How to Train Your Older Dog to Walk Between Your Legs

Gone are the days where your dog leapt up from his bed to say 'hello' as soon as you walked through the door. But that doesn’t mean you love him any less. In fact, you appreciate his calm nature a lot of the time. He’s become low-maintenance and he’s remained relatively well behaved. However, it would be handy if you could entertain guests with a party trick that gets people giggling. It would also be a good way for the kids to bond with him. 

He may be greying, but that doesn’t mean he’s not up to the task. Training an older dog to walk between your legs is a fantastic way to keep his brain stimulated and interested in learning. Not to mention, if you master the figure of eight, it’s a decent bit of exercise.

Training an older dog to walk between your legs does come with its challenges. Firstly, he won’t be quite the fast and eager learner he was when he was a puppy. He’s also probably lacking on the energy side. This is all the more reason to find the right motivator. Fortunately, although dogs get older, their love for food doesn’t diminish. So, appeal to his belly and you’ll swiftly have him dancing to your tune.

If he’s still relatively sprightly and receptive you could see results in a matter of days. If he’s become stuck in his ways and not so interested in playing anymore, you may have an uphill battle. Training could take a couple of weeks. Succeed though, and you’ll have the perfect icebreaker for when guests walk through the door.

Before you start training you will need to collect a few bits. Stock up on treats or break his favorite food into small chunks. For one of the methods, you will also need a much-loved toy and a clicker.

Set aside 5-10 minutes each day for training. Try and find a time where you both won’t be distracted. Plus, train in a room where he isn’t likely to break anything valuable, such as a TV.

Once you have all of the above, just bring patience and a can-do attitude, then work can begin!