you can take a dog to a tree but you can't make it bend its leg

The application of the expression 'you can take a horse to water, but you can't make it drink' the more familiar domestic dog.
When someone either deliberately or through stupidity refuses to take the obvious decision or follow the necessary course of action.
Can also be "...cock its leg".

A: "I told X to look at the new proceedures before the promotion interview"
B: "yeah, well, you can take a dog to a tree but you can't make it bend its leg".

by MoLincs September 20, 2009