Volume: 3, 2024
3rd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A015
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL3.A015
Published online: 24 April 2024
ICDSUPL, 3, A015 (2024)
“You can’t teach the old dog new tricks” – or can you?
Kamila Kaszycka1*, Weronika Maślanko1
1 Department of Animal Ethology and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: kamila.kaszycka@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
Old age is the last stage of mammalian life and results from advancing years. Although the image of old age differs among individual species, several standard features can be distinguished – primarily, it is associated with changes in physical and mental abilities. The ageing process in dogs is influenced by many factors: calorie intake, diet, physical activity, stress, and the animal’s size – dogs with larger body sizes age faster. In geriatric dogs, old age may be associated with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CCDS). Due to the existing diseases, the lives of older animals may also involve chronic pain, discouraging dogs from being active. It leads to prolonged resting periods and changes in behaviour. There is a belief in society that you cannot teach an old dog new tricks, which discourages caregivers from working with geriatric dogs. This work aimed to investigate how ageing affects the speed of learning. Twenty individuals belonging to the groups of adult animals and geriatric animals were tested for learning a new command. Each training session was recorded, and data were collected and analysed from the recordings. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups. It indicates that older dogs’ ageing process and cognitive abilities largely depend on their predispositions and the conditions in which they are kept. Despite their age, older dogs still require physical and mental activity and can face the challenges of living in an environment changed by humans.
Keywords: dog, geriatric, ageing
How to cite
K. Kaszycka, W. Maślanko, 2024. “You can’t teach the old dog new tricks” – or can you?. In: 3rd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL3.A015