Do Older Dogs Train Puppies?

Older dogs training puppies can be quite a fascinating experience to behold. I first witnessed it as a child, at my aunt’s house that was always abuzz with dogs—German Shepherds, primarily, but also Pomeranians, Labradors, Cocker Spaniels in the mix. Given that they had a hearing impaired daughter, they trained their pets to be guard dogs—as territorial as they come. Yet, whenever they brought home a new puppy, the older dogs not only accepted them but also took them under their wing. 

This got me wondering, how do dogs accept puppies so easily and how do older dogs train puppies—so seemingly effortlessly? So, I decided to delve deeper into the matter. The result? This guide on how older dogs help train puppies. 

Do Older Dogs Train Puppies? The reality

Puppy training with older dogs may not look the same as human-canine training dynamic but older dogs play a significant role in teaching young ones valuable lessons in socialization and ‘correct’ behavior. For example, house training a puppy with an older dog can become so much easier because through observation and interaction, your pup may learn that when it’s time to do their business, they need to alert you to be let out. Of course, this neither happens overnight nor does it absolve you of your responsibility to potty train your pet. The presence of an older role model, however, does nudge your pup toward the desired behavior. 

Talking about puppy training with older dogs, Dr. Karen B. London, a certified applied animal behaviorist, says, “Puppies learn a lot by watching and mimicking older dogs, especially when it comes to learning boundaries, social cues, and communication.”

There is research-backed evidence to back this view. A study published in Animal Behaviour highlights that puppies raised alongside adult dogs are quicker in social and environmental adaptation. Observing a well-behaved dog respond to your cues and commands—well-behaved being the operative word—a puppy learns that’s what’s expected of them as well. This is one of the key benefits of older dogs for puppy training. 

However, this can be a double-edged sword, as, much like an impressionable child, a puppy, too, doesn’t know how to differentiate between desirable and undesirable behavior. So if the older dog has certain behavioral issues or unwanted habits, a pup may imbibe those as well. Leading animal behaviorist Dr. Marc Bekoff explains, “Puppies absorb the good and the bad from their surroundings, including the behavior of other dogs.”

The bottom line is that training a puppy with an older dog can be a positive experience for both and can pave the way for strong bonding between your canine companions. Your supervision and guidance are essential for ensuring that the process focuses on  positive behaviors.

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Training Dynamics Between Older Dogs and Puppies

To be able to optimize the benefits of having an older dog for puppy training, you need to understand the dynamics between the two. While these may vary depending on the adult dog’s personality (and to some extent, that of the pup), there are some commonalities in all puppy-adult dog connections. You can leverage that connection for   effective puppy training with an older dog’s help. Here are some areas of puppy training where an older dog can be of great assistance: 

1. Socialization and communication

Socialization and communication are the two key areas where you see older dogs training puppies. Older dogs establish boundaries and teach puppies desirable behavior by correcting their actions through growls or nudges. For example, if a puppy bites too hard while playing, an older dog might yelp, growl, or stop the play session. This sends a clear message that this behavior is unacceptable. In addition to this, puppies also learn canine communication by observing 

• Body language
• Vocal cues
• How older dogs interact with others

You should also watch this video to understand how communication happens:

2. Behavior modeling

Puppy training with older dogs proves fruitive because pups are keen observers and learn to mimic older dog’s behaviors. For example, a puppy may learn to calmly wait for their food when they see an older dog in the house doing so, picking up the habit without any human intervention at all. This dynamic can help puppies imbibe a lot of good behaviors such as  

• House-training
• Responding to commands
• Food etiquette

3. Teaching respect for boundaries

Let’s say you serve your older dog and the new puppy their meals and the pup rushes to eat from the older dog’s bowl. The older dog will likely give a warning growl to let them know it’s not acceptable. Without any intervention from you at all, your puppy will have learned the concept of boundaries. 

This is how older dogs can assist in training a new puppy. Given that puppies are still exploring the world around them and testing the limits of what they can and cannot get away with, an older dog correcting them, at every step of the way, in a non-aggressive yet assertive manner can be a huge asset to your endeavors to train your dog. 

