Dennis Jones Webboard User Reg: 06-13-2004
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Loc: Richmond Va
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How much do dogs, puppies in particular, learn from other dogs? I have some ancedotal observations such as : Max is trained to pull open the back door to let himself in. Erika the puppy was in a crate on the deck near the door. When we let her out to roam a bit, she opened the door after a few attemps and got through. I was trying to teach "Foos" to Erika and I wasn't getting through to her, she sort of had the idea but it was really sloppy. At the club I tied her out and I was working with Max on the Bh routine in front of her. I put Max away and started with her and her "Foos" was much improved and focused. Any body else experience this? Does anybody have any studies? I seen examples of wild animals copying skills from thier parent(S)
Mike J Schoonbrood Webboard User Reg: 04-30-2005
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Loc: Toronto, ON
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I've heard both sides of this - some say it's possible some say it's not possible at all. Personally I can totally see how your pup would learn to open the back door by seeing the older dog do it. I always consider dogs and kids very alike in many ways - a good example I can think of here is my friends kids, they are 2 and 5... the 5 year old was I believe 4 almost 5 before he figured out how to open the baby gates in the house (its a stiff foot pedal, he stood on the pedal and pushed himself down on the bars).... very soon after this, his brother that is 3 years younger figured out the baby gate trick too - undoubtedly copying his brother's new skill.
I'm not sure how likely the improvement in "Foos" is tho - my dog didn't "get it" either - then one day all of a sudden he was the perfect heeler, it was a miraculous overnight switch, he just woke up one day and knew how to heel properly.
In Belgian Ring in the 60's they used to tie the puppies at the ring side so that they could see what was wanted of them in the future. Apparantly it worked.
Anne Vaini Webboard User Reg: 07-14-2005
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Loc: Wisconsin
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IME, I have had a couple dogs learn to swim from watching other dogs, learn to escape by watching my cats and learn to retrieve by watching by watching my husband act like a dog. So, I'm certain it is possible, but not so sure that it's normal or highly effetive.
My shelter rescue for the first 6 months knew absolutely nothing about what to do with a ball or toy. I tried alot of different ways to entice her into recognizing that it was OK to play. My sister had her dog over several times, who is a nut about his toys/fetching. One day, my girl seemed to make the connection, ran for the ball, grabbed it and took off running and bucking and shaking the life out of it. It was so cool to see her finally make the connection. Not sure if she "learned" it from the other dog or not, but a lightbulb finally went off!!!
Regards,
Linda
I think it is pretty normal and natural in some circumstances. It is alot easier for a sled dog to learn commands if it is paired with a dog that already knows them.
Also it is pretty common for people to let pups watch a few hook-ups before putting them in harness - dogs generally want to do what the other dogs are doing if it is in line with their natural proclivities or it looks like a good time. If one dog touches the hot wire on the electric fence there is a good chance that others will take it for granted it bites and not touch it. I think for obedience stuff though it is more of a case of the one dog seeing you being turned into a hotdog dispenser just by the other dog being compliant and decides it wants to get on that gravy train. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Dennis Jones Webboard User Reg: 06-13-2004
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Loc: Richmond Va
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I'm going to continue take her to the club where she can observe. If it only helps a small percentage its worth it. Then again, she can learn some bad habits as well <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
Diana Matusik Webboard User Reg: 04-27-2004
Posts: 456
Loc: Central FL
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A breed program on TV had hunters talking about how they would couple an adolescent hound new to the pack to a mature, seasoned animal to aid in the training. They said that this would allow the new dog to learn the commands quicker such as the command for moving over when a car came by the pack. In Sea World they have the dolphin and orca calves stay with the mother during the performances, and the poor thing tries so hard to follow Mom through all the moves (I've seen it, it's so cute). Eventually, the calf naturally picks up the basics. Learning through imitation is a big thing in the animal kingdom, and honestly I don't see why it wouldn't be true for canines, either.
As Dennis said, however, bad habits could also be picked up!
i know that we had a lab for a while great dog brought home a rescue gsd and she taught him how to behave in the house. he also taught her how to get into the trash an counter surf
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Learning skills from other dogs
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