Senior dogs have a way of making us slow down.

They may not move quite as quickly as they used to. Their routines can change. They might sleep more, play differently, or develop little quirks that weren’t there a few years ago. And sometimes, it can be hard to know what’s simply a normal part of getting older — and what might be a sign that something else is going on.

In Part One of our conversation about senior dogs, we’re taking a closer look at what actually happens as dogs age.

We’ll talk about when a dog is considered a senior, how aging can look different depending on the individual dog, and some of the physical, behavioral, and cognitive changes we may notice as our dogs move into their later years.

Most importantly, we’ll talk about why “they’re just getting old” isn’t always the best explanation.

Aging is a normal part of life, but old age itself isn’t a disease. Understanding what’s normal — and knowing what changes deserve a closer look — can help us become better advocates for our dogs as they age.

And this is only Part One.

In Part Two, we’ll shift from understanding the changes to talking about what we can actually do to support our senior dogs and help them stay comfortable, engaged, and happy.

Because getting older doesn’t mean the good years are behind them.

Sometimes, it just means we have to learn how to experience those years a little differently.

Welcome to The Recall Room.

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Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?

Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!

Website:

www.therecallroom.com

Email:

hello@therecallroom.com

Voicemail:

https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail

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References & Further Reading

This episode was informed by current veterinary research and evidence-based guidance on healthy aging, senior wellness, canine cognition, pain recognition, and quality of life.

• Epstein, M.E., et al. 2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), 2023.
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Senior Pets educational resources.
• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine – Riney Canine Health Center. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome and Healthy Aging in Dogs.
• American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS). Educational resources on canine osteoarthritis, mobility, and pain management.
• Overall, K.L. Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier.
• Bender, A., & Strong, E. Canine Enrichment for the Real World. Dogwise Publishing, 2019.
• Landsberg, G.M., Hunthausen, W., & Ackerman, L. Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat.Elsevier.

As always, this episode is intended for educational purposes and should not replace advice from your veterinarian. If your dog is showing sudden changes in mobility, behavior, appetite, cognition, or overall health, consult your veterinary team for an individualized assessment.

This is Part 3 of our Dog Development series, exploring how dogs grow physically, emotionally, socially, and behaviorally throughout their lives—and how understanding each stage can help us better understand the dogs beside us.

In this episode of The Recall Room, we explore the often-overlooked adult years and how dogs continue to learn, why routines and predictability matter, and why training is never really “finished.” Adult dogs might not come with the chaos of puppyhood or the emotional roller coaster of adolescence—but that doesn’t mean they’ve stopped growing.

We’ll also look at the subtle ways adult dogs learn to read our habits, communicate with us, and settle into the partnership that can become one of the richest parts of life together.

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Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?

Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!

Website:

www.therecallroom.com

Email:

hello@therecallroom.com

Voicemail:

https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail

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Resources, References & Further Reading

• American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). 2019 AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines.
• American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB). Humane Dog Training Position Statement.
• Bensky, M. K., Gosling, S. D., & Sinn, D. L. (2013). The World from a Dog’s Point of View: A Review and Synthesis of Dog Cognition Research. Advances in the Study of Behavior, 45, 209–406.
• Duranton, C., & Horowitz, A. (2019). Let Me Sniff! Nosework Induces Positive Judgment Bias in Pet Dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 211, 61–66.
• Miklósi, Á. (2015). Dog Behaviour, Evolution, and Cognition (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Horowitz, A. (2016). Being a Dog: Following the Dog Into a World of Smell. Scribner.
• Bradshaw, J. (2011). Dog Sense: How the New Science of Dog Behavior Can Make You a Better Friend to Your Pet. Basic Books.

One day they were eager to learn, happy to check in with you, and seemed to hang on your every word. Then suddenly they’re ignoring cues, pulling on the leash, chewing everything in sight, and acting like they’ve never heard their name before.

In this Part 2 of our Dog Development series here on The Recall Room, we explore the fascinating world of canine adolescence. You’ll learn what’s happening inside your dog’s developing brain, why behavior often seems to fall apart during the teenage months, and how normal developmental changes can influence everything from recall and impulse control to fear, independence, and curiosity.

This episode is sure to help you see your dog through a new lens—and remind you that the challenging teenage months are just one chapter in the journey toward adulthood.

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Any questions or topics you’d like to see in a future episode ?

Let us know - your voice belongs in the room, too!

Website:

www.therecallroom.com

Email:

hello@therecallroom.com

Voicemail:

https://www.therecallroom.com/voicemail

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Resources & References

This episode was informed by research and the work of leading experts in canine behavior, cognition, welfare, and learning, including:

• Dr. Patricia McConnell — The Other End of the Leash; For the Love of a Dog

• Dr. Alexandra Horowitz — Inside of a Dog; Being a Dog

• Dr. Zazie Todd — Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy

• Dr. Karen Overall — Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Small Animals

• Dr. Ian Dunbar — Puppy development and adolescent behavior resources

• Dr. Kathy Sdao — Learning theory and positive reinforcement

• Jean Donaldson — The Culture Clash

• Dr. Daniel Mills — Canine behavior and welfare research

• Dr. Clive Wynne — Dog Is Love

• Dr. Brian Hare — The Genius of Dogs