Why you SHOULD teach an old dog new tricks: It protects your pet from dementia, ... trends now
The study looked at brain structures of 43 middle-aged beagles over three years During that time dogs engaged in 'free play' and exercised daily Scientists found cognition increased at an average rate of 1.74% each year READ MORE: Scientists find new type of dog training
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Anyone who has ever owned a pet dog knows how hard it is to watch them grow old.
But researchers have now found that social enrichment can bring benefits for ageing dogs' brains – suggesting it really is a good idea to teach an old dog new tricks.
Scientists used MRI scans to measure changes in the brain structure of 43 middle-aged beagles over three years.
During this time the dogs were exercised daily, played with a range of different toys and were allowed 'free play' with other dogs for 30 minutes per day.
Analysis revealed the volume of the hippocampus – the brain region linked to
