He Doesn’t Know He’s Old

[AmberLovesHerDogs]

My baby boy turns 12 this year and while I can see that he sleeps more than he used to. At times so deeply that I can go to another room without him noticing. Sometimes he pees a little if he gets overstimulated. He’s a little stiff in his back legs. But try telling him that. He’s still begging to play fetch at full speed (I don’t oblige but that guilt is real). He is constantly wanting to play ball. He’s vigilant and on the lookout for “threats” and constantly wanting to play. I’m so grateful that he has energy and is still a pup at heart but I also don’t want him to hurt himself. What are some ways to keep him stimulated and engaged that don’t risk his joints and hips?

 

[PopeHolySmoke]

Nosework is great for older dogs. Gives them lots of mental stimulation and you can set things up so that it's not physically hard or demanding but very mentally demanding which will wear them out without being hard on their body. If he is at all scent driven, he'll enjoy nosework.

 

[Malakai The Great]

Twelve and still asking for ball is a blessing. You’re right not to let him go full speed anymore. At that age it’s less about tiring him out and more about keeping his brain engaged. Short, controlled fetch on soft ground, more sniff-heavy walks, little hide-and-seek games with treats or toys, and brief obedience reps go a long way. You don’t need intensity, just interaction.

The spark is still there. Now it’s just about protecting the chassis while letting the engine feel like it’s running.