If you’re living with more than one dog and you are feeling overwhelmed, this is for you. Regular training doesn’t address how to deal with multiple dogs so I’ve some up with some solutions to make your life calmer in a multi-dog household.
I have lived happily with as many as 7 dogs because it’s not how many dogs you have- it’s how well behaved they are. Behavior isn’t the same as training but it starts with training. That’s my first recommendation because it’s the foundation to good behavior. Basic training includes sit, down, stay, come and walking nicely. When you have more than one dog, it also includes compliance when the other dogs are around which is not always easy. It also requires the other dogs to behave while you’re working with one dog. You can choose between online like flambouniversity.com, group classes or private classes but that’s where you’re going to get the most bang for your behavior buck.
Other ways to make life with multiple dogs easier and happier are-
Table Manners- taking control of feeding time and asking for proper behavior is a good way set the standard of behavior. Every dog should have their own bowl and shouldn’t eat from other bowls. Serve each dog individually when they are being good or release them from stay to their own bowls. This requires supervision but it’s that supervision that puts you in control of the resources.
Going for a walk- walking nicely is so important behaviorally. Dogs don’t need to know how to heel but they should know where to be, not to pull and, with multiple dogs, to leave the other dogs alone. Start working with each dog individually and then, when they can behave on their own, put them together keeping the walks short at first so that they’re successful.
Company’s Coming- Dogs love company! Unfortunately, dogs show their love a lot differently than humans do and it’s not always appreciated. Barking, jumping up or zooming around the room can be overwhelming or frightening for some people. Teaching good company manners is a must. The main rule is that people greet dogs; dogs don’t greet people. Not opening the door until the dogs are calm and ways from the door is a good way to keep control of the situation. Then if your company is your crazy brother, you can release the dogs to be just as wild as they want or you can have them stay where they are while you grab your Uber Eats order.
Chilling- every dog needs- no, deserves- a place for some down time. Crates are my first recommendation but you can also use beds (one bed per dog) or different rooms. This is the opportunity to let your dogs not only relax but also enjoy some heavy duty chewy without having to worry about the chewy being “stolen”. Chewing uses a lot of energy so this quiet activity is a good way to bring down the overall craziness.
Fun and Games- it’s a good idea to have a way to tire out your dogs or they’re going to find their own way and you probably won’t like it. It’s better to teach them some fun games to get out that energy and also put you in charge. You can play games one-on-one or you can make it group play. Either way, for behavior’s sake, games have rules and boundaries that you get to chose.
Flambo and Friends 