Training 2 Dogs from the Same Household – A Challenge and A Reward

The Ups and Downs of a 2 Dogs Household

So after considering all the pros and cons of owning two dogs, you decided to bring home a second dog. Or maybe you brought two dogs home at once. Whatever the case might be, training two dogs to get along with each other (and you!) can be overwhelming!

The upside of a 2 dogs household is that they can entertain each other and have fun when you are busy. Watching them play and interacting with each other can be very rewarding and a show in itself. The downside is that you might have more work at the beginning especially if they are both young.

When Bringing a Second Dog Home

If you’re bringing a second dog into the home, if you have the choice, get a dog from the opposite sex, The chance of them getting along is higher. It will also be easier for you if they are a different age: 2 puppies or 2 teenagers dogs could be a lot work and border line a nightmare. When one is a little older than the other and well trained, he will teach and show the younger one what to do … and could also teach him his bad habits!

Introducing The 2 Dogs to Each Other

Think about choosing a neutral environment instead of rushing home with your cute little pup in tow. Try a local park or grassy area. Your two dogs may not necessarily become best of friends simply after the first meeting. Don’t worry about this! It may take time for them to get used to each other, bond and adjust to the changes. If you are able to introduce both dogs prior to you bringing home the new dog, then this will only benefit their relationship once the new dog has come to your home.

Keep in mind that dogs view the world in terms of packs and hierarchies. After bringing you’re your new pup, you might see that your two dogs are now battling over who is king of the hill. Or one of them is going to be clearly the top dog.  While this might not be the case, the top dog is usually the largest, oldest or male dog.  Be prepared to witness some fighting and nipping over food, toys and treats. If and when this does occur, simply separate their plates as well as their toys.

It’s important to keep tabs on minor squirmishes between your dogs so that they do not escalate into something more serious. If you notice that the fights between your two dogs are increasing in both length and violence, seek counsel from your vet and a trainer. A trainer will be able to help your dogs fall into YOUR pack so the fight between them over who is pack leader gets the kebosh.

Training two dogs in one home can be quite a challenge. This being said, many of the dog training principles remain the same and of course, consistency is key. One of the more important things to do is to train your dogs separately using their names. So if you’re telling Fido to sit, the command now becomes Fido Sit. This way if you are in a room with both the dogs, the appropriate dog will follow your command.

Try to find some one on one time with each dog as well as together play time. Managing two dogs can be very difficult but also very rewarding. Find time to walk with each one on one or play one on one. But as important as that is to bonding for you and each dog, the time the three of you will spend together is as important to creating a pack mentality

Tags: Basic Dog Training