Handling multiple dogs

Your dogs need to know that they are each as individuals special to you…

Handling multiple dogs starts by creating alone time with each of your dogs.

If you had one of the dogs before adding the new dog your older dog needs to know that even though you added a friend to the mix he still has his special place.

Let them sort out their pack dynamics. There is nothing as unpleasant as your dogs constantly fighting with each other. So let your first dog tell the new puppy or older dog who is "boss", before he gets too settled in.

If you let this opportunity go by your older dog my end up loosing the fight if it happens later on.

I am not saying let them fight in a brutal manner but some growling and a little reselling should sort out their rank problems and help with handling multiple dogs.

Apart from spending time as a group individual training should be done too at first.

Even maybe for your older dog…adding another dog to the family can let your calm and well mannered dog that you know so well change.

So when training cues like waiting at the door take one of your dogs and let him sit and stay...

Then you can walk through the door and ask your dog to politely come to you. Repeat this until you are sure he gets it.

Do the same with your new dog.

If one of them still wants to run you over to come through the door take your body and step in to his space.

Take a step forward towards your dog. Do this each time he tries to squeeze his way through the door.

Dogs understand body language and he will understand you stepping in his space.Dogs use this