This phrase is a common English expression that means you can't change someone's habits or teach them new things if they're old. It's often used to describe people who are resistant to change or learning new things. For example, imagine your friend who loves to watch TV all day. They're not going to start playing video games just because you want them to.
The phrase is thought to have originated from the idea that dogs are creatures of habit and can be very stubborn. If you try to teach an old dog new tricks, they might get frustrated or confused. It's the same with people. Some people are just too set in their ways to change or learn new things.
This phrase is often used in everyday conversations to describe people who are resistant to change or learning new things. It's a way of saying that some people are just too old or too established in their ways to change or learn new things.