The Secret Lives of Dogs

You have met this irresistible puppy before. He is my St. Eddy.

How did he become so perfect? I would love to take credit for being a great dog trainer, but I really can't. He learned basic behavior (going pee outside, not chewing stuff, staying off of furniture, etc.) from the other dogs that I had when we got him.

I read a great book once, called The Secret Lives of Dogs. The author was unknown and she just wanted to do research about dog behavior. The book ran the gamut, exploring roaming range, why dogs try to pee as high as possible on a tree, father dog participation in raising litters and adaptive behavior that dogs learn to live happily with their person.

She found that she never had to housebreak a dog once she housebroke the first one. She never had to train them not to bark or to stay near on a walk or any other basic behavior that makes living with your dog either pleasant or pure hell. They learn by observation and if they do something that is "out of bounds" the dominant dog will discipline them. Yep. All you have to do is stand back and watch.

So, now I always have at least 2 dogs, one older (the trainer) and one younger (the trainee). Dogs are pack animals and thrive in a multi-dog environment. They need the socialization and instruction that other dogs provide. If they are alone too long, they develop anti-social behaviors, such as aggression with other dogs. So, if you have a dog that doesn't have too many bad habits that you would prefer not propagating, get yourself a puppy. By the time the older dog goes to "puppy heaven" the younger one will be trained. Hopefully, the puppy will be a few years old at that time and ready to train a new puppy for you.

And so the "Circle of Life" goes on...Join in! It'll do you good!