The Forty Days

My dog Iago is a good, good boy.   But he is old.  He’s almost 9 years old, which, as you all know, is about 257 years old in dog years.  They say you can’t teach an old dog a new trick.  But is it true?  Or is it simply a scurrilous rumor spread by the all-powerful and domineering puppy lobby?  Because my outdoor activity for today is canceled due to inclement weather, and because I have always wanted to teach Iago how to shake, I am setting out to determine whether an old but ridiculously cute dog can in fact learn a new trick.

I have tried to teach Iago how to shake on several occasions.  I know it’s not that hard of a trick, but he just doesn’t get it.  He sits and stares at me, and his paw remains grounded into the earth like an immovable force.  Some people have claimed that Iago is not the smartest dog in the doghouse.  But I think that’s just bias against beauty.  A dog can be both beautiful and smart, people!!  But today I have the will, the determination, and most importantly, the time to teach Iago how to shake.

I start by typing “teach dog how to shake” into Google.  I read a couple of websites and even watch two helpful instructional videos.  Armed with knowledge and a massive amount of treats, Iago and I are ready.  Here is the “before” video, just to show you how hopeless Iago is before we begin.

I start by saying “shake,” lifting up Iago’s paw myself, giving him a treat, and saying “good boy.”  This process is supposed to create the association in Iago’s mind that “lifting paw = treat.”  I do this about twenty to thirty times.  Eventually, or so the theory goes, I should be able to stop lifting his paw, prompt him a little (by tapping his elbow), and he will shake by himself.  It’s not working.  I don’t see the tiny cogs in Iago’s enormous head turning.  The paw is planted firmly.  And Iago plainly doesn’t understand how embarrassing it will be for the entirety of my seven blog readers to witness our failure.

But then something happens.  He starts lifting his paw when I ask him to shake and tap his elbow.  I keep doing it.  And he keeps responding to the prompt.  Here, look (you may notice that I almost sit on his head at the beginning of the video–whoops):

By now, it’s obvious he’s getting it, and it only takes about ten more minutes until he has it down pat.  Look how good he is now!

There it is.  You can teach an old dog a new trick.  So for those of you out there interested in adopting an old dog, have no fear.  Training just requires some love, attention, lots of treats, Google, and patience.  I thought I’d never be able to teach Iago how to shake, but I have now realized that was my fault, not his.  Nothing is ever his fault.  Except for that time he had explosive diarrhea all over the carpet.  That was soooo his fault.

Regardless, I feel like Iago and I bonded today, and I am very, very proud of him.  Good dog.

By the way, if you are interested in adopting or fostering a pet, please visit Austin Pets Alive! Or if you are interested in donating, I will be at Mambo Berry on 1600 South Congress (the block with all the food trailers) this Sunday from 12 – 5 pm giving advice for a nickel (minimum suggested donation), and all proceeds, including 10% of Mambo Berry’s revenue for those hours, will benefit Austin Pets Alive!