can an old dog teach a new dog?

[wench]

Right bit of a long one...

I have a 11 yo lurcher, who is the most absolutly perfect dog you could ever wish for. Never chews or messes in the house/increadibly intelligent/excellent guard-dog (v nasty but only turns it on when needed)/kills rats, rabbits etc for fun, but leaves pet rabbits/chickens/pigeons alone at home.

But the problem is that we think he has bone cancer (awaiting confirmation of test results). We have a chance of possibly getting another lurcher pup, and provided that its the right temperment and intellegience, would think about having it.

But here comes the question, would the younger dog pick up the older ones habits eg when to bark/when not to bark/pets are not for killing, but rats are!!!

 

[oliviacharley]

Hi,
Without a doubt.
My mums dog taught her puppy how to act pretty much instantly. The puppy would have his own personality and habits but the main bits and pieces he should pick up, like barking, messing in the garden etc...the puppy would look to the older dog for guidance.
However whatever bad habits your older dog may have, he may show the puppy how to pick up those too...
my mums dog tends to yap, so the new puppy started to do the same.
As long as you are strict with what is right and what is wrong and stick by that you should be fine :0)
always great to have a well behaved dog.

 

[truffles]

Ahh most def IMO! It's also great for keeping nippers in check...

Best of luck with the results, tell us how they go! x

 

[cevans]

DEFINATELY!

my husbands just got a new lab puppy and already my 2y/o lab has taught her to sit, stay and that gardens are for peeing in not houses! The 2y/o is a working dog and pup has even started to copy her by carrying things around the house and sitting by us until we take them from her - bless!!