New Trick for Old Dogs

If you need to teach an old dog a new trick – get down on all fours.



Some dogs are just better at getting that new trick than others – age and breed are a factor – but so is the teacher. An animal behavior expert in Vienna says he’s found the best way to teach an old dog a new trick – get down on all fours! Now show the dog what you’d like him or her to do using your head and your paws – doggy style.

It’s in a dog’s nature to mimic our movements when we’re down on their level. Verbal commands are effective – but the dog will probably figure them out faster with that visual reinforcement.

Source: Friederike Range, PhD