What's your view on my attitude with my dog?

He is 10.5 and slowing down a tad; loses his ball easier when we play fetch; takes longer to sniff things out when playing "Find it" etc but great attitude and enthusiasm for activity. We have been hiking and his recall has not been as immediate as it once was; I'll generally clap get his attention and call him again and he returns. I tell him good boy and proceed to address the reason I recalled him; getting a little too far ahead or I'm changing direction or just to remind him to check in. I have started using a dropped long line; to be on the safe side.

Anyway I had someone (stranger) say to me today; he's blowing you off, you need to let him know who is boss. I really don't think he is, I just don't think things process as quickly as they once did. On the other hand if he is blowing me off I feel he has been such a wonderful cooperative companion for so many years, its not worth fighting and I'd rather manage him the way I am, than make it an issue. He truly gets satisfaction out of pleasing me and fitting in with the family and follows the house rules as always (well since he turned about 6, before then he liked to have a little more say in his decisions )

I guess my question is this (finally) does it go against the dog's best interest to cut him some slack due to his age?

He could have some hearing issues starting at that age, too.

My oldest dog probably gets away with more than the youngsters. I don't care. She is my girl and lives to please. I know there is no doubt in her mind as to the pack structure around here. I want to enjoy her and I want her to enjoy life. I have the two younger ones that I'm more strict with and am sure to enforce what I say if need be. But I really, really like having my older girl who I can just enjoy

I would just let him enjoy his senior years. Many dogs at this age start to show signs of hearing loss or cognitive dysfunction. He has been with you for 10.5 years, he knows who "the boss is!" I just see it as a sign that he is not processing your commands as he once did. Having recently lost two senior dogs, enjoy these years with him!

Mara and Tammy,

Thank you! My thoughts exactly!

He's tolerated you for ten and a half years, just except the fact that he's the boss, get him a comfy bed and some nice chew toys.

If you suspect hearing, maybe putting him back on a long line would be in order. I was thinking maybe you could try using an Ecollar and use just the pager function for recall

Give him lots of ice cream.

Yea, ice cream!

Aww, Shelia, I love older dogs. Give him a hug for me. The long line is an excellent idea. He probably is starting to have some hearing loss, maybe eyesight and cognitive issues as well, the long line will help his confidence level that you are always around to help him when he may not be close enough to see/hear/sense you, sort of a safety line. Enjoy him, these are the best years yet!

I find it highly unlikely that a dog who has lived to please for 10 years just woke up one morning and thought to himself that he'd like to step up a rank. I would suspect there is a cognitive issue going on, at about 9 to 10 is when my first dog (GSD Mix) began to lose parts of his eyesight and some tones that he once could hear very well.

I live currently with a dog that is nearly 100% deaf, partially blind and constantly have to remind people to have some patience and show her what you want rather than assume she's being stubborn or dumb.

At this age we’ve generally lived with them long enough that a deep bond (trust, respect and understanding) have developed in the relationship. He may do things that can be perceived by others as an "unimpressive response" but only you truly know what his day has been like.

He probably looks great and the guy may have been comparing him to his expectations of a four or five year old.

If you’re happy, he is too – why raise the bar at this stage, I would cut him some slack. Love him, listen to him and keep him safe. It sounds like he is a treasured soul that doesn’t need to meet anyone’s expectations except yours.

And I also agree… lots of ice cream.