanddayton.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=petlanddayton.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.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/) - 88 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Patrick - Male #10677](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/labrador-retriever/labrador-retriever-10677/) ### [Labrador Retriever](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/labrador-retriever/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100) - 86 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Sage - Female #10675](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/shetland-sheepdog/shetland-sheepdog-10675/) ### [Shetland Sheepdog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/shetland-sheepdog/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100) - 104 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Sidney - Female #10674](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/yorkshire-terrier/yorkshire-terrier-10674/) ### [Yorkshire Terrier](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/yorkshire-terrier/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100) - 107 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Eve - Female #10673](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/pomsky-2nd-gen/pomsky-2nd-gen-10673/) ### [Pomsky 2nd Gen](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/pomsky-2nd-gen/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100) - - 107 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [James - Male #10670](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/cavalier-king-charles/cavalier-king-charles-10670/) ### [Cavalier King Charles](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/cavalier-king-charles/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100) - 115 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Twix - Male #10669](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/pembroke-welsh-corgi/pembroke-welsh-corgi-10669/) ### [Pembroke Welsh Corgi](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/pembroke-welsh-corgi/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100) - 83 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Snickers - Female #10668](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/pembroke-welsh-corgi/pembroke-welsh-corgi-10668/) ### [Pembroke Welsh Corgi](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/pembroke-welsh-corgi/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100) - 123 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Clover - Female #10666](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/shih-tzu/shih-tzu-10666/) ### [Shih Tzu](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/shih-tzu/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100) - - 138 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Basil - Male #10665](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/golden-retriever-10665/) ### [Golden Retriever](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/golden-retriever/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100) - 170 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Spectra - Female #10664](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/siberian-husky/siberian-husky-10664/) ### [Siberian Husky](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/siberian-husky/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100) - 271 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Dolly - Female #10658](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-american-shepherd/miniature-american-shepherd-10658/) ### [Miniature American Shepherd](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/miniature-american-shepherd/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100) - 491 views Very Popular Petland Dayton, OH ## [Fawn - Female #10654](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/rottweiler/rottweiler-10654/) ### [Rottweiler](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-for-sale/rottweiler/) [Get My Info](#petInquiry) [937-898-9100](tel:937-898-9100) 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.petlanddayton.com/special-orders/) #### **Related** Articles [View All Articles](https://www.petlanddayton.com/blog/) - [https://www.petlanddayton.com/dachshund-puppy-care/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/dachshund-puppy-care/) [Blog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) ## [What Should You Know Before Bringing Home a Dachshund?](https://www.petlanddayton.com/dachshund-puppy-care/) In this articleQuick Answer / SummaryIntroductionWhat Makes Dachshunds Such Special Companions?How Much Exercise and Training Does a Dachshund Need?What Health Considerations Should… November 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlanddayton.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/) [Blog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) ## [Understanding Puppy Body Language: What Your Pup Is Telling You](https://www.petlanddayton.com/understanding-puppy-body-language/) In this articleHow can you tell when your puppy is relaxed?What does a puppy’s playful body language look like?How can you recognize… October 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlanddayton.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/) [Blog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) ## [The First 5 Commands Every Puppy Should Learn](https://www.petlanddayton.com/first-commands-to-teach-a-puppy/) Bringing home a puppy is one of life’s happiest moments. The toys are ready. The bed is set up. The photos have… September 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlanddayton.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/) [Blog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) ## [Finding the Perfect Puppy: A Breed Comparison Guide](https://www.petlanddayton.com/dog-breed-comparison-guide/) In this articleStart with Your Lifestyle, Not Just LooksMeet Five Popular Breeds and Their Best MatchPetland Helps Beyond Puppy DayYour Perfect Match… August 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlanddayton.