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At DogingtonPost, we understand that breaking old dog habits can be a challenge for pet owners.As our canine companions age, they may develop behaviors that are difficult to change. However, addressing these issues is crucial for your senior dogs well-being and quality of life.In this post, well share effective strategies to help you modify those persistent old dog habits and create a happier, healthier relationship with your furry friend.Why Old Dogs Develop Bad HabitsPhysical Changes Trigger New BehaviorsAs dogs age, their bodies undergo significant changes that can lead to behavioral shifts. The Arthritis Foundation reports that up to 80% of dogs over 8 years old suffer from arthritis. This condition often causes pain, which can result in irritability or a reluctance to exercise. Your senior dog might become more vocal or develop destructive chewing habits as a way to cope with discomfort.Cognitive Decline Affects Daily LifeMany senior dogs experience cognitive dysfunction syndrome (similar to dementia in humans). This condition can cause disorientation, such as getting lost in familiar places, staring into space, or becoming stuck in corners. You might also notice changes in interaction, with your dog suddenly becoming clingy or avoidant. These behaviors dont stem from disobedience but are symptoms of cognitive decline.Environmental Factors Influence BehaviorChanges in a dogs environment can spark anxiety and new behaviors. A recent study revealed that all dogs personalities and stress levels are affected by the quality of their relationship with their owners. This anxiety often manifests as excessive barking, destructive behavior, or separation anxiety. Even subtle changes (like rearranging furniture) can disorient an older dog with declining senses.Health Issues Lead to Behavioral ChangesUnderlying health problems can cause unexpected behavioral changes in senior dogs. Vision or hearing loss might make your dog more reactive or anxious. Hormonal imbalances can lead to increased thirst and urination, resulting in more accidents inside the house. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify these issues early.The Importance of Addressing Bad HabitsIgnoring these new behaviors can increase your dogs stress, reduce their quality of life, and potentially lead to health risks. Understanding the root causes of these habits allows you to take appropriate steps to help your senior dog adapt and maintain a comfortable life in their golden years. In the next section, well explore effective techniques to break these old habits and improve your senior dogs well-being.How to Break Old Dog Habits EffectivelyLeverage Positive ReinforcementPositive reinforcement transforms behavior modification in older dogs. Training methods based on rewards are claimed to be more humane and equally or more effective than aversive techniques. To apply this method, choose a high-value reward that motivates your senior dog (treats, toys, or extra attention). Reward your dog immediately when they exhibit the desired behavior. For instance, if you want to reduce excessive barking, reward quiet moments. This approach encourages good behavior and strengthens your bond with your pet.Establish a Consistent Training RoutineConsistency is the cornerstone of breaking old habits. Create a daily training routine that accommodates both your schedule and your dogs energy levels. Dr. Lisa Radosta, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, recommends breaking complex behaviors into smaller, manageable steps. This method boosts confidence in senior dogs and simplifies the learning process. For example, to address separation anxiety, start by leaving your dog alone for very short periods and gradually increase the duration. Keep training sessions brief (5-10 minutes) to maintain focus and prevent fatigue.Modify the Environment for SuccessEnvironmental management plays a vital role in preventing unwanted behaviors. Dr. Gary Landsberg, a veterinary behaviorist, emphasizes the importance of a consistent daily routine. If your dog has separation anxiety, you can gradually desensitize them to being left alone. Start by just walking out of the room and immediately coming back. For senior dogs with vision problems, maintain clear pathways at home to prevent confusion and accidents. These small adjustments can significantly improve your dogs comfort and behavior.Implement Distraction and Redirection TechniquesWhen your senior dog engages in an undesirable