When our family grows with the addition of a new pet to the home, we tend to think that we have to start from scratch with the new family member’s training. While that is partly true, the good news is that dogs can teach other dogs behavioral guidelines. Especially when it comes to puppies. One of the benefits of adding a puppy to our family when there is already an adult dog is that the adult already knows the routines and rules… and the puppy will often simply tend to copy them in many respects. This will make its “arrival” and adjustment to our home, family, and lives easier.
This fact is related to what scientists call “allelomimetic behavior,” which is behavior involving copying the conduct of all members of a species in response to the same stimulus. It is like a natural inclination that makes animals want to be like others of their species, follow their path, and do the same things. For example, one member of a group detects a danger that makes it run away. As a general rule, all the animals in the group will do the same. Even those that did not detect the danger. Because what they are doing is copying the behavior of the nearest individual.
As a result, our puppies show a natural tendency to imitate the behavior of other dogs from an early age. This continues throughout their lives. So much so that many significant social behaviors are considered to be learned this way.
In fact, it is remarkable how closely puppies observe how adult ARISTODOGS behave at home. It is also delightful to see how they follow the adult dog’s movements, step by step… And best of all, especially for those ARISTOPARENTS who do not want to be too demanding with their newly arrived dog, is that it is something puppies decide to do instinctively. As if they immediately understood that an adult dog is a valuable source of knowledge and experience. A role model, as we would say of people.
To validate these hypotheses, a research team from the Department of Biology at the University of Naples, led by Ana Scandurra, recently developed a study that verifies this from a scientific perspective. The study included 50 Labradors from different families. None of these Labradors had previously acted as a “trainer” for other dogs. The question, therefore, was whether these dogs could learn behavioral guidelines from one another.
The experiment’s results suggested that learning through observation could be very useful in dog training, regardless of age. Although this is particularly valuable during the early stages of a dog’s life, when it is still somewhat naïve and eager for knowledge. In fact, learning from other dogs would be preferable to learning from a canine trainer or dog handler.
So, if you are thinking about expanding your family, you now have one more reason to do so. If you have an adult dog, training your little puppy will be much easier. Your furry friend will be your best ally in this new adventure.