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4. Encouraging self-control

Puppies are still learning to regulate their impulses, and you may find them turn into an uncontrollable ball of energy at the slightest stimulus—you walking through the door, the doorbell ringing, walk time, or treat time. Now, if you have a well-trained older dog at home who doesn’t jump when you come home, doesn’t go crazy barking when the doorbell rings, or jumps and runs about when called to go for a walk, a puppy may learn that they, too, are expected to remain calm in such situations. This is one of many reasons why it’s easier training a puppy with an older dog. 

5. Confidence boost for puppies

Imagine walking into a completely new environment where no one looks like you or speaks your language. Unnerving, right? The same can be true for your puppy, especially during their first few days at their new home, or when they’re being exposed to new environments—say, a visit to the vet or even their maiden trip to the park. 

An older dog with whom the puppy has bonded well can be a reassuring presence in times like these, helping the young one feel more confident and at ease in unfamiliar or stressful environments. Reducing anxiety and encouraging exploration are among the foremost benefits of older dogs for puppy training.

6. Learning pack hierarchy

Teaching a pup their place in the pack is also how older dogs help train puppies. This can be especially crucial in multi-dog households and something that can be hard for humans to teach since figuring out how a dog picks their alpha or decides to assume that role themselves can be hard to figure out. 

However, a pup may naturally look to the older dog for cues on leadership and understanding their place in the group dynamic. This goes a long way in building harmonious bonds and preventing dominance issues as the puppy matures.

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7. Teaching patience and impulse control

Observation and mimicking behavior is at the heart of older dogs training puppies. One of the ways this dynamic can help is by teaching a pup the importance of impulse control and patience. For instance, by watching an older dog’s calm demeanor, a pup may naturally learn to, 

• Wait for food patiently 
• Refrain from jumping on guest 
• Not pull while walking on a lead 
• Not barking excessively at the slightest stimulus 

How to Encourage Older Dogs to Train Puppies

If you really see, older dogs training puppies cover pretty much all bases of good behavior. Of course, a dog cannot teach another dog commands like sit, stay, come, but even there, the training time can reduce remarkably if you’re training a puppy with an older dog.  

Given how effort-intensive the process can be, the benefits of having an older dog for puppy training can seem quite lucrative. However, there are limitations to older dogs training puppies. For one, not all older dogs may have the patience or interest to deal with a young puppy. Besides, if the dog has behavioral issues themselves, a puppy might just imbibe those as well, in addition to all the correct or good behaviors. 

Effective puppy training with an older dog’s help is only possible with proper guidance and supervision from the pet parents. Here are some things you can do get the most out of puppy training with older dogs:

1. Ensure proper introduction

Following the correct steps to introduce a puppy to an older dog is absolutely vital to encourage an older dog to help train a puppy, as it sets the tone for a healthy relationship between the two. As a pet parent, it’s your job to ensure that the older dog is not overwhelmed by the puppy’s energy and the puppy is not threatened by the older dog’s presence. 

Animal behaviorist Dr. Karen B. London advises, “Introduce new dogs on neutral ground and allow both dogs to interact at their own pace.” The following steps to introduce a puppy to an older dog can help: 

• Introduce the older dog to the puppy in a neutral space where they don’t feel territorial 
• Keep both dogs on leashes but let them approach each other calmly 
• Allow them to sniff and observe each other at their own pace 
• Keep an eye out from any signs of tension, anxiety, or aggression in either dog’s body language, especially the older dog 
• Allow them to engage in a play session to reduce anxiety 
• Once a rapport has been establish, gradually introduce the puppy into the home
• Give the older dog space to adjust to the new addition before roping them in the training process 

2. Reinforce positive behavior with rewards

For training a puppy with an older dog, you have to make the process lucrative for the latter. The best way to achieve that is by rewarding calm, patient behavior. When you see your old dog sharing space or teaching boundaries to your pup, use treats and praise to reinforce the behavior. 

