We put in a lot of effort with puppies and young dogs to make their lives full, interesting, and productive. But what about senior dogs? Should we be putting as much effort into them as we do with our younger dogs?
Since my work revolves around working with companion dogs, I see things. I see the effects of life on older dogs. Here are some of my observations.
SOME older dogs can benefit from having a younger, social dog as a companion. I've seen old dogs perk up by having a companion. Some old dogs get sluggish and lay around too much. They don't play much and mostly poke around the home and yard. A companion livens them up and makes life "meaningful" again. The BEST enrichment for an older dog isn't to buy a slew of snuffle mats, agility equipment, enrollment in doggie daycare, enrollment in obedience classes, more exercise, more Fetch and Tug, or more vacations. The BEST is a friendly companion that will play nicely and get along well.
On the other hand, some dogs are too old to have a lively companion. One of my students has a very old Dachshund. She mostly sleeps in her dog bed, has a hard time moving because of arthritis, and is fine with just being home. That is not a dog where I would introduce another dog. A puppy would pester, and possibly injure, this dog.
The whole enrichment concept has gone too far. Years ago, I discovered the formal concept for enrichment through my studies. I have tried a lot of these enrichment concepts on a wide variety of dogs to see the effects. I've also watched the effects of enrichment on dogs in shelters (giving them stuffed Kongs, etc.). Guess what makes the most sense and has the most benefit? Happy social interactions with humans and friendly dogs. Dogs in shelters deteriorate, sometimes to the point where they can become dangerously traumatized. It is better to assign a dedicated volunteer to work with that dog every week than to isolate them and give that dog toys or do any of these other enrichment activities. These dogs still deteriorate if they aren't allowed to befriend and bond to a human, and hopefully, to another dog. Senior dogs need YOU and to be at home more than a new series of activities, especially intensive programs that are more about making money for the book author, dog training facility, social media influencer, or dog walker. Should you do what is recommended in that book, for example? Look at your dog, really look at your dog, and maybe ask your veterinarian if that activity is safe. Start there.
So, I wouldn't waste my time and money on the same kinds of advanced enrichment exposures that can be done with younger dogs. And even with the younger dogs, this advanced enrichment craze is not as important as quality and quantity time with the owner. Latchkey kids suffer from coming home to an empty home as much as a dog that is shuffled off to activities that do not involve working with the owner on a daily basis.
Dogs are intelligent, social creatures. They will not thrive in a fancy Skinner box. Grandma and Grandpa would rather have you come visit them than be enrolled in a triathlon. Older dogs, especially over 10 years of age, easily break... sprains, strains, joint injuries, etc... be very careful with older dogs.
Plan accordingly.
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