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  1. #1
    Senior Dog Tanya's Avatar
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    Changing Relationship With your Dog as They Age

    This is not a sad post (I hope not!)

    Has anyone else felt their relationship with their dog change as their dog aged? Walks as slower. I let him stop often and smell (vs my previous "we're on a walk here" attitude).

    He is learning to trust me in new ways. I sometimes help him up the stiars with the harness. And a huge difference I noticed last week while we travelled - he now trusts me to help him get in and out of vehicles. He'll jump out (it's a car so not a big jump) and depending i'll catch him midair (using front and back of harness) or if he is just stepping out i'll grab him back end. when we started his he wouldn't let me do any of this.

    Plus all the extra care (more teeth brushing, cleaning lip folds, pills 3x a day, learning to cook for him, etc. etc.)

    He's been my buddy and rock since I got him but this is a new phase of our relationship. it's interesting! I wasn't home much for my dog's senior years so while I saw them, i was for short visits. this is an entirely new phase of dog ownership and quite different!

    I try hard to bring him to fun places to see people, sniff, explore. I may try scenting classes. He seems happy to have me all to himself and in exchange, I try to make him content and comfortable. at this age, it's the small joys I need to concentrate on. We took a trip to the cottage last week and this weekend we have another adventure scheduled (hitting Newf fest and an overnight in a hotel - though not Rocky's first haha)
    Last edited by Tanya; 09-13-2016 at 08:09 AM.

  2. The Following 6 Users Say Thank You to Tanya For This Useful Post:

    jtsum13 (09-13-2016), LucyTudeOn4Feet (09-14-2016), MontananDakota (09-13-2016), POPTOP (09-13-2016), Scoutpout (09-13-2016), ZEKESMAN (09-13-2016)

  3. #2
    Senior Dog ZoeysMommy's Avatar
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    I do know what you mean and I dont think its sad, its an evolving and changing relationship.

    The senior years are a blessing, dont let it weigh on your heart to much

  4. #3
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    The main thing that saddens me is when the desire is still there but the ability is gone (e.g., longer walks or sometimes any true walk at all). It's so tough to convey that something is for their own good.

    I go through this with Sunnie and Danny already. Sunnie seems to have walking issues on and off (mostly really slow going up hills) for the entire 7 1/2 years I've had her...and a bit of a sore spot on her spine but no x-ray evidence of anything. Danny evolved into really not appreciating longer walks...slower and a bit mopey...no limping or licking or anything....same x-ray denial of anything wrong. But they'll both be little zoomie missiles in the house, playing with each other, so not sure it's anything but mental.

    I'm sure Rocky appreciates all the extra loving care and devotion, Tanya. You can see it on his face!

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    MontananDakota (09-13-2016)

  6. #4
    Senior Dog shellbell's Avatar
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    Tux just turned eight, I was kind of thinking about this recently. I am loving and hating our ascent into the senior years. Hating them for obvious reasons, but I also really love it too. I've always felt a bond, but I was noticing lately how I feel it even more these days. I've had Tux since he was a puppy, he is my first dog as an adult. I periodically notice new white hairs popping up all over, and they add to his sweetness. My motto is "use it or lose it", so our activity levels have not changed any, we still do the same things. Walks may be starting to slow down a tad, I pay more attention to how long we are out as opposed to the distance we walk. He has always been kind of pokey, I definitely let him stop and sniff and mosey along as much as he wants. We do barn hunt classes a couple times a month (he loves all his friends there) and we actually just competed in the Team Competition at the National at Purina Farms this past Friday (and Q'd!). We are also currently taking nosework classes, got to keep the mind active. We also do about 4-5 pet therapy visits a month, that is his very favorite thing. I just really try to do as much as I can with him and take him everywhere I can. I love my other dogs too, but Tux is very very special to me.

  7. #5
    Senior Dog labsnewfy's Avatar
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    Yes we have also changed a little and slowed down - stopping more to smell the roses and enjoy sunrises along with a few sunsets. Our walks have picked up a bit now that is it cooler Ginger is still in her stroller but we are enjoying them again. Sarah can still go at a steady pace just shorter distance. They are more content to just sit with me and listen.
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  8. #6
    Senior Dog
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    It definitely changes as they age - partially as they retire from competition so no longer go to training class every week, but also in the ways you describe. It’s different, but still good. Treasure these times.
    Annette

    Cookie (HIT HC Jamrah's Legally Blonde, UDX, OM2, BN) 6/4/2015
    Sassy (HIT Jamrah's Blonde Ambition, UDX, OM2, BN) 6/4/2015

    Chloe (HIT HC OTCH Windsong's Femme Fatale, UDX4, OM6, RE) 6/7/2009

    And remembering:

    Scully (HC Coventry's Truth Is Out There, UD, TD, RN) 4/14/1996 - 6/30/2011
    Mulder (Coventry's I Want To Believe, UD, RN, WC) 5/26/1999 - 4/22/2015

    And our foster Jolie (Windsong's Genuine Risk, CDX) 5/26/1999 - 3/16/2014

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  9. #7
    Senior Dog MontananDakota's Avatar
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    Yes I definitely felt that with Montana, he brought out a new level of patience in me that I knew I needed. He taught me stuff I was not prepared to learn and I am grateful to him for that bond-I still feel it and he has been gone for 6 months. There certainly was a new level of trust and it was beautiful. I feel some of this now beginning with Dakota. She is 12.

  10. #8
    Senior Dog POPTOP's Avatar
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    Relationship changes but more importantly deepens.

    Mardi loved her walks but could only make it down the driveway and little further. We let her take all the time she wanted, stopping and sniffing. Rides in the car were a real treat. Getting in and out of an SUV was difficult but not undoable. With the use of a ramp and a harness to support her and give her stability, she could roam the neighborhood on wheels, savoring all the new smells. Rug runner throughout the house help her tremendously.

    As hard as it is, I would not change my time with the seniors. They are so special, their devotion and love so deep.
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  12. #9
    House Broken
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    I let my old man get away with murder. He used to be so obediant, snappy sits great heal, now I let him lead me on walks and sit to him is stand in place untill he gets his treat. LOL But I am happy for every day we have together. He will also tell me now when it is time for a treat.

  13. #10
    Senior Dog Tanya's Avatar
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    It is sad to see their mobility decline like this, but the trust and bond that grows is pretty special In some ways, it's nice that simple, small things are so special right. A short meandering walk or a sit in the park VS brisk 5k walk (not so great for my staying in shape but oh well haha)

    Quote Originally Posted by ZEKESMAN View Post
    I let my old man get away with murder. He used to be so obediant, snappy sits great heal, now I let him lead me on walks and sit to him is stand in place untill he gets his treat. LOL But I am happy for every day we have together. He will also tell me now when it is time for a treat.
    haha OMG yes! seriously Rock is such a little devil sometimes :P I just laugh, it shows spunk

 



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