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.
Bringing a new family member home is always an exciting adventure. But when that family member is an older dog, like my five-year-old male, Palmer, it can be both rewarding and challenging. Palmer is not just any dog; he’s the littermate brother of my Flambo and is coming from a less-than-ideal situation. This means he’ll need a little extra love, patience, and understanding as he adjusts to his new life. In this blog post, we’ll explore the journey of welcoming an older dog into your home and discuss some essential steps to set them up for success.
This is Palmer. Originally, he was sold to a woman who shared a passion for showing and breeding healthy dogs, hoping to contribute to the betterment of the breed. On paper, everything seemed promising – she had experience in grooming, a deep love for the breed, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact.
However, as years passed, her initial intentions took an unexpected turn. Despite owning three dogs from the same breeder, none of them were ever shown. Their breeder made efforts to encourage the owner to get them in the ring, but it seemed like an opportunity missed.
In April Sharon received the call that no breeder ever wants. The owner confessed that the dogs had been bred against the contract, resulting in the loss of one puppy. Desperate to avoid legal consequences, she pleaded with their breeder not to take legal action. It was during this time that their breeder, Sharon, realized the extent of the neglect.
Palmer’s former owner attempted to evade the situation by relocating to a different state, but Sharon’s primary concern was rescuing the dogs from their unfortunate circumstances. She went to great lengths, including hiring a private investigator to track down their whereabouts. In a compassionate gesture, she offered to forego any legal action pertaining to the broken contract if the dogs could be safely and swiftly returned.
Despite the owner’s attempt to manipulate the situation by bribing the transporter to lie and say the dogs ran away, the three dogs began their journey to Texas, away from the troubles of their past.
Sweet Palmer bore the scars of his ordeal, with a head wound and a body that had been reduced to skin and bones, a dull dry coat and stained. He did not know his name, and his body was covered in fleas. It was evident that he had suffered physical harm. The six-year-old female was even worse, having been subjected to multiple pregnancies, including one just months prior. She, too, was skin and bones, worse off than Palmer and was reduced to a shell of herself. No idea of her name at 6 years old. As for the youngest, we can assume she was the favorite, for she knew her name and had managed to maintain a somewhat healthier weight.
Now, here’s where things get really concerning. Palmer’s previous owner admitted that the four-year-old female dog had never seen the inside of a vet’s office or recieved any shots. It’s sad to say, but it’s likely that Palmer hadn’t either because she refused to provide any proof of vet care for him.
But it’s not just about vet visits; it’s also about the everyday care that was missing. These poor pups were never given any protection against common problems like fleas, ticks, and heartworms. You see, these are things that most dog owners take for granted, keeping those pesky bugs off and protecting your dog from heartworm disease.
Palmer’s body showed the toll this neglect took on him. He was infested with fleas, and the lack of heartworm prevention meant he is at risk for a potentially life-threatening condition. It’s a stark reminder that being a responsible pet owner isn’t just about the fun stuff; it’s about taking care of their health and well-being too.
1. Create a Safe and Comfortable Space
Palmer may have had a difficult past, so it’s crucial to provide him with a safe and cozy space where he can relax and decompress. Set up a designated area with a comfortable bed, some toys, and water where your dog can retreat to when they need some downtime. This will help them feel secure and gradually become more comfortable in their new environment.
2. Be Patient and Respectful of His Pace
Every dog is unique, and Palmer is no exception. Understand that your dog may take some time to come out of his shell and fully trust you. Avoid overwhelming your new dog with attention and let them approach you on their terms. Patience is key during this adjustment period.
3. Establish a Routine
Dogs thrive on routine, and it provides a sense of security. Try to establish a daily schedule that includes regular feeding times, potty breaks, and exercise. Consistency will help Palmer understand what to expect from me and make him feel more at ease in his new home.
4. Socialization and Exposure
While it’s important to give your new dog some space initially, gradually expose them to different people, places, and experiences in a controlled and positive manner. This will help them build confidence and become more comfortable with the world around them. Keep these early outings short and pleasant to prevent overwhelming them.