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/) [Blog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) ## [Your Dog’s Summer Job Would Definitely Be…](https://www.petlanddayton.com/dog-summer-jobs-breed-personalities/) In this articleDifferent Breeds, Different Summer CareersWhy Understanding Personality MattersThe Best Summer Job of All? Being Your DogSummer is officially here. The… June 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlanddayton.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/) [Blog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog-2/) · [Pet Store](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/pet-store/) · [Petcare](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/petcare/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) · [Veterinary](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/veterinary/) ## [Myth Busting: Why Petland is a Good Choice When Bringing a Puppy Home](https://www.petlanddayton.com/is-petland-a-good-choice-puppy-myths/) In this articleWhy Where Your Puppy Comes From Truly MattersLet’s Talk About the Concerns You May Have HeardWhat Makes Petland a Trusted… May 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlanddayton.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/) [Blog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog-2/) · [Petcare](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/petcare/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) · [Veterinary](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/veterinary/) ## [AKC Registration With Health Testing: What Every Future Puppy Parent Should Know](https://www.petlanddayton.com/know-the-importance-of-puppy-health-screening/) In this articleWhat Is AKC Registration?What Is Health Testing?How AKC Registration and Health Testing Work TogetherHow Petland Supports Responsible BreedingHelping Families Find… April 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlanddayton.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/) [Blog](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog-2/) · [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) ## [Spring Fever, Fur Real: What Happens to Your Dog’s Personality When Winter Ends?](https://www.petlanddayton.com/understanding-dog-behavior-changes-in-spring/) dog behavior changes in spring March 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlanddayton.com/how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) ## [Bringing Home Your Dream Puppy: How Petland Financing Makes It Possible](https://www.petlanddayton.com/how-petland-financing-makes-it-possible/) Bringing home a puppy is often a heart decision long before it’s a calendar one. You imagine the cuddles, the routines, the… February 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlanddayton.com/healthy-habits-for-dogs-2026/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/healthy-habits-for-dogs-2026/) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) ## [New Year, Happy Dog: 10 Healthy Habits to Kick Off 2026 With Your Pup](https://www.petlanddayton.com/healthy-habits-for-dogs-2026/) A new year brings fresh routines, renewed energy… and yes, a few resolutions we actually want to keep! And if your dog… January 7, 2026 - [https://www.petlanddayton.com/petland-puppy-ethics/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/petland-puppy-ethics/) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) ## [The Ethical And Welfare Implications Of Buying From Petland Explained](https://www.petlanddayton.com/petland-puppy-ethics/) Bringing home a puppy is a big, emotional decision. And if you’ve ever paused and thought, “Am I making the right ethical… January 1, 2026 - [https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.petlanddayton.com/category/blog/) ## [12 Ways Puppies Remind Us What The Holidays Are Really About](https://www.petlanddayton.com/puppies-remind-us-what-the-holidays-are-really-about/) The holidays sparkle a little brighter when there’s a puppy in the house. They tumble into the season with wide-eyed wonder, tiny… November 30, 2025 ``` Petland Dayton 1447 Google reviews Write a review Posted on Google Mercedez Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My man and I came by Monday, just looking around and ended up leaving with ALL three ferrets they had. We planned to get just two but the other one jumped up to us like she wanted to come too. Petland threw in a free ferret kit if we got the third one. I liked their financing plans they had as well it’s an easy way to bump my credit. So far Matcha, Mocha, and Lottie are loving their home. They love playing with the dogs and I love their silly personalities. I only wish they came potty trained, they didn’t have a specific area for them to pee or poop In so potty training has been a little difficult for the two older girls, only reason why I’m doing 4 stars instead of 5. But we are very happy with our girls and the free ferret kit ended up helping us a lot more than we expected 🫶🏻 thank you to whoever said it was okay to throw it in. It’s also a very specious pet land compared to the one next to my job, we will probably be back. Posted on Google Daniel a Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I got some tiger barbs from there, and they looked great. Good color, good shape. Morgan helped me out with them and she was fantastic! Excellent customer service. I'll be back! Posted on Google Kim P Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very nice and helpful Posted on Google Mike z Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They have the dog food we use. We moved from another state and had to find a store that had our dog food we've been using. Posted on Google ONE C Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nice layout very cute puppies customer service is spectacular they go above and beyond Posted on Google Edward L Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Place was kept very clean but the person who took care of me didn't have knowledge of the Birds that I bought Posted on Google Margaret B Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I loved spending time with the puppies, and the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. ```