what does you can't teach an old dog new tricks?

Answer 1

The expression means that people get set in their ways as they get older, less likely to want to change their routines. It's a truism as Dogs are acutally harder to train after their second year.

Answer 2

It means that the old dog knows all the tricks: that's how it survived in this tricky world to grow old. Tricks which are new to lesser people, who go about teaching new tricks, are not new to old dogs who already know those tricks! Old dogs may not be able to actually do those tricks any more, that's a different matter. (Hence the quote: "If only youth knew, If only old could.")

Answer 3

A new puppy or younger person is willing to learn new things but an old dog or person is too set in their ways and don't like change! Also the mind is quicker but that doesn't really have to do with the saying.

Answer 4

As dogs (and humans) get older, the capacity to change or do new tricks diminishes because of physical and mental stagnation. The old dog doesn't have to prove himself anymore...

Answer 5

when they are young just like people they are easier to teach something new but once they learn on there own things its hard to get them to change their ways

Answer 6

basically, if someone is set in their ways, you can't change them. I don't agree with that saying, but that's what it means.

Answer 7

you to set in your ways , your not going to change

Answer 8

I think it means that you are set in your ways.

Answer 9

once you are set in your ways you are not able to change.

Answer 10

MEANS...OLD PEOPLE CANT BE CONVINCED OF HOW TO DO SOMETHING BECAUSE THEY JUST DONT WANT TO LEARN IT....SOMETIMES..STUCK IN THEIR WAYS AND BELIEFS