Can’t Teach An Old Dog New Tricks
Posted by terrepruitt on April 3, 2010
You’ve heard that saying before. If you are like me, you grew up hearing it. Heck, you might have even said it. Can you teach an old dog new tricks? Where did that even come from? I can’t see a dog not learning a new trick if there is a treat involved. Why wouldn’t he learn it just to get the treat? Is he that stubborn? Is he that old?
Well, I think that I have just about heard enough of this saying. I, myself, decided that IF this saying is true I am NOT a dog. A couple of years ago I started learning new things, new tricks, new ways of thinking, new ways of trying things, new ways of experiencing life. So, heck, it dawned on me . . . I AM NOT A DOG!!! . . . either that, or by embracing new things and not remaining set in my ways, I am not old. Yahoo! I think that could very well be one way to help stay young, right?
The FIRST THING to learn is to STOP SAYING THAT. If you say it, you partially believe it. And if you believe then, well, yeah, its true. I hear people say this a lot. I just sigh, because if that is what the person thinks then, that is the way it is. It is as if they have given up even before they try. Because it is such a common phrase we accept it. I want to grab them by the shoulders and shake them and say, “What kind of ‘stuff’ is that coming out of your mouth?” But instead I get an attitude and I say haughtily, “Well, thank God we aren’t dogs!!!!” Sometimes, I see a bit of realization. Sometimes I see that it is recognized that, no, we aren’t dogs, so why can’t we learn something new.
So what do you say? Something new on the agenda today? Something you haven’t tried? Some new thing that you want to make a habit? Have a healthy habit you want to try on for size? Why not? Last I heard dogs can’t read, so . . . . you are not a dog . . . even if you have been on this earth for what we might think of as a long time, that doesn’t mean you can’t stretch your brain, stretch your body . . . . learn, do, enjoy!
Well, what are you waiting for a treat? 😉
Terre Pruitt's Blog 
suzicate said
So, are you saying that if I start saying that I can run marathons, i will be able to do it….I need a mantra!
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terrepruitt said
HA! No,Silly, I am saying that if you say you can’t do something new—then you won’t be able to.
I DO believe positive thinking does work, and it HELPS, but it is not ALL that is needed to get something done.
But why CAN’T you run a marathon?
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suzicate said
Because I am lazy and out of shape…would take lots of training, then maybe I could, that is if my right hip and back could endure the training!
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terrepruitt said
Well, at least you didn’t say, “Because you can’t teach an old dog new tricks!” And doing it and winning are two different things. You could do it. Rah-rah-rah! 🙂
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pegbur7 said
If I say I can play the piano, can I??? J/K….. I WISH! I guess I’m an old dog.
You have an award on my blog.
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terrepruitt said
Why yes! Playing the piano is one of those things that doesn’t take talent to practice. ALL you have to do it SAY you can play it and you can!
Ha! If that were true, huh?
My huband took lessons when he was young. And he is one of those people that can hear a song and come home and play a portion of it. He might not get the tempo correct at first, but . . . . still amazing and (annoying—ha, ha, only ‘cuz I’m jealous)!
And—stop! You are not an old dog. You CAN learn new tricks. It just might take longer for us to learn as we age, but we can still learn!!!
I am working my way over to your blog! I wasn’t on the computer much this weekend so I have a few to catch up on! 🙂
Thanks!!!!
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Angelia Sims said
Peg- My niece learned to play a song on piano by watching how to videos on YouTube. Seriously!!
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terrepruitt said
Angel – That is so cool!
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Angelia Sims said
I love, love, love learning new things and challenging myself. It’s SO hard but when it’s all said and done there is such empowerment!
My newest thing is learning photography. I am working on it. 🙂
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terrepruitt said
You will stay forever young! Because you are always learning. And you are so right!!!!! Thank you soooooo much for bringing that up. That is such a great point. Great because it is important and true.
“when it’s all said and done there is such empowerment!” as spoken by the wise-forever-young-Angelia Sims
Fabulous! Thank you.
Do you have any of your photos up anywhere?
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