Join Kayla and Ursa discuss the gifts and challenges with living in a multi-dog household! They introduce 5 topics to consider when living with several dogs:
- Make sure to spend time with each dog one on one as much as you can!
- Determine the training goals you would like to achieve with each dog. Don’t rely on the other dog to train the new pup. Separate the dogs and work on the training goals one at a time.
- Resource guarding is normal, to a point. In order to prevent any poor interactions between the dogs and to preserve their relationship, manage their access to one another when each of them has a high value object, such as, raw marrow bones, Kongs, toys, etc.
- When looking to add another dog, make sure their play styles, energy and overall needs match. If that is not the case, make sure to provide a young puppy with all the outlets they might need so they do not disturb your older dog.
- Make sure to set realistic expectations. It can be a gift and a challenge having a multiple dog household. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and the pups.
Sponsor:
To find a trainer to support any resource guarding challenges:
Ken Ramirez:
Comments 2
Hi, I have a 2 yr old basset who used to attend dog daycare and play and run and have fun. When we moved to a place with a big yard. I got a puppy basset . I thought they would play. However the older one is aggressive and bites the pup unprovoked!
I cannot let them near each other unless we are in the yard. The older one occasionally will attempt to play chase with the pup. Or he ignores it. But inside. He does not want that pup around at all. I keep the pup on a leash and of course each time he grabs it I am not prepared with my remote in hand or a spray bottle or a pet corrector. All are in the house but he gets him when I am unprepared and he will put himself in the crate because he knows he’s in a time out. I try spending separate time with him. Walks separate, it does not seem to matter. It has been almost 4,weeks. Will he ever stop going after this dog? He has never been like this before and I did have him checked at the vet.
Author
Hi Kathy - it sounds like you could really use the guidance of an experienced behavior consultant in your home. If you email us at [email protected] with your location we’ll try to help you find someone in your area.