Imitations
Ever since Biff came to live with us, Gabby has been on her best behavior. Biff is an untrained two-year-old, and Gabby seemed to notice this right away. When we tell them to sit, Gabby sits instantly!! Then she looks over at Biff as if to say, “This is how you sit. I’m being a good dog.” When we tell them to say, Biff tends to wander off if we’re not constantly reminding him to stay. I remember this happening when we were training Gabby, and so I’m not too concerned about it. Staying is tough. When Biff gets up without being released, Gabby looks at us and wags her tail. “I’m still staying, I’m a good girl,” she seems to say.
I wonder how common this is? Her obedience tends to help Biff as long as he is paying attention.
This imitating is not always good, however. Gabby has taught Biff to chase Clover, one of our cats. Before the cat-chasing demonstrations, Biff didn’t seem to think about the cats at all. Luckily, Clover loves to be chased. He acts put-upon, but he always comes back for more.