Do dogs learn better or more quickly with other dogs present?

puppies, no
older dogs, yes

Dogs are like kids in the sense that what works for one may not work for another. Some dogs learn by repeating something until the lightbulb goes off. Other dogs can just see one dog getting rewarded for doing something and picking it right up.

I used to have an inside dog then got a puppy and he learned what to do when he wanted to use the bathroom by watching our older dog, so yes its possible.

No. other dogs present were interferring with our border collies learning techniques, so they had to go. he could not concentrate on the learning subjects at-hand.

this is the first time we’ve had two dogs at the same time. Our pup who was doing fairly well until we rescued an adult dog from the incinerator. There is too much distraction it seems. The pup wants to run and play whenever the other dog is near and doesn’t seem to listen as well. it’s all good but I think if the dog you are working with has only you to listen to it will do better.

Woodcutter, my dogs have to be seperated when I am doing formal training. They are easily distracted by what the other dog is doing if I try to work them both at the same time, especially if it is new stuff I am teaching them.

I use some of our play time to get them to honor commands they have mastered singly when they are together or other dogs are present. But when teaching them something, they tend to learn better one on one.

Obedience training is best done in groups because the other dogs act as distractions and it gives the trainer an opportunity to train out bad behavior when the dog interacts instead of obeying.

In a home situation, it truly does depend on the dog, some learn by imitation others need direct instruction.

So there is a definite maybe for an answer!!!

I think the presence of strange dogs is often too much of a distraction for good learning, but an older dog in the household, who already knows the skills, will help the younger ones learn. @rooeytoo makes a good point though – the presence of distraction in a training class is a good thing because it gives you the opportunity to teach the dog to not respond to distractions.

They have different learning styles just like people, but I know that my greyhound observed my other dog and learned a lot of things from him.

Including whining when he wants to go out.

Having two more dogs around has helped my dog relax enough to be open to learning to swim so yes on something like that. As far as potty training though he’s still a dirty little bastard who insists on peeing on the patio rather than going off like the other two to further parts of the yard.

It really depends on the dog…and the dogs around that dog. Just like people :)

It depends on the dog and what you are hoping that dog to learn. They are so different in personality and learning and temperment.
As a teacher the human must be realistic to their dogs abilities and dogs as a species. The hardest part of the relationship is to be consistant with the training and it helps if you have time.
As for dogs learning from each other, sure they do. On our farm I can tell you that they learn some things interspecies too. Animals have a great capacity for thought and for working within a family, pack, herd, or flock. It all works if the human can honor each species nature and set rules of acceptable behavior. It works well if it is fun for you.

both because when a dog sees the other dog doing something and receives a treat he/she will do the same but when alone you give full attention to one dog and maybe will learn faster.