Owning Multiple Dogs

Owning two dogs can be very rewarding and great fun. However, two dogs can also present some unique challenges; eight muddy paws instead of four, controlling two excited dogs that greet you when you return home, not to mention the double financial responsibility for food, vet care and kenneling.

Certainly, multiple dogs in a household can be done successfully. Here are a few things to consider.

Dog - Dog Dependency

As trainers we see a problem we call dog/dog dependency. It is seen more often then not with dogs that are close in age. We find that when dogs are always together they may view themselves, not as an individual but as one-half of a pair. This shows itself in each dog needing the other in order to be confident in anything they do. Some trainers describe it as two dogs with one brain. These dogs have many more problems with separation anxiety.

It is understandable why owners love to see their dogs play and sleep together. Some owners feel it's sweet when the first dog gets upset when the second leaves, they say 'they just love each other so much they can't stand to be away from each other". Unknowingly, owners may be contributing to this dependency and not realizing the effects on the dogs.

If you think of it in human terms, siblings are always encouraged to become individuals. It is thought that relying or depending on another sibling for security and confidence would be unhealthy. It is the same with dogs. We believe a great disservice would be to not allow the dogs to become individuals or bond one-on-one with their human companions. It is important when owning two dogs that they have time alone, away from their counter part.

 

Good Dog - Bad Dog

Another challenge is the Good dog-Bad dog syndrome. Where one dog listens relatively well until he is with the "bad" dog. We say "bad" dog in loving terms, we do not believe there are bad dogs, just untrained dogs. Often times the "bad" boy is the leader, so you end up having the good following the bad.

It will be important for their obedience training and overall mental health to learn to rely and be confident with themselves and not need the other for comfort. Our goal is for each dog to be happy and confident on their own without needing the other for security.

Training Mutiple Dogs

When dogs are learning good behavior and to obey it will be important that each dog gets your undivided attention without distraction from the other dog. In other words, you will need to double the time you spend training your dogs, not divide the time in two. You will also need to put the dog you are not working with in a place where he cannot disturb your training. We recommend a crate.

Many two-dog owners ask when they can work with both dogs together i.e. taking a walk with both dogs. Honestly, it will be many weeks away, if not months away. This time will be shortened if you have 1 adult working with each dog. However, it is important to understand that each dog should be working for you flawlessly before you add the undoubted distraction of your second dog.

You can start preparing your dogs for training and their individual life by giving them separate sleeping areas ie.separate crates or beds. Some of their playtime and quiet time with you should also be separate. Trips in the car are a great way to have bonding time with each dog. Depending on the age of the dogs, it may take a few weeks for the dogs to be comfortable without the constant companionship of their other half. Eventually, they will do fine and be better for it.

If you are reading this and you have two dogs, training is absolutely achievable with a lot of hard work and patience. We would be happy to assist anyway we can.

If you were just thinking about getting two dogs, we would recommend getting one dog and spending 1 year bonding and training with the dog before adding your new addition.