I picked Palmer up while at a dog show so I was able to get a general idea of how he was around lots of noises, crowds, dogs, children running, food, etc. By doing the AKC Farm Dog I was able to see how he was around goats, chickens, a baby pig and see how he handled different sourfaces including metal, tarp and hay. I am very lucky that he was rock solid.
5. Training and Positive Reinforcement
Older dogs can still learn new tricks! Invest time in positive reinforcement training to build a strong bond with Palmer. Reward-based training methods can help him understand your expectations and feel more integrated into your family. Palmer seemed extremely happy to finally have a job and got his Canine Good Citizen and Farm Dog title after three days!
6. Health and Wellness Check
Ensure your dog receives a thorough health checkup from a veterinarian soon after his arrival. Address any medical issues promptly, and establish a wellness plan to keep him healthy and happy in the long run.
7. Provide Love and Attention
While giving Palmer space is essential, it’s equally crucial to shower him with love and attention. Spend quality time together, engage in play, and show him that he’s a cherished member of our family. This will help him feel secure and strengthen our bond.
Where are the others now?
The 6 year old female is now name Alie, by a twist of fate her perfect home fell into her lap. While at the dog show my roommate’s parents drove up to watch the dogs show. They had just lost their family dog only two weeks prior, she had lived a full and very spoiled life and being around their grand dogs I think helped a little.
I joked after they left that they needed an aussie when my roommate said “They actually asked about getting information on one for the future”. The lightbulb went off in Sharon’s head and she sent them infomation about Alie, we met them on the way home for them to take her on a test trial because they didn’t know if it was too soon but it was love at first sight.
She now gets to go the work with her mom, hang out and watch TV with her dog and be absolutely spoiled on the farm.
The youngest Jojo, is with Sharon to be trained and evaluated and after that she will decide what is best for her.
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Traveling the world with dogs is one of the most rewarding experiences, but it also requires a bit of planning and the right gear to keep everyone comfortable and safe. Over the years, my dogs—Flambo, Palmer, Espeon, and York—have become seasoned travelers, whether we’re flying across the globe, road-tripping, or exploring new destinations. Through it all, I’ve learned that having the right products makes all the difference.
In this post, I’m sharing my go-to dog travel essentials that I never leave home without. From keeping my pups cozy during long flights to ensuring they’re safe and happy during our adventures, these must-haves make traveling with dogs a breeze. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a big international trip with your furry friend, these items are sure to make your journey smoother. Let’s dive into my top dog travel products!
Backpack that fits it all
After countless road trips, flying across the US and world I invested in this stunning diaper bag to use for Flambo’s stuff. With so many storage pockets it’s perfect to stay organised and to fit way more than you’d ever imagine.
Perfect travel bag for dog food
Traveling to dog shows you’ll see a million similar Purina bags like this that they often give as prizes or to Purina members. To knowledge they are not available for sale. I set out to find a smaller bag that looks prettier and it didn’t take long to find it. This waterproof dry bag comes in multiple sizes so you can find the right size for whatever future trip you go on and it comes in multiple colors.
Travel bowl
This Travel bowl hook is perfect to put on my bag’s main clip in the bag for easy access, plus it’s the same color so win-win. It has a suction cup on the bottom which will keep it in place on most tile and wood floors.
Paw cleaner
Honestly this paw cleaner is a game chager for travel and at home. Paws are so quick to get dirty and by just adding water and rinse free shampoo you’ll have clean paws in no time.
Looking pets tag
Your pets should always be microchipped but with the looking pets tag it gives you a little extra security. If the tag’s QR code is scanned it tells you their exact location so you can head that way and find them sooner than later. And it’s only free with shipping.
Poop bag holder
Poop bags are a dime a dozen but after recieving the Foggy dog poop bag holder it has been my favorite. It has held up perfectly for over a year and they come in so many colors to match your style.
Flambo and Friends 