To old to train?

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have a seven year old black lab. We didn't start getting into training untill the past month. I was wondering if she is able to do tricks like speak, shake, etc. We have gotton her to lay down and roll over but other tricks are very difficult for her.  Will this process take time or is she to old to train?

-Thanks, Rachel.

ANSWER: Dogs are never too old to learn. I'd look into clicker training www.clickertraining.com or look for a local clicker class. Just like us, it's good to always exercise the brain. Older dogs can be less "experimental" in the beginning, especially if their experience is that what people want is for you to hang out and be "good" (i.e. not try new stuff) but it just takes a bit longer. My business partner had a little dog offering behaviors in just a few minutes. The dog was 15 and her owners thought she was senile. Still, she could learn. I've had a number of 7 year olds in class who did just fine. Even a couple of 12 year olds. Sandy Case MEd CPDT www.positivelycanine.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ok, thanks. So would it matter if the dog might have alittle bit of arthritus. And is fat. For her to tricks like beg...

ANSWER: To the arthritis, be considerate in what you ask her to learn - avoid things that are going to make her uncomfortable. Of course, taking weight off will help with the arthritis. You can cut back on her food a bit (with the blessings of your vet, of course) and add some cooked frozen green beans - which gives her fiber and makes her feel full without the extra calories. Experiment on treats for training - some dogs will work for peas and carrots - literally. If she's not a veggie loving dog, you can use some of her daily kibble for training treats, so she's not getting extra calories that way. For a reducing diet, more meat and less carbs is a good plan. Sandy Case, MEd CPDT www.positivelycanine.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ok well this a little bit out of the way, but are dog was just bred like 2-3 weeks ago...she acting real sleepy and isn't eating her food like she normally does. Is this a sign of pregnancy?

Answer
Some bitches go off their food when they are pregnant, but off the food and lethargic - I'd be very worried about the possibility of pyometra - a potentially life-threatening uterine infection. I'd make an immediate appoint with the vet just to be on the safe side. It is a medical emergency. Is this the 7 year old? I wouldn't want to be breeding a larger breed bitch that old. The older the dog, the higher the risk of complications. Sandy