How to Encourage Your Senior Dog to Play

Co-authored by Mark Garcia

Last Updated: October 15, 2021 References

Many dogs will slow down and become lethargic as they age. Often owners think that this means their dog is no longer physically able to play and exercise. In some instances, however, senior dogs will actually become depressed as a result of a lack of stimulation. It is important to continue to play with and stimulate your dog throughout their life. This can be done by adjusting the types of games played, the types of toys used, and the amount of exercise they receive.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Stimulating Your Dog to Promote Play

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Play games with treats. One way to encourage your senior dog to play is by incorporating treats into the game. Most dogs are motivated by food and will happily play food related games. Some of the easiest and most stimulating games that you can play with older dogs include foraging for food. These games will not only encourage your older dog to get up and moving, but they will also stimulate their brains allowing them to problem solve. These are also typically low energy games that are even appropriate for older dogs with mobility issues. Try out the following food-related games:^{[1]
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- Food hunt: Simply scatter dry food across the floor or yard and allow your dog to use their nose to find and eat the food. This activity will stimulate your dog and they will happily search for food.
- Three Cup Monte: Cut a small hole into the bottom of three empty yogurt cups and place them top down on the ground. Place a small treat under one of the cups and then have your dog sniff the cups until they find the treat. You can also try rearranging the order of the cups once the treat has been hidden to make it harder for your dog. Always allow your dog to have the treat, even if they don’t initially choose the correct cup.
- Hide and Seek: Tell the dog to stay in one room while you hide their favorite treat in another room. Make sure you put it somewhere your dog can get to. Then let the dog sniff out the treat. As they get better at the game, you can start hiding it in more difficult places.
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Teach your dog hand signal commands. As your dog ages, it may lose its hearing and be unable to follow simple commands, such as sit and stay. One way to stimulate your senior dog is by spending time teaching them hand signal commands. Dogs thoroughly enjoy spending quality time with their human and training can actually feel like a game to many dogs. Use food-based rewards to teach your dog hand signals.^{[2]
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- For example, teach your dog to sit using a hand signal. Simply place a treat in your hand, stretch your arm out in front of you (palm facing up) and then move your arm downwards to the side of your leg.
- At first you may need to give the signal and physically adjust your dog into a sitting position.
- Once sitting, give the dog a treat. Repeat this until the dog learns the signal command and no longer needs to be adjusted.
- You can teach other hand signals either by following standard dog obedience commands or by following American Sign Language commands.
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Engage with your dog. One way to encourage your dog to play and be active is to actively engage with your dog on a regular basis.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Mark Garcia
Certified Dog Trainer
Expert Interview. 17 March 2021.} Some aging dogs will slow down and can even appear depressed. If you want to help lengthen your dog’s life you need to continue to play with them. Get down on the floor and enthusiastically play with your dog. If you give energy and time to your senior dog, they will be encouraged to play and interact with you.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Choosing Toys Suitable for Aging Dogs

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Select softer toys. In order to encourage your dog to continue to play as it ages, you may need to select softer toys made specifically for senior dogs. Older dogs often have weakened muscles and joints, sensitive teeth and jaws, as well as reduced olfactory sensors. As a result, it is important to select toys that can accommodate their aging bodies. There are a variety of options for senior dog toys.^{[5]
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- For example, senior Kongs are made from a softer rubber and are gentle on the teeth and jaws of senior dogs.
- Planet Dog also has a complete line of toys, called Old Soul, designed specifically for older dogs.
- Try and find these types of toys while shopping at your local pet supply store.
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Choose toys that accommodate the weakened senses of older dogs. Older dogs often have weakened vision and olfactory sensors. As a result you should choose toys that are easier for your senior dog to see and smell. For instance, toys with bright and contrasting colours will allow your dog to see the toy more clearly. Similarly, you can select toys that have a stronger scent to help encourage older dogs to play.^{[6]
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- Toys that bounce and light up are a great choice, as they are easier for dogs with poor eyesight to follow.
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Modify the games you play with your dog. A senior dog, although interested in playing, will not be able to play with the same intensity that it did when it was younger. In order to continue to play with your dog as they age, you should modify the games so that they are suitable to an older, less mobile dog. You can also allow your dog to continue to play with some of their favourite toys, but in a modified way.^{[7]
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- For example, if your dog enjoys to play tug-of-war you can still play this game. Instead of tugging the toy, just hold onto it as your dog pulls at it. You may want to let the dog win more easily than you did when it was younger.
- Alternatively, if your dog likes to play fetch, try throwing the ball a shorter distance and only throw it five times instead of twenty.
- Regardless of the activity, always monitor your dog’s energy level. If they begin to slow down and pant excessively while playing, it is probably a good idea to take a break.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Encouraging Physical Activity Suitable for Older Dogs

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Take your dog swimming. Swimming is another activity that is excellent for senior dogs because it is low-impact and easy on the joints.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Mark Garcia
Certified Dog Trainer
Expert Interview. 17 March 2021.} Providing your dog with an opportunity to swim will help them maintain their cardiovascular health, stimulate muscle development, and is a fun activity. If you have a pool let your senior dog swim daily.^{[9]
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- Alternatively, you can take your dog to a pond, river or any local body of water.
- Monitor your dog and make sure they stop swimming once they are tired.
2
Go on interesting walks. Another way to play with your dog is by taking them outside to allow them to get exercise. You may find that your senior dog has mobility issues and finds it difficult to go for walks. You should not stop providing your dog with opportunities to exercise, but instead, modify the type of exercise they get. For instance, take them for shorter and more interesting walks. This will provide them with gentle physical exercise and will stimulate their senses.^{[10]
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Expert Source

Mark Garcia
Certified Dog Trainer
Expert Interview. 17 March 2021.}
- Switch up your walking route. Don’t take your dog for the same walk up the street every day. The smells will become repetitive and less stimulating to your dog over time.
- Instead, try taking your dog on unique and interesting walks. Try visiting different neighborhoods, parks, or trails than you usually do. This will help encourage them to remain active as they age.
- Take your dog for two shorter walks each day, instead of one long walk. This is easier on aging joints.
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Play on a carpeted surface. When you are playing with an older dog, make sure that you use a carpeted surface. This will provide your dog with more traction and your dog will be less likely to slip or fall while playing. It is important to remember that your dog will likely do anything to please you. This includes overexertion. In order to encourage your dog to play as they age, make sure that you provide them with a safe environment. A carpeted surface can encourage your dog to continue to play even into old age.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do I help my older bored dog?

Mark Garcia
Certified Dog Trainer
Mark Garcia is a Certified Dog Training Specialist and the Founder of Rosewood K9 based in Los Angeles, California. Mark specializes in dog training, boarding, and day care services. He uses scientifically proven methods for dog training that includes behavior and obedience training, confidence building, structured leadership, and positive puppy training.

Mark Garcia

Certified Dog Trainer

Expert Answer

Offer lots of positive reinforcement! You don't necessarily need food, but positive markers like "Good boy" or pats on the head can go a long way for your dog's mental state.

Warnings

Do not play rough with a senior dog. You do not want them to get injured while playing. Monitor their cues and take a break if they slow down or begin to pant excessively.

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