You Can Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

Photo by Oskar Kadaksoo on Unsplash

We collected a foster dog from a rescue centre 5 weeks ago. For legal reasons, I’m not allowed to publicly share their identity or any photos, but I can share their journey - and ours - anonymously. Let’s call the dog Cocoa (the name of my sister’s chocolate lab) They are at least 5 years old and have never had any training. So, no house training, no commands, no walking on a lead, no living with a family. Zilch. It’s been a bit like having a puppy. They’re keen to please though don’t know any of the rules and everything, but everything, is of interest. It’s joyous in its own way, although it also has its frustrations too, as anyone who has ever had a puppy, or adopted a rescued dog will know.

We’ve come a long way in 5 weeks. They’re pretty much house-trained, barring the odd accident from excitement or anxiety and they’re conversant with several commands - and even obey them most of the time. They’re not keen on walks, which I find strange in some ways. I would have expected Cocoa to enjoy the freedom of going out new places, sniffing, walking, exploring the world. At the moment, however, it’s all a bit scary and new, with too many unexpected occurrences like dogs and people. Cocoa doesn’t much like the car either, so it’s traumatic getting them in there, though they do settle down once we’re on the move. Cocoa has formed a very strong bond with us very quickly, especially with me and she can become distraught on being left, so we still have some fairly major issues to work through. For the few short weeks we’ve had them, progress has been impressive with new breakthroughs every day. And they’re training us too! Not only to trot out to the loo in command and provide chicken treats, but in other ways too. Sometimes, everything can wait whilst you play with the dog for a few minutes, or watch them tumble around with a blanket. You can fit a walk into your daily schedule when you have to and it is profoundly calming to do so. A brief respite from the stresses of the day. They’re teaching us it’s essential to rest and chill sometimes and that human contact can be so very reassuring.

We’re learning together and growing together. Whatever your age, your brain is capable of learning new things. It’s wired for neuroplasticity - to keep growing and making new connections. You may not want to get a rescue dog to teach you something new, but you can certainly train your brain and keep the neurons firing, make stronger connections by learning something new, be it tricks - like juggling - or learning another language or new skill like drawing. Old habits may be hard to break, as the saying implies, but new tricks are definitely worth trying!

Do share what you’ve learned and anything new you’ve done recently, especially if like me, you’re a more mature person.