Be a Lifelong Learner
Whoever said that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, doesn’t know Riley. When she was just a puppy, Riley learned the basic commands very quickly. I knew the importance of training Riley before I ever even adopted her. I had read a lot about the use of silent hand signals (sign language) in dog training and used them as an accompaniment to verbal commands on day one. I wanted Riley to be able to understand both languages. I knew my girl was smart, but I also knew I had to be consistent and disciplined as well. It didn’t take long for her to respond to my commands, whether I spoke them or signed them, because she knew what my expectations for her were. I also used positive reinforcement by rewarding her with a belly rub or a small treat. Riley learned how to sit, stay, come, leave it, drop it, wait, look at me...all in no time at all.
While making sure Riley mastered the basics, I also wanted to have fun with her and teach her tricks. She learned how to fetch very easily, but I really wanted her to learn how to give a high-five on command. I had read that this trick could be difficult for little dogs, but nobody told that to Riley. I think she learned to give high-fives even faster than she grasped the basic commands.
Riley is the definition of a lifelong learner. I’ve been teaching her new tricks and commands throughout her entire life, and although some have been easier than others, she’s mastered everything I wanted her to. She doesn’t cry or whine or complain that she’s being asked to do something new. She just tries her best and keeps on trying until she gets it. She likes to please me and gets excited when I show her how happy I am when she reaches the goal I set, although a reward treat is never turned down. I simply have to hold her accountable and make sure I am encouraging and consistent.
It wasn’t until Riley was about nine years old that I taught her to give a kiss on command. Being her playful and loving self, Riley has always liked to lick people she really loves. It’s her way of giving kisses and showing affection. However, I had never thought about teaching her to do so on command. Even though dogs are already considered seniors by age nine, that didn’t matter. I learned from Riley that as long as I hold us both accountable and follow through with my expectations for her, she’s going to be able to learn something new, no matter what age she is. I’ve always been confident that she’s going to accomplish whatever I want her to. I make sure to set a standard for her and hold her to it—we practice every day until she masters the command or the trick.
There have been plenty of times in my life where I tried to learn new things, but didn’t stick to them because they seemed difficult. I gave up trying to play the piano, I still can’t speak Italian, and I never did learn how to do a handstand. And the reason is simple—I never held myself accountable and I wasn’t consistent with my expectations for myself. I didn’t follow through when I said I’d practice and I wasn’t disciplined enough to stick to a schedule. But now I look at and act upon things differently. Just like I won’t take no for an answer when it comes to believing Riley can and will learn something new, I won’t take no for an answer for myself anymore either.
You absolutely can teach an old dog new tricks! Everytime I say, “Riley, kiss,” she jumps up to give me a lick on my chin. And, of course, who doesn’t love getting a high-five from a mini six-pound dog? As for me, I’m now taking after Riley...I want to be a lifelong learner who is never too old to learn something new.