behavior, use distraction and redirection to guide them towards a positive alternative. For instance, if your dog starts to chew on furniture, redirect their attention to an appropriate chew toy. This technique (often called the replacement method) helps your dog associate the urge to chew with an acceptable outlet. Keep a variety of engaging toys on hand to make redirection more effective.Seek Professional Help When NeededIf you struggle to see progress in breaking old habits, dont hesitate to consult a certified professional dog trainer who specializes in working with older dogs. These experts can provide tailored strategies for your dogs specific needs and help you refine your training techniques. Professional guidance can be particularly beneficial for addressing complex behavioral issues or when dealing with multiple old habits simultaneously.In the next section, well explore specific strategies for addressing common old dog habits, including excessive barking, separation anxiety, and inappropriate elimination.Tackling Common Senior Dog BehaviorsQuieting Excessive BarkingExcessive barking in senior dogs often stems from anxiety, cognitive decline, or physical discomfort. To address this issue, first identify the trigger. Does your dog bark at passersby, respond to noises, or seek attention?Positive reinforcement is the most successful method to encourage quiet behavior. When your dog stops barking, immediately offer a treat or praise. Increase the duration of quiet time required for the reward gradually.For dogs that bark due to anxiety, consider using white noise machines or soft music to mask triggering sounds. The San Francisco SPCA recommends desensitization techniques (slowly exposing your dog to the barking trigger at a low intensity and rewarding calm behavior).Easing Separation AnxietySeparation anxiety can distress both dogs and owners. Create a safe, comfortable space for your dog when youre away. This could be a specific room or a crate if your dog is crate-trained.Practice short departures and increase the time youre gone gradually. Dont make a fuss when leaving or returning home, as this can heighten anxiety. Provide engaging toys or puzzles to keep your dog occupied during your absence.The ASPCA suggests desensitization techniques for dogs with separation anxiety. This involves slowly exposing your dog to the anxiety-inducing situation at a low intensity and rewarding calm behavior.Addressing Inappropriate EliminationInappropriate elimination in senior dogs often has medical roots. Schedule a veterinary check-up to rule out conditions like urinary tract infections or kidney disease.If medical issues are excluded, revisit house training basics. Take your dog out more frequently, especially after meals, naps, and playtime. Reward outdoor elimination with treats and praise.For dogs with mobility issues, consider using puppy pads near their favorite resting spots. The American Kennel Club recommends cleaning accident areas thoroughly with enzymatic cleaners to remove odors that might encourage repeat incidents.Minimizing Destructive ChewingDestructive chewing in older dogs can signal anxiety, boredom, or dental discomfort. Provide appropriate chew toys that cater to your dogs preferences and jaw strength. Rotate toys regularly to maintain interest.Increase mental stimulation through interactive play sessions and puzzle toys. The Kong Company suggests stuffing their classic toy with treats to keep dogs engaged for extended periods.If chewing persists, use taste deterrents on forbidden items and redirect your dog to appropriate chew toys. Always praise and reward when your dog chooses the right item to chew.Final ThoughtsBreaking old dog habits demands patience and understanding of your senior canine companion. Positive reinforcement proves most effective for modifying behaviors in older dogs. You create a supportive environment for change when you reward desired actions and redirect unwanted ones consistently.Each dog has unique needs, so you must tailor your approach to your dogs specific situation. Consider their physical limitations and cognitive state when addressing old habits. Environmental adjustments in your home can prevent many unwanted behaviors and set your dog up for success.We at DogingtonPost support you through every stage of your dogs life. Our platform offers numerous resources on dog care, training tips, and the latest in canine health. We invite you to explore our articles on managing your senior dogs behavior and enhancing their quality of life.

