The Obedient Senior - HA! Cough!

[Stevenzachsmom]

Am I the only one letting the old dog slide? She used to potty in her designated area. Now she goes wherever she wants. I don't do sit and down anymore 'cause getting up and down is hard. We just do stay. She can stay in whichever position she was already in. I used to say, "Excuse me" and she would move. Now, she just looks at me - like "Sorry, you'll have to step over." She still does anything I ask - when she FEELS like it.

I excuse any slight misbehavior, because she is an old lady. I readily remind the entire family to be nice to her, for that very reason. I don't care how annoying she is. So the old dog rules.

Just wondering if anyone finds this wrong.

[shilohsmom]

Hold old is your girl? You sound exactly the way I imagine myself to be in a few years.

[Samba]

My old girl got rather spoiled in a way. She still knew a lot of behaviors and would do them, but still, you could see a bit of wisdom there about all that silly training stuff. She was a good girl and she knew it, it seemed.

The relationship with her changed in her older years, but it was so much sweeter in many ways. There is nothing like the old ones. ;

[Stevenzachsmom]

My old girl is 12. I totally agree. There is NOTHING like the old ones.
She is my sunshine. Even when she is bad, she isn't really bad. She always make me laugh. She is much loved and hopefully not too spoiled.

[shilohsmom]

I can tell you love her very much and it sounds like you have a lot of fun together.

[BowWowMeow]

I made all kinds of accommodations for my seniors and so did everyone else. There is absolutely nothing wrong with doing this. It's their version of assisted living.

[Trina]

Janice, we treat our senior girl much the same way (she turned 12 in Dec.)

She's a good dog and has been a loving companion for many years (and hopefully many more to come) and she suffers from a bit of arthritis, so the preferential treatment is more than deserved and only considerate of her stiff joints.

We've also noticed that she doesn't always respond when we call her as though she doesn't hear us. But, boy, let someone open the food pantry or fridge, and she's one spry gal!

[Stevenzachsmom]

I love selective hearing. Just like the kids.

[LisaT]

Same thing here with Indy. There are a number of things I don't ask her to do anymore. I step out of her way more than she steps out of mine. I let more things slide. She's earned it

[Kayos and Havoc]

I think Max has forgotten obedience. But he is still very respectful so I don't worry about it.

He earned a break.