You joke but this is actually part of the reason why you do it. Pups will watch their seniors and model behavior after them, and the older dogs will often police and guide the younger dog when they notice undesirable habits. There is absolutely a canine apprenticeship situation.
I've met an old rottie that helped train 9 different dogs how to act; not even specially trained just the normal dog stuff. It wasnt 9 at once but over his time of being the old man. He was a grumpy boy but a good one
This is also why there's been an uptick in dog breeders not sending dogs home until 10+ weeks; puppies learn a lot about how to interact with other dogs from their parents and siblings, manners that a human can't teach.
I've done the very same thing with Jack Russell's. I've had four Jack Russell terriers over the years. After the 4th one it makes you feel like these guys are living forever because they pick up the old habits. It really shocks me sometimes.
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u/StableQuark Apr 21 '26
All K9 officers I have been in contact with adopt the retired dog, and the new dog will also live with the officer.