Dogs Copy Other Dogs' Behaviour: Understanding Good & Bad Habits

Our canine companions are inherently social animals, naturally learning many behaviours from each other, whether beneficial or problematic. Puppies, for example, often mimic their mother and father's traits, which means a quirky mum can pass on similar mannerisms simply because her pups copy her. Understanding how dogs copy behaviours is key to nurturing a harmonious multi-dog household and promoting responsible pet ownership.

1. How Dogs Observe and Selectively Imitate Each Other

Young dogs, especially puppies, learn from older companions in their environment. They watch closely and choose to mimic behaviours that bring noticeable benefits. For example, if one dog observes another successfully stealing food from a kitchen work surface, even a well-behaved dog might try it, tempted by the positive outcome. However, dogs do not mimic undesirable behaviours that bring no apparent benefit—like excessive self-licking due to skin irritation—as these offer no rewards from their perspective.

To support positive learning, it's important to use positive reinforcement, rewarding desirable behaviours to encourage their repetition, and gently distract dogs to prevent copying unwanted habits.

2. The Influence of Territorial Behaviours

Most dogs naturally guard areas they perceive as their territory, whether that’s a house, garden, or even public spaces like parks. When living together, a more territorial dog can influence others to copy this behaviour. For instance, a second dog may begin barking at the gate when visitors arrive simply because the first dog does. While alerting owners can be useful, excessive territorial barking triggered by copying can become problematic. Owners should work on training techniques that help regulate such behaviour positively.

3. Guarding Food and Possessiveness

Food guarding is a common issue in multi-dog homes. If one dog is possessive over meals, toys, beds, or even favourite spots on furniture, this behaviour can quickly be adopted by other dogs, potentially leading to conflict or even fights. It's crucial to intervene early to prevent possessiveness escalating. Reward dogs when they react calmly around valued resources and avoid reprimanding them when they try to guard, as this can unintentionally reinforce the behaviour, signalling it is acceptable.

4. Anxiety and Fear: Caught by Imitation

Anxiety can spread between dogs sharing a home. If one canine companion shows fear or stress around certain stimuli, others may quickly adopt similar anxious responses, complicating management and care. Owners should help fearful dogs build confidence through gradual, gentle exposure to anxiety triggers, avoiding pressure or force. A calm, confident dog in the household can sometimes help anxious companions overcome their fears, making a supportive environment invaluable.

5. The Role of Social Bonding and Mimicry

Beyond copying behaviours, dogs often engage in rapid mimicry of body language such as tail wagging, play bows, and head tilting. This instantaneous copying fosters social bonds, helping dogs bond more effectively and enjoy more positive play interactions. Dogs that imitate each other’s signals tend to build stronger friendships, which is beneficial in multi-dog households and social settings like dog parks.

6. Responsible Ownership: Setting the Right Example

As a dog owner, it is your role to guide your pets by providing clear, calm leadership and consistent training. Selecting reputable breeders or adopting from trusted sources ensures you start with well-socialised puppies who have the best chance of developing positive behaviours. Avoiding environments where disruptive behaviour is modelled will help reduce the adoption of bad habits.

Encouraging good habits through rewards, patience, and guidance will shape your dogs’ behaviour positively, preventing the spread of unwanted traits and promoting a happy, balanced home.

Conclusion

Dogs are remarkably intelligent social creatures, learning much from observing and imitating each other. While they tend to copy behaviours that provide positive outcomes, bad habits can spread too if not carefully managed. Understanding the dynamics of canine imitation helps owners foster good behaviour patterns, build strong social bonds, and reduce problematic tendencies. Whether you share your home with a young puppy or several adult dogs, mindful training and gentle encouragement create an environment where good behaviours flourish, making life with your furry friends more rewarding for all.