If you’ve trained your dog using hand signals as well as verbal signals, you may find that you’ll be able to use your hand signals in an interesting way. Some older dogs lose their hearing as they age. It is then particularly helpful to draw on and use your dog’s ability to see a “silent” hand signal and understand you even if he can’t hear you. You can use more exaggerated body language, facial expressions, and hand gestures to communicate concepts to your dog if he’s experienced any hearing loss.
Check out Taking Care of Old Dogs.If your dog’s vision has become impaired, approach him by talking softly and gently to him to announce your approach. When you reach for him, do so slowly and gently so that your dog won’t flinch or be frightened. Before touching your vision impaired dog, let her “see” and smell your hand in front of her nose. Touch her gently from under her chin and slowly move your hand around to her body. This will remove the startle of being touched unexpectedly.
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Check out The Joys of Having a Senior Dog.
If your dog is hearing impaired, tap on the floor with your foot as you approach him, especially if he’s sleeping. The vibration from the floor will give him an alert that you are coming and you will reduce any chances of startling him. You may want to practice givingyour dog a gentle body massage on a daily basis. Older dogs experience the same kinds of aging pains that humans do. The effect of gentle hands massaging his body will greatly decrease discomfort.
