I welcomed a four-year-old (~32 in human years) untrained Yorkshire Terrier into our family. The transition hasn’t been without its challenges, but we’ve made remarkable strides.

There’s an old saying: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” But I’ve learned this doesn’t hold true if the dog is willing to learn.

Growth Knows No Age

Growth is possible for anyone, regardless of age. People aren’t defined solely by their past, nor does their history dictate their future. To truly embrace this, we must release our unrealistic expectations which is no easy task.

For me, that meant going from a home that smelled like potpourri to one that occasionally carries the surprise scent of dog urine in unexpected places. Despite these hurdles, I deeply value the progress our Yorkie has made with consistent training and patience.

Leadership Lessons

Leadership is about unlocking the potential in others, no matter their age or history. In today’s era of longer lifespans and diverse workforces, it’s a mistake to underestimate the learning capabilities of any generation.

Yes, teaching an “old dog” may take more time and effort than working with someone younger. But once that foundation is built, the results often stick for the long term.

A Lasting Lesson

This journey has reminded me that true leadership requires adaptability, patience, and belief in people’s capacity for change. With the right approach, anyone can rise to meet new challenges and achieve greatness much like my resilient Yorkie.