You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
This familiar proverb speaks to the challenges of changing ingrained habits and learning new behaviors later in life. While seemingly straightforward, the phrase carries layers of meaning concerning adaptability, experience, and the very nature of learning. It suggests that while knowledge can be imparted at any age, fundamentally altering deeply rooted patterns of behavior becomes increasingly difficult with time. But where did this saying come from, and how has it resonated through literature and everyday language?
Meaning of the Phrase
At its core, “You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks” implies that established habits, whether in animals or people, are resistant to change. It doesn’t necessarily mean learning is impossible, but rather that it requires significantly more effort and may not fully take root. The phrase often carries a tone of resignation, acknowledging that certain individuals are set in their ways. It can be used affectionately, as a gentle tease, or with a degree of frustration when encountering resistance to new ideas. The proverb also hints at the benefits of early training and the ease with which young minds absorb information.
Origin of “You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks”
The earliest documented instance of this proverb appears in John Fitzherbert’s 1534 work, The Boke of Husbandry. In it, he writes, “The dogge must lerne it when he is a whelpe, or els it will not be: for it is harde to make an olde dogge to stoupe.” Fitzherbert, writing about animal husbandry, observed the practical difficulty of training older dogs to adopt new behaviors. This initial context emphasized the physical and behavioral limitations of age. Over time, the proverb broadened in scope, becoming a general observation about the challenges of change in all living creatures, particularly humans. The core idea – that early training is most effective – remains central to the proverb’s enduring appeal.
Analysis in Literature
Example #1: “You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks” by Seasick Steve
“There must be something wrong with me
What it is I can’t quite see
I can’t seem to do nothing right.
Maybe I need to change my style
Been this way for a long long while
Maybe there’s a few things I ought to fix.
Can you teach an old dog new tricks?
Wanna put a little fire in my life
Climb a little higher, did it right
Tired of this ordinary bullshit.
Maybe I need to change my style
Been this way for a long long while
Maybe there’s a few things I ought to fix.
Can you teach an old dog new tricks?
Can you teach an old dog new tricks?”
Seasick Steve’s song uses the proverb as a lament on personal stagnation. The repetition of “Can you teach an old dog new tricks?” is not a literal question about animal training, but a melancholic expression of self‑doubt and the difficulty of breaking free from established patterns. The speaker acknowledges a need for change but feels trapped by years of ingrained habits, suggesting a sense of resigned acceptance. The song demonstrates how the phrase can be employed to represent internal conflict and the struggle for self‑improvement.
Example #2: “The Time Stealer” by James Laughlin
“She bites off chunks of time
And hides them at first, she
Was concealing them around the
House while I was out in the garden
Where they are hard to find.
You have your own time, I tell her
Why can’t you make do with
All the time I need? She says
Important work to do.
If you are a good husband, you’d
Understand that my time
Is your time, and your time is
My time. I know she is right, but
You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
I am crusty, self‑centered,
Cantankerous old buzzard,
And I wish she’d quit stealing
So many big chunks of my time.”
In Laughlin’s poem, the proverb serves as a defense for the speaker’s stubborn refusal to compromise. He uses it to justify his resistance to his wife’s attempts to share his time and activities. The phrase highlights his ingrained self‑centeredness and unwillingness to adapt. It’s not about a genuine inability to change, but a conscious choice to remain fixed in his ways. This example illustrates how the proverb can be used to characterize a personality resistant to influence or compromise.
Example #3: “Dog-End” by Alastair Robertson
“You can’t teach an old dog new tricks
Though he may still endear you with licks!
So don’t be alarmed
You will come to no harm
If you just keep on throwing him sticks!”
Robertson’s poem presents a more playful interpretation of the proverb. It acknowledges the difficulty of changing an old dog’s habits but suggests that this isn’t necessarily a negative thing. The image of the dog “endearing you with licks” implies that despite its ingrained habits, it remains lovable and harmless. The final lines encourage acceptance and a continuation of familiar routines, suggesting that sometimes the best approach is to embrace what is already established.
Usage in Everyday Language
Beyond literature, the phrase is deeply embedded in everyday conversation. Here are some examples:
- “I tried to explain the new software to my grandfather, but you can’t teach an old dog new tricks; he prefers his traditional methods.”
- “She’s been eating unhealthy food for decades. I don’t think you can teach an old dog new tricks; it’s just ingrained in her lifestyle now.”
- “The manager tried to implement a new strategy, but the senior employees resisted. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks; they had always done things a certain way.”
- “He has been a mechanic for fifty years, and is very good at what he does. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. He trusts experience more than innovation.”
- “My father likes to do things his own way and doesn’t like to take advice. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” he always says!”
Nuances and Considerations
While often used lightheartedly, it’s important to note that the proverb can be ageist. Implying someone is incapable of learning due to their age can be dismissive and disrespectful. It’s crucial to remember that learning is a lifelong process, and individuals of all ages are capable of adapting and acquiring new skills. Furthermore, the proverb shouldn’t be used as an excuse for inaction or a justification for resisting positive change. Instead, it can serve as a reminder that change requires effort, patience, and a willingness to overcome ingrained habits. The proverb’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to encapsulate a universal truth about the challenges of learning and adaptation while also prompting us to consider the importance of lifelong learning and embracing change.