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 education of the new member. While that is partly true, the good news is that dogs can teach other dogs behavioral guidelines. Especially if they are puppies. Because one of the benefits of bringing a puppy into our family, when there is already an adult dog, is that the adult dog already knows the routines and rules... and the puppy, in many ways, will simply tend to copy them. This will facilitate their "arrival" and adaptation to our home, our family, and our lives.
This fact is related to what scientists call "allelomimetic behavior," which is a behavior consisting of copying behavior among all members of a species in response to the same stimulus. It's like a natural inclination, which makes animals want to be like others of their species, follow their path, and do the same things. For example: a member of a group detects a danger that makes it flee. As a general rule, all animals in the group will do the same. Even those who have not detected the danger. Because what they are doing is copying the behavior of the closest individual.
Well, as a result of this, our puppies show a natural tendency to imitate the behaviors of other dogs, from an early age. Something that continues throughout their lives. So much so that many significant social behaviors are considered to be learned in this way.
In fact, it is surprising how puppies observe with incredible attention how adult ARISTODOGS act at home. It is also charming to see how they follow the movements of the adult dog, 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 that puppies decide to do instinctively. As if they immediately understood that an adult dog is a valuable source of knowledge and experience. An example to follow, 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 Anna Scandurra, recently conducted a study that verifies this from a scientific point of view. The study involved 50 Labradors, from different families. None of these Labradors had previously acted as "trainers" for other dogs. The question, therefore, was to find out if these dogs could learn behavioral patterns from each other.
The results of the experiment suggested that observational learning could be very useful in dog training. Regardless of age. Although it is particularly valuable in the early stages of a dog's life, when it is still somewhat naive and eager for knowledge. In fact, learning from other dogs would be preferable to learning from a dog trainer.
So, if you're thinking about expanding your family, you now have another reason to do so. If you have an adult dog, educating your little puppy will be much easier. Your furry friend will be your best ally in this new adventure.
