When training new puppy – should I separate him from our older dog?

Cookie On My Mind: When training new puppy – should I separate him from our older dog?
Or would the new puppy benefit from seeing our older dog doing tricks? We have a 3.5 year old lab right now and are planning to adopt a lab mix puppy. Should I seperate them during trainings or keep them together? Thanks for any tips!
Yes, this will be my first time having two dogs at once, so ANY other helpful advice is welcomed! 🙂

Answers and Views:

Answer by Dats Life Baby
Dont seperate them cause u would be surprise what they learn from the big sis or bro.

Answer by Stephen C
no keep them together to let them get used to eachother just dont let them fight

Answer by Donna B
Having an older dog around while training is good! They can model what you want your new pup to learn.
I did spend time one on one with my pup several times a day, for five minute periods. However, my older dog was usually around because I was using treats! I would only remove the older dog if it interferes with the concentration of your pup.

Answer by Kris L
You asked about your dog doing ‘tricks’ … and if that is the type of training you are going to be giving your new puppy, if the puppy can ‘see’ the dog do the tricks and earning treats for it, the puppy will learn much faster. The older dog will also help the puppy learn the ‘basic commands’ and how to go to the ‘bathroom’ outdoors instead of indoors … so DO NOT SEPARATE THEM at all. An older, well trained dog can only HELP the puppy learn, not ‘hold it back.’ Think of the older dog as an ‘adoptive parent’ who wants the puppy to ‘learn’ your way of doing things … they are wonderful helpers with new puppies.

Answer by palmate
if your older dog is ‘balanced’, then there is nothing to lose. The little one can learn from you as a ‘pack leader’ and get the ‘balance’ from the other dog.

I think the main trick is that you are the leader, the dog is living in the now and will learn if you teach – ignore bad behaviour – work, exercise, feed and affection. My dog’s have always followed and it has always been a great honour that I have enjoyed. good luck!

Answer by Becky
Keep them together, the older dog will believe it or not help teach the puppy some manners but also if the pup sees how you handle the big dog he will eventually fall into tow but it’s your consistency that will pay off. When I got my dog who was nine moths old, I had never trained a dog in my life but fortunately she was a smart breed as yours is and picked up rather quickly. I have to admit I did use the Dog Whisperer as a guide and it did work! Easy fundamentals to follow.

Answer by Marrissa
I trained sleddogs in Alaska for a year (and my family has a sleddog kennel) so I have been around dogs my whole life. I have found that alot of times puppies just like any other animal such as Alpacas and Sheep need to have that interaction with others. They need to be “disciplined” and if an older dog is willing to tell your puppy what the rules are, go for it. Your puppy will learn to do tricks from the older lab, and if your older lab “stays in the yard” the puppy will learn the perimeter.

Answer by Vinny H
no don’t separate them,the new dog will learn from the older dog.my jack sits and gives paw and my 11week old jack sits but just lifts his paw off the floor its sooo cute lol hes getting there,he just needs to give the paw to me ha ha

Answer by ♥Simply Leslie!♥
seperate them. Because what if your pup tries hurt your older dog and the older dog tries to attack your pup. Trust me that happens to dogs alot.

Answer by Val
I would do one on one training with the puppy every day, and then do some training with both of them at the same time where the older one will guide the puppy. Also make sure you do one on one with your older one to make sure she is still feeling like the puppy isn’t getting all the attention.

Answer by <3 LOVE
No because your puppy will learn good habits like potty training from your older dog

Answer by berner mom
No. I have always had 2 dogs and the pup picks up on the things the older dog does (sit before being fed, waiting before going out the door etc) Its really cool to watch it happen:)

But on the down side, they will pick up on bad habits to..(counter surfing while Mom isn’t looking:)

Have fun with your babies!

Answer by Misa M
Scientists have determined that cats will actually learn well from watching (even from watching other animals) but that dogs do not. Stories abound about cats who will watch a dog being clicker trained and then come over and perform the behavior that the dog was being trained to do.
In any case, I do separate my dogs when training. I just put one in a crate while I’m training the other. They need to work on different things and I find it easier to concentrate when I have one at a time. Also, my dogs are not bothered by the other dog being there, and I don’t lose their attention during a session – they don’t go to visit with each other. I would set up a new puppy for success by building a relationship first and having an empty room – no competition for you attention!
Good luck!