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3. Provide breaks for the older dog

Remember that training a puppy with an older dog can be exhausting for the latter because puppies have boundless energy. Studies have shown that excessive exposure to high-energy pups can be stressful for older dogs, and can make them irritable and impatient. 

So, it’s important to ensure that your older dog has ample time to rest and recharge, away from the high-on-energy pup. For instance, if you notice that your dog is turning away from your pup or discouraging play by not engaging or by growling, encourage them to retreat to their preferred spot in the house while keeping the pup away from them until the dog is ready to re-engage. 

4. Create structured play sessions

Structured play sessions can be immensely helpful for effective puppy training with an older dog’s help. When you’re there to supervise the dog-pup interactions, it becomes easier to ensure that the older dog is not overwhelmed and the puppy learns to respect boundaries.

For instance, roping your older dog in when you’re training your pup to play fetch can make the session more productive, as the older dog can teach the puppy patience and fair play. Besides, your pup can learn the expected behavior by observing the older dog. Animal behaviorist Dr. Marc Bekoff endorses this approach and says, “Structured play helps dogs learn social rules through positive interaction.”

5. Use commands to reinforce behavior

When carrying out puppy training with older dogs, it’s a must that you use the commands that the older dog is already well-versed with. Your dog already knows what is expected of them when you use a particular word, and your puppy can pick up that behavior by mimicking the older dog.  

For instance, if your puppy is running around excited, shift focus from them to the older dog, getting them to sit and stay and then rewarding them for it. The puppy may follow suit, learning from the older dog’s example. There is even research-backed evidence to suggest that puppies are more likely to follow cues given to older, well-trained dogs.

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6. Encourage shared activities

Renowned dog trainer Dr. Ian Dunbar says, “Shared experiences strengthen bonds and create opportunities for older dogs to teach puppies naturally.” So, if you want to reap the benefits of having an older dog for puppy training, it’s important to plan shared activities that give the two dogs a chance to bond. These can be, 

• Walks 
• Feeding times
• Play sessions 

7. Maintain a calm and positive environment

For the two dogs to get along well, it’s important that you foster a positive dynamic between them. Avoid loud noises and chaos during training sessions, as this can make the older dog irritated or uninterested in engaging with the puppy. Dogs respond best to training cues in calm, predictable environments, so make sure you facilitate it. 

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FAQs 

1. What are the benefits of introducing a puppy to an older dog?

For the older dog, it can provide companionship, reducing feelings of loneliness and keeping them mentally and physically stimulated. The puppy often brings a playful energy that can encourage the older dog to stay active, which is good for their health. For the puppy, having an older dog as a guide helps with socialization and learning appropriate behavior. Overall, it strengthens their bond and fosters a harmonious relationship, benefiting both dogs emotionally and physically.

2. What if my older dog is aggressive towards the new puppy?

If your older dog is aggressive toward the new puppy, it’s important to address the situation with patience and care. Start by giving both dogs their own space and introduce them slowly, ensuring they feel safe. Supervise interactions closely and reward calm behavior with treats and praise to encourage positive associations. If the aggression persists, consulting a professional trainer or behaviorist can help identify triggers and create a tailored plan to reduce tension. Remember, adjusting to a new pet can take time, and gradual, controlled exposure is key to building harmony between the two dogs.

3. How long does it take for an older dog to accept a new puppy?

The timeline can vary, depending on the personalities of both dogs. Some older dogs may adjust within a few days or weeks, while others may take several months to fully accept a puppy. Factors like the older dog’s temperament, the puppy’s behavior, and steps to introduce a puppy to an older dog all determine the outcome. 

Takeaway

Older dogs training puppies is an opportunity you must not squander away. With the right approach, it can make the training process so much easier and seamlessly. While focusing on your puppy’s needs, it’s equally important that you prioritize your older dog’s comfort. The process needs to be facilitated with patience, positive reinforcement, and structured interaction. By fostering a calm environment and rewarding good behavior, older dogs can naturally mentor puppies, passing on key social and behavioral skills.