Over the years I've been blessed that all but one of the Hooligans entered his/her senior years. I've had multiple dogs since 1982, and recently figured out that I've always treated the seniors with a different set of rules than the younger generation has to follow.

Today I was giving the Hooligans treats, each one had to do something to earn a tidbit EXCEPT Mac who just stood there drooling (he will do exercises when asked). When they get up on the couch they must take turns, EXCEPT Mac who is allowed up when he wants up, regardless of whose turn it is. They can sleep wherever they want to, EXCEPT if Mac wants a particular spot and if someone is already there, he or she has to move (at bedtime they all have "their" own spots BUT if Mr. Mac wanted one of the favorite spots, I'd probably let him have it).

Is if FAIR? NO, of course not, it's totally unfair!!! But then, life isn't fair. I guess I'll continue spoiling the old guys knowing how short their lives really are.

Just curious ... what are your thoughts about your seniors and how you treat them in relation to younger dogs?

I give Banshee way more leeway than Jax and Sierra. The only rule that applies is NOBODY is ever allowed to take anything from Banshee. Her seat, food, toy and NOBODY is allowed to pick a fight with Banshee.

oh yes, having gone thru 3 seniors, at a certain point, they all got to do whatever the heck they wanted , lucky they didn't take advantage of it..and yes no one was allowed to pick on them..

Absolutely! Cleo is definitely the queen of this household and when Chama was alive they shared the queendom.

ETA: Come to think of it, my seniors all get very bossy!

Yep...Max can do whatever he wants. And we will play the doggie shuffle in the eveing so Max can get his bed..or whatever bed it is that he wants

Grace is almost ten and has been a stubborn pup her whole life. She definitely gets away with more than my youngsters, but I still put her through her obedience paces on occasion. She cracks me up when we are out walking...they all know they are supposed to sit when we stop...she never does until I say "GRACE!" in an exasperated tone. She give me a total dirty look...nevermind that she is the first one to plant her bottom if there is food involved!

Yep, I think they have earned a bit of leeway. I especially do not let the younger dogs hassle the senior. They deserve extra protection too.

Fanny Pants gets way, way, way more leeway than Oscar. She's deserved it though and I would tighten up if I noticed that she was taking advantage of the situation. Like Kathy mentioned, however, she does need some extra protection now because of her old age...we have to tell Oscar to "back up," "move," etc. to help clear the way around the house at times.

I definitely let up on the "rules" when Dakota was a senior. Heck for his last two years, he ruled the roost, to a point, of course. I even cut back on my work schedule for him during the last year I had him. That was HUGE for me (and made me take a long hard look at my own priorities at the time).

I tend to be softer on my old dogs. I tolerate more and expect less. IMO they have earned it.