Multi-Dog Households

by Bailey Coldwell

I have had multiple dogs in my home for the majority of my life. Maybe you are bringing a new puppy home, adopting an older dog, or already have multiple dogs that you would like support with. Keep reading to hear some of my tips and tricks. 

Suppose you are still debating bringing a new dog into your home with your current dog. In that case, I recommend listening to our podcast, episode #115, to help determine the best time to get another dog, how to choose another dog, how to do introductions and more. Here are some thoughts to consider: 

• An age gap will help to avoid “littermate syndrome”. This is where two puppies close in age can become dependent on one another, resulting in behavioral concerns. Anywhere between 6 months and 18 months, situation dependent is an excellent time to start thinking about getting another dog if you have plans to do so. 

• A large age gap (ex. bringing a new puppy into the home of an elder dog) can be okay, but you will want to be mindful that they likely won’t be playmates. We can help to create a bond between them and help them learn to coexist. But you will want to find a playmate for your puppy at least a few times per month, with a similar play style. 

• Do you like the breed of your current dog? Would you like something slightly different?  

• You will want to have a game plan in place for any behavioral concerns your current dog has. This is because dogs feed off of one another. If you have one dog barking out the window, your second dog will likely learn to do this as well. Working on the behavior individually before adding another dog will make it easier for you. 

• Do you have time for multiple dogs? We want to ensure that each dog receives 1:1 time with you. 

• Do you have finances for multiple dogs? The cost of another dog will be at least double that of your current financial obligations to your dog. 

• Do you have the resources/space for two dogs? You will likely need two crates, two dog beds, two harnesses/walking equipment, and a home large enough for multiple dogs. 

• The sex of the dogs is important to consider to help prevent accidental breeding. If you have an intact dog and are planning to get one of the opposite sex, you will want to make sure to alter at least one of them. 

Let’s say you already have multiple dogs or are about to bring another dog home. A lot of this may be situation-dependent, but I will offer some advice on what has helped my home run smoothly with multiple dogs. 

You are going to want to make sure you know the dog body language. We often see the puppy pestering the older dog and creating a negative relationship. You want to be aware of the signs that one or both of the dogs need space. If play is one-sided, body language is tight, there is growling, one dog is trying to get away, the play is snappy and fast, there is side-eyeing, ears are pinned back, the body is cowering, etc., then we are going to want to step in to give space. Knowing the subtle signs that a dog is nervous or overstimulated will save us from hindering the bond between the two dogs. We don’t want the older dog to feel they must attack the puppy to receive space. Similarly, we don’t want the new puppy to learn to ignore the signs that a dog needs space. All interactions should be closely monitored at first. We have a body language class and a dog interaction and introduction class if you want to learn more about this topic. 

Anticipate that the dogs will be different from one another, and that is okay. I have grown up primarily with labrador retrievers my entire life. Yes, many of them have liked to play fetch and swim. But their personalities have varied widely. Some of my labs have wanted to be snuggled up to me at all times. Some would rather have their own space. That said, try not to get a dog, hoping that they will be an exact replica of your current dog. 

Be mindful of rules around furniture and where the dogs are sleeping. When I have a new puppy, they sleep in their crates at night until they are mature, not having accidents, and no longer chewing things up. I then give a little more freedom as my puppy has earned it. I do allow my dogs on furniture. However, I create rules and guidelines. I find this to be essential, especially with multi-dog households. I teach all of my dogs a solid “off” cue. This way, they know it is worth it and a good thing to get off the furniture if I need them to. The other rule that I have is no rough-housing on the furniture. I want them to learn that being on the furniture is a time to rest, not play. If they start to get too energetic on the furniture, I implement the “off” cue. I also start by rewarding nice and calm behaviors on the furniture, encouraging them to offer these behaviors more. If I ever notice any growling at one another for getting on the furniture, everyone gets off and we work individually on reminding them that being on the furniture means we are relaxed and I help to make each of them feel comfortable. You can have your own rules around furniture with your dogs, but having some expectations will help to yield success. 

Another area of your home to manage with multiple dogs is around the doorways to go outside. We often see dogs rush out the doors, which can tear up the yard, cause injuries, encourage play before pottying, and be unsafe if the door is open. I like to teach my dogs an “implied wait” when going out the door. I start by opening the door slowly, then shutting it if they try to burst out. I continue this process until the puppy pauses for a brief moment and then I calmly give them their release cue. Over time, I can build up the time my dogs are expected to wait. Using an implied wait versus a verbal cue is helpful for situations such as a guest coming over and not saying the cue or if the door doesn’t get shut completely or the wind blows it open, the dogs are less likely to run out because they are waiting for a release cue. 

I have found that it is best to have 1:1 walks and outings with my dogs, especially while the dogs are young. If I am in a more wooded and secluded area, I feel comfortable having multiple dogs on long lines. For street walks or public outings, I have found it best to focus on one dog. It is also safer to do so as leashes can get tangled, there are more triggers, and more unpredictable factors when out in public. It is simply a lot more challenging to try to walk in public successfully with multiple young dogs. 

I primarily train individually, but doing some training cues together can also be beneficial. Having one dog on a “place” or in a playpen can be a great impulse control activity while you are working with the other dog. It is also beneficial for the dog doing the cues to still be able to focus on you, despite distractions. Once pups have a bit of a foundation of training, having some training sessions side by side can also be fun. Just be mindful of issues, such as resource guarding, and treating the dogs too closely together. 

You will want to have times in the home where only one dog is with you. For example, read a book and cuddle with one dog for an hour. Maybe go for a sniff walk with the other one later. Even just having one dog around while you are cooking, cleaning, working, or doing another hobby can help the dog get some good quality time in. It will be good for the other dog to learn contentment away from you and their friend. 

Find out what each dog enjoys and focus on giving your dogs outlets for those behaviors. My lab loves to go hiking with me. So her 1:1 time tends to be outdoors-related. My mini poodle loves to meet people and get lots of love. Therefore, more cozy downtime tends to be what I focus on with him.  

Whether the dogs are BFFs or not, you will want to feed them separately and give them high-value chews separately. My dogs eat in crates. If one of them is enjoying a bully stick, the other one is in a different area of the home. This helps prevent resource guarding and insecurities. It is also helpful to have multiple water bowls and many lower-value toys out and about. 

With multiple dogs, you might find some attention-seeking behaviors, such as pushing the other one out of the way to receive your attention. Try to avoid giving them this attention. Instead, I have found it is best to step away from the situation to help everyone reset. Then, you can work on a session where you pet one and the other, when acting appropriately. 

We’ve talked about managing the household to help set them up for success, but don’t forget to let them have fun! Allow them to interact and play, if they both enjoy it. Encouraging breaks can help prevent them from getting too crazy. If you can help them form a close relationship, it is fantastic for them to have a built-in playmate and/or snuggle buddy with one another. 

Reward the dogs when they exhibit good behaviors around one another. We want our dogs to be able to settle and relax in the home, so noticing and acknowledging them for just chilling is good for them (and good for us!). 

Anticipate that when you bring the new dog home, everyone will have a transition period. Including you, family members, the resident dog, and the new dog. Give everyone time to adjust. You might feel overwhelmed by this new change (just like any other big change in life). Step in when breaks are needed, provide downtime and 1:1 time, reward good behaviors, and enjoy!