I'm sure they learned it from their mom. They have to start learning from her as early as possible in order to survive. (That is if they were in the wild.) My dogs are:
Ivan the gsd who is 6
Cassie the shih tzu who is 8
and
Adie my yorkie who is 1.
Cassie taught Ivan to be quiet but to bark at stangers. (That is the only time any of them bark unless playing.)
Ivan also learned to pick up a stuffed toy and give it to one of us if we get up in the middle of the night and frequently when we come home. (Beats me why) Cassie started that. It will be interesting to see if Adie starts doing it too.
Ivan taught Cassie to fetch and she in turn taught Adie.
Every dog I have ever had has learned to walk on a leash by watching the older dog. I think they learn it during their "hero worship" phase.
Just my input.
Lou |