who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?

Who said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?

First of all, I’m not sure what he meant by “an old dog”.

But let’s get real.  I’ve learned a lot of new tricks since I was hit by a car.

Joey at work

One new trick I’ve learned is the word “lift”.  Whenever my mom puts the sock on my leg, she says “Lift” and taps my foot to signal that I’m supposed to lift it up.  Then she puts the sock on.  Then when she wants to put the bootie on my leg, she says “Lift” again and taps my foot, signaling that I’m supposed to lift it up.  Sometimes she says “Lift” and I just stand there. Then she says “Lift” again and I just stand there again. Then she says, “Joey, lift” and I’ll take one step forward.  Maybe that’s what she wants me to do. It seems to please her because then she’ll say “Good boy!” Last night my dad was getting me ready to go out for my walk and Jane was just standing nearby. She said “Lift” and I lifted my foot.  Then I put it back down. Then she said “Lift” again and I lifted my foot again, both times without her or anybody tapping or touching my foot or leg.   It’s not easy for a dog to lift his leg straight up like that but I can do it momentarily.  So see?  Who are you calling an old dog?

I think whoever said “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is the same person who said “You can lead a dog to water but you can’t make him drink.”

Secondly, my short-term memory is improving with time. Maybe it’s the Omega 3 fish oils that she puts in my dinner.   Before I was hit by the car, she or my dad would tell me to “Stay” and I’d stay for about the time it took to crack open an egg.

You remember I told you that I have to go up and downstairs on my lead or certainly with somebody.  So during the day Jane goes up and down the stairs for various things.  I accompany her a lot but not every time.  There are times when I want to go with her each time but she doesn’t allow me to. So she goes to the stairs and I follow her, and then she says “Joey, stay” or “Joey, sit” and uses her hand signal.  I look at her and listen to her.  I sit and stay. And a few minutes later when she’s back, I’m still sitting where she left me.

At these times I’m a good dog and she gives me a lot of love afterwards. No treats, just love!