Welcome to our Ask Dr. Paola series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our readers better understand their cats health and well-being. Whether youre a new pet parent or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is here to provide answers to your most pressing questions. From nutrition tips and preventive care to troubleshooting common behavioral issues, Dr. Paola is ready to offer insights that will keep your kitty happy, healthy, and feline fine. Stay tuned for expert guidance on a range of topics that matter most to you and your cat, so you can make informed decisions and provide the best possible care for your furry companion. Have a question? Send it in here!Help! My Cat is Incontinent!My cat Christie is incontinent. She is 18 and otherwise normal. Is there any medication I can give her? KateHi Kate,I can imagine how concerning it must be to see Christie struggle with incontinence, especially after so many years of good health. At 18, her body is going through natural changes associated with aging, and urinary incontinence can be related to several underlying causes, such as kidney or bladder disease, hormonal changes, neurological issues, or even arthritis, which makes it harder to posture normally. It is important to remember that incontinence is not a condition in itself but rather a sign pointing to an underlying issue that needs to be identified.There are medications that can help some cats depending on the cause, but prescribing them first requires determining what is going on through a veterinary examination, urinalysis, and possibly imaging such as X-rays or an ultrasound. Giving medication without identifying the underlying cause could mask the problem or even make it worse. In the meantime, you can support Christies comfort with easily accessible litter boxes, absorbent bedding, or pet-safe diapers until she can be examined. Because Christie is a senior cat, I strongly recommend scheduling a veterinary visit as soon as possible to ensure she receives the most appropriate care before her case becomes more complicated.Wishing you and Christie the very best,Dr. PaolaIf you'd like to talk with a vet, like Dr. Paola or one of our other expert veterinarians, you can head over to PangoVet. It's our online service where you can talk with a vet online and get the advice you need for your cat all at an affordable price! Catster reader exclusive deal: Save 65% on your first call, use code ASKDRPCATSTER65 at checkout.Help! Our Cat Hides Under Our Bed?Our Cat Gracie has been hiding under our bed. We live in Florida, the Lighting capital of the world. We have recently had some really strong storms at night. The storms during the day do not seem to affect her as much as the ones at night. Is this normal? What can we do to help her? CarolHi Carol,What you describe with Gracie is actually quite common. Many cats feel more vulnerable at night when their environment is darker and quieter, so the sudden crashes of thunder and flashes of lightning can feel much more startling than during the day when there is more background noise and activity. Hiding is a normal feline coping strategy; it helps them feel safer when they perceive a threat.You can support Gracie by making her hiding spot more comfortable and secure. Offering a cozy covered bed or a safe space with familiar blankets can help reduce her stress. Playing calming music or white noise during storms may also soften the intensity of thunder. Some cats benefit from synthetic pheromone diffusers, which create a sense of security. If her fear ever escalates to the point where she stops eating, grooming, or interacting after storms, then it would be wise to discuss this with your veterinarian, as there are additional management strategies available. In the meantime, you are already doing the most important thing by respecting her need to retreat and making sure she feels safe.Sincerely, Dr. PaolaI Need Help With Plant Safety!Dear Dr. Paola,I have some questions about product/plant safety for our cat Karlsson.First, is it safe to handle vitamins and then pet him after or later, even if there could be some stuck on our hands from moisture?We also have a Schefflera arboricola that had some dried juice on its leaves after it. I think, because I didnt water them for a while, but I am worried it could harm our furry family member.Theres also deodorant I might want, but not sure if its safe in a house with cats. It contains cetearyl alcohol and small amounts of Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil DanielHi Daniel,When it comes to vitamins, the safest habit is to wash your hands before petting your cat. While most vitamins handled briefly are unlikely to pose a risk, some contain ingredients like iron or vitamin D that could be harmful if residue were transferred to your cats coat and later ingested during grooming. A quick hand wash removes that concern, much like after preparing food in the kitchen.Regarding your Schefflera arboricola, often called the dwarf umbrella tree, this plant contains insoluble calcium oxalates. If a cat chews on fresh leaves or stems, these sharp crystals can cause mouth irritation, drooling, pawing at the face, and sometimes vomiting. The good news is that once sap has dried, the risk of transfer from simply touching the plant or being near it is extremely low, especially if it has not been watered recently and no fresh sap is exposed.For peace of mind, I would recommend keeping Karlsson from chewing on the plant and washing your hands after handling it, particularly if a leaf is broken. Its similar to handling chili peppers in the kitchen: as long as you avoid transferring residue to sensitive areas and wash up, there is no harm. The dried juice on intact leaves is very unlikely to pose a risk simply by being in the environment.Regards,Dr. PaolaThis article is a part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola series Read last weeks questions here September 2, 2025 Find the full list of past articles here Click here to submit a question

President Trump called the transgender school shooter at Annunciation Catholic Church demonic while delivering remarks to the White House Religious Liberty Commission on Monday, and said his Administration