Old Dogs and New Tricks
Notes from the Prairie—I Wonder Series #5
[If you missed the December 24 issue, Mysterious White Powder, here’s a link]
“You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”
My mother said this when I was a child. Often. It soaked into my bones. This morning I wonder, “Was she right? Is that maxim true?” My curiosity is piqued. I decide to investigate.
First, I explore the saying’s literal meaning. I experiment with AI. I ask, “Can old dogs learn new tricks?”
To my surprise, it answers unequivocally, “Yes, old dogs can learn new tricks.” It cites several humane societies as references.
Then it continues, “In fact, they can sometimes be easier to train than puppies because they're less distracted and can focus for longer.”
I dig deeper. I learn that this belief originated in 1523 with Anthony Fitzherbert, who wrote (brace yourself for some 16th-century English here): “the dogge must lerne when he is a whelpe, or els it wyl not be; for it is harde to make an old dogge to stoupe.”
When updated, his words mean, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”
Apparently, however, Fitzherbert was wrong. The Humane Society of Missouri now says the opposite: “It’s never too late to adjust a dog’s behavior.” Then the humane society provides proof and examples.
When my mother cited that “old dogs” maxim, though, she was talking about people, not dogs. She said it when she chose not to master a new recipe or explained my grandfather’s refusal to accept a new Sunday worship schedule.
I reflect. Her words come to mind often, now that I am old.
I stop. I correct myself. But I’m not old, not really. I am old…er.
Yes, I like that word better. It’s much less demeaning.
I wonder, As I switch the description from “old” to “older,” am I an older person learning something new?
Yes, definitely.
So, is my mother’s maxim also incorrect when applied to older people?
I look again at that AI answer about dogs. It continues: “Here are some tips for teaching an older dog new tricks:
Be patient: Training an older dog takes time and repetition.
Break it down: Break new skills into smaller, more manageable steps.
Use positive reinforcement: Use treats, praise, or toys to reward your dog when they get something right.
Consider your dog's physical health: Some tricks, like jumping up or sitting repeatedly, can be too physically demanding for older dogs.
Practice daily: Daily practice can help your dog retain new skills.”
Do those techniques also apply to humans?
I ask AI. It answers: “Yes, older adults can absolutely continue to learn new things; research shows that people of all ages, including older adults, can acquire new skills, form new memories.”
AI then lists tips similar to those for training older dogs—repetition, learning in small increments, patience, and positive reinforcement.
I reflect a bit. In retirement, Marlo and I—with fear and trepidation—began to study Spanish. We had to be patient. We did not learn at the speed of light. The programs and classes we took broke the learning down into manageable steps. We cheered each other on. We practiced daily. And we mastered enough Spanish to communicate with hotel managers, taxi drivers, and merchants in Central America.
Even when I consider just my own life and my husband’s, my mother’s maxim is wrong.
And, by using AI for my research today, I have learned yet another new trick.
Hot dog! As an older adult, I am grateful that the “old dogs” maxim is barking up the wrong tree.
If readers know any other dog maxims or sayings about older adults that I should check out, I would appreciate receiving those.
PS. Fun fact: A member of my writing group just told me that although in English, we say, “She wrote the book on that topic,” in Russian people say, “She ate the dog on that subject.”
Please forward this to friends and share the fun.
Tell them I welcome free subscribers. Thanks! Carol
Carol Van Klompenburg is a writer living in Pella, Iowa. She has a BA in English and an MA in Theater Arts — and is available for reading performances of her work. Readers can contact her publicly by commenting on this Substack or privately at carolvk13@gmail.com. By January 12, she expects to receive multiple copies of A World in a Grain of Sand: Lively Little Stories of Household Stuff. Stay tuned.
Yes, old dogs can learn new tricks - it may take a little longer, more dedication, and patience but it definitely can be done.
Some old dogs can learn new tricks, just as some writers can learn new ways to get the attention of one's readers. (provided there are enough people out there that can read in paragraphs instead of 3 letter symbols while walking down a street looking at their cell phones)