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Unleashing Canine CounterStories Part 7: Old Dog, New Tricks? Absolutely!

Unleashing Canine CounterStories Part 7: Old Dog, New Tricks? Absolutely!

April 09, 2026 - 4 minute read
Welcome to 'Unleashing Canine CounterStories: Exploring Humane Education with Dr. Lori'. I am your guide for this blog series where we navigate the fascinating world of human/canine relationships. To put it bluntly, it's complicated. But I'm here to help hash it all out! In this series, we'll examine our interactions with our canine companions and discover ways to build stronger, more empathic connections by considering your dog's perspective along with your own. This is known as Canine CounterStories - taking a broader look into how something that has 'always been' may actually have had another angle to look at all along. Today we will take a look at an old adage that, in my professional opinion, has some dogs getting the short end of the stick. Stuck in a rut: the same old thing day in and day out.  Time to get these pups up and actively enjoying their twilight years... People often say 'You can't teach an old dog new tricks' as if that is some sort of unspoken rule and fact. But what if we got it backwards this whole time? What's the Canine CounterStory - the truth behind the myth? What if the oldest dogs are the wisest of all learners, due to lived experience? Not in spite of their years, but because of them? What if your furry friends have been waiting their entire lives just to have a little bit more connection? Teaching them, communicating with them, connecting with them, it really can set off amazing feel good vibes- for both of you! Let's think about rescue pups - sitting in a shelter, you guys haven't even met yet. Perhaps that dog never had a chance to play with a ball, or hear the cue 'sit'. OF COURSE, when everything is fresh and new, and both of you are learning about each other, that's exactly when teaching begins. No matter the age. How about your senior doggy you have had for many years, but suddenly you move to a new home? They will have to LEARN how to navigate this new space just like you will.  Think of this as a shared adventure.  Or when you scroll dog videos nightly and come across a really cool trick you want to try with your pup. You have never seen it before, and they certainly have never experienced it before...yet here you both are, learning together as you go! Naturally, you will have to take into consideration that your frosty faced fido may have some limitations due to age. Keeping things short and fun will help avoid burnout.  Read the room: Know if your dog is enjoying this time together or growing frustrated from what may feel like pressure and demands. When in doubt, stop for today, there's always tomorrow. Timing is everything: Keep sessions under 15 minutes, preferably when your pooch is already awake (no one likes being woken up from a nap). The right classroom reward: We all enjoy different things. What lights your pup up? Does your dog enjoy walks, treats, pets, praise, squeaky toys? Find the right positive piece to their personal spark puzzle to bring about joy and delight- not to mention motivation for more. Learning accommodations: If your senior companion has some vision loss, try hand signals. Any hearing loss, use louder cues (not firmer, just higher volume). For mobility issues, lean towards quiet calm puzzle work and sniffing games that can be done from a lying down or seated position. Creature comforts:  Let's learn some beginner MASSAGE.  You learn how to give it, they learn how to get it. Everybody wins! Try giving your pup a massage as part of your relaxing time together.  Because what do senior citizens love? Time with family. 'The gift of time'.   So when you spend your time teaching that old dog new tricks, the ones that others deemed impossible, you really are giving them allllll they've ever wanted...to soak in every precious moment and learn all they can- from you. You might even learn a thing or two in return.  Because it's not about the trick - it's about the together - the bond that is truly ageless.  
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