As I embarked on the adventure of adding a second bird dog to my family, an age-old question hung in my mind: "Do puppies learn from older dogs or are they simply clay in the hands of a human trainer?"

For years, I'd heard opinions on both sides of this argument, but having never owned more than one dog at a time, I found it hard to pick a side to believe in this debate. However, after just a few days of owning two bird dogs, I have formed a very strong opinion that puppies ABSOLUTELY mimic older dog's mannerisms, actions and behaviors. There is zero doubt in my mind that my 5-year old shorthair is constantly "training" my 12-week old GSP puppy.

Yzerman (Izzy) mimics Trammell's every move, while the older pup ignores her shadow

I've watched Tram (the 5-year old) pick up a stick during a walk. Moments later, Izzy (the 12-week old) was carrying a stick of her own. When running a field together, Izzy measures the distance Tram works away from me and stays at a similar distance. Every cue Tram drops, Izzy mimics.

Recognizing my sample size in formulating this opinion was extremely small, I asked renowned dog trainer and Purina pro-staffer Rick Smith for his opinion in the debate during a FAN Outdoors radio interview. You can Podcast the interview by following this link; listen for my question on the topic at the 19:12 mark of Hour 1 of the program originally airing on May 26th.

Without hesitation Smith confirmed my quick-formed opinion that young dogs learn a lot more from older dogs than from people. "I like having a young dog with an older dog," added Smith.

Try and catch me!

The caveat Smith made special point of noting, however, was to keep in mind that young dogs are going to learn good AND bad habits from your older dog. That hit home with me as well. Izzy is now a dinner table beggar thanks to Trammell's habits (obviously my fault to begin with), and Izzy also enjoys sleeping on the couch as opposed to the floor (guilty as charged).

This entire sequence of observations has me even more eager than normal for bird hunting season to see how much Izzy mimics Tram's hunting expertise. Izzy has already honored Tram's point of a mallard pair, so I'm hopeful that's a sign of things to come . . . yes, I realize there won't be much need for either of my duck pointers. Laugh it up!

So, for all those multi-dog owners out there, how much have your younger pups learned from your older bird dogs? Any special advice you'd offer me in this two-dog process?

The Pointer is written by Bob St.Pierre, Pheasants Forever's Vice President of Marketing. Follow Bob on Twitter @BobStPierre.