Who Says an Old Dog Can't Learn New Tricks?

Can an Old Dog Learn New Tricks? This is one cliche that makes my teeth hurt. Not only is it untrue, it is anti-canine and ageist, and I don't support either. Our dog-referred to as Puppy in all public communication-is not really a puppy anywhere but in my heart. He is somewhere between 5 and 6 years old (being a rescue dog, we can't pinpoint it any closer than that). The point is that while he is no longer quite as youthful as he once was, he is still quite adept at learning. Puppy learns all kinds of new things. Recently, he learned the sound of a banana being ripped off the bunch. Puppy LOVES bananas and now never misses an opportunity to share a bit of the fruit. Especially if I'm the one with the banana, since I'm the one Most Likely to Share with Puppy. He knows. If Hubby gets a banana, it might warrant opening an eye to determine whether any hits the floor. If I pull a banana off the bunch, four legs fight to see who can propel his long body to me first. "But learning to love sweets is not what we're talking about," I hear you say. No problem. Puppy has also learned to clean up his toys (he's much neater than the kids), clear his dishes after he eats (ditto), and most recently how to "high-five." I frequently teach him new tricks and behaviors precisely because I think it's important for him to continue to learn throughout his life. Besides, it's really cute. "You still don't get it, Judi," you continue undaunted. "The point is about people learning new tricks. Dogs are merely a metaphor. Think Aesop." Fine. I still don't buy the cliche. After they retired, my formerly unathletic parents began all kinds of adventures. They learned to snow shoe, to handle sea kayaks, and hike on a quasi regular basis. I know other people who at retirement age have learned to type Braille, speak another language, or begin an entirely new career. Other people venture into new technology. Cathy loved her job in customer service. For years, she had been happy to let the computer generation pass her by, seeing no need for her to learn "those things." People offered to teach her various computer skills, but she politely declined, content to do her job with the high attention to detail she'd always managed without a computer. Eventually, however, it became clear that technology was here to stay and that in order to remain in her function, Cathy would need to catch up to the computer generation. She wasn't excited about it, but she was determined. In record time, Cathy became so proficient at the software required for her position that she became the "go to" person when there were questions. Her exceptional performance without the technology translated rapidly to the new platform. Penny Heneke, "a senior with time on her hands," decided age was not a deterrent to taking violin lessons when she learned the studio also had two 92 year olds taking instruction. While not yet a virtuoso, she can proudly play Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star and various other pieces (see Making Music Magazine for more about Penny). At 48, Troy learned to use a sewing machine. At 82, Marie learned to play the piano. At 73, Robert learned to golf. At 67, Marc learned to be a zoo docent. At 58, Rebecca learned to swim. The list goes on and on. Who says an old dog can't learn new tricks? But for that matter, who gets to define "old dog?"

Judi Cogen is a Principal with J Grace Consulting and an expert in reducing unwanted organizational turnover. Her Selection Strategist Program helps companies reduce turnover and take the guesswork out of hiring by using proven conative testing and company specific analytics to select the right person for the right position. J Grace Consulting also offers Youth Strategist, a program to help 10 to 17 year old kids understand their conative attributes for more success in life and school. Learn more about Selection Strategist and Youth Strategist at http://JGraceConsulting.net. You can read Judi's blog at http://JudiCogen.wordpress.com or follow her on Twitter at @JudiCogen.