Thanks for the kind responses. He is a sweet fellow. I usually give him his regular kibble for treats and he seems ok with that. For a while I used his glucosomine soft chews for after potty treats, but he would get so excited that he would forget to do his potty business. Now he gets those tasty chews with his meal, and he gets regular kibble for walking on the leash and after his potty. He weighs 50 lbs and according to his vet is a perfect weight for his size frame.

Thanks for the kind responses. He is a sweet fellow. I usually give him his regular kibble for treats and he seems ok with that. For a while I used his glucosomine soft chews for after potty treats, but he would get so excited that he would forget to do his potty business. Now he gets those tasty chews with his meal, and he gets regular kibble for walking on the leash and after his potty. He weighs 50 lbs and according to his vet is a perfect weight for his size frame.

I've had three older Bulldogs, and they all loved their treat, how small it may be! All three of them would obey their commands, but were allways so happy to get a treat, that I always carried something small in my bag.

I want my young dog to obey me, period, but when they turn old, I do soften up a lot! I just give less food, and let them earn the rest. Small pieces of kibble (even cat food, just a little bit), fruit, piece of human biscuits, all the forbidden things in very small pieces are the most popular.

In time Sparky might get to come to you without a treat, but why bother? Keep an eye on his weight, and switch to healthy treats and just love him!

Great of you to adopt this old man!

Ineke and Zorro

I've had three older Bulldogs, and they all loved their treat, how small it may be! All three of them would obey their commands, but were allways so happy to get a treat, that I always carried something small in my bag.

I want my young dog to obey me, period, but when they turn old, I do soften up a lot! I just give less food, and let them earn the rest. Small pieces of kibble (even cat food, just a little bit), fruit, piece of human biscuits, all the forbidden things in very small pieces are the most popular.

In time Sparky might get to come to you without a treat, but why bother? Keep an eye on his weight, and switch to healthy treats and just love him!

Great of you to adopt this old man!

Ineke and Zorro

speaking from someone who adopted a 10 year old guy, they appreciate you so much more and they are such angels.

thanks for adopting a senior!


MidAtlantic Bulldog Rescue
A 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization

speaking from someone who adopted a 10 year old guy, they appreciate you so much more and they are such angels.

thanks for adopting a senior!


MidAtlantic Bulldog Rescue
A 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization

I really appreciate all the support. Spanky is the most adorable guy. He does get lots of hugs and kisses!

I really appreciate all the support. Spanky is the most adorable guy. He does get lots of hugs and kisses!

i have some 9yo kids i have adopted....and you know what i feel they get stubborn as a sign of independence.....mine always came when called becasue i always gave hugs and kisses and baby talk...every sunday we went to dunkin dounts and they all got a treat...they all loved car riding and i would go out of my way to give them all a car ride...
just show alot of love.....alot of praise...he will come around....and maybe he just likes the idea you love him enough to give a goody...some thing he may not of gotten before....
the oldies are the best they may not be around for long but their the best....

i have some 9yo kids i have adopted....and you know what i feel they get stubborn as a sign of independence.....mine always came when called becasue i always gave hugs and kisses and baby talk...every sunday we went to dunkin dounts and they all got a treat...they all loved car riding and i would go out of my way to give them all a car ride...
just show alot of love.....alot of praise...he will come around....and maybe he just likes the idea you love him enough to give a goody...some thing he may not of gotten before....
the oldies are the best they may not be around for long but their the best....

I answer it below on the other thread
on his barking in the night

I answer it below on the other thread
on his barking in the night

nothing wrong with that so long as it's working for you.

I can't blame him. lol =) We also use hand signal combinations but we have since he was a puppy.

Hug your bulldog every day.

nothing wrong with that so long as it's working for you.

I can't blame him. lol =) We also use hand signal combinations but we have since he was a puppy.

Hug your bulldog every day.

So do not feel you are bribing him, you can use a low calorie item or even a piece of his own kibble. There is nothing wrong with using the treat.

Unless you can figure out a hand motion that will work in combination with the treat until he recognizes the hand motion....


MidAtlantic Bulldog Rescue
A 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization

So do not feel you are bribing him, you can use a low calorie item or even a piece of his own kibble. There is nothing wrong with using the treat.

Unless you can figure out a hand motion that will work in combination with the treat until he recognizes the hand motion....


MidAtlantic Bulldog Rescue
A 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization