SL: This Common Saying Everyone Believes Is Absolutely, Unequivocally Wrong!

"You can’t teach an old dog new tricks."

You've probably heard that saying more times than you can count. It makes it sound like older dogs—or even people—are stuck in their ways forever.

But here’s the truth: just like the curve of success, learning new tricks is a journey with ups and downs.

Many people assume that once a dog reaches a certain age, they’ve learned everything they can. That’s simply not true.

Think of it like this: success isn’t a straight upward line. It’s more like a banana-shaped curve.

At the start, things may seem promising, but then there’s a dip. With time and consistency, though, things begin to rise again.

This applies to dog training, especially with older dogs. They can absolutely learn new behaviors—but it won’t be a linear process.

One day, they’ll seem to master the command, and the next, it’s like they’ve forgotten everything. That’s normal.

Consistency is key. Just like in business, where steady effort leads to growth, the same is true with training an older dog.

Maybe your dog has been aggressive for years, or perhaps they’ve been resistant to house training. It doesn’t mean they can’t change.

Real-world success stories show that with the right approach, even senior dogs can adapt to new routines and behaviors.

The trick is staying patient. If a method isn’t working, adjust your strategy. Older dogs might need a different approach, just like shifting tactics in business when something isn’t effective.

So, the next time someone says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, remember: with patience and consistency, you can.

And when you do, both you and your dog will enjoy the long-term benefits of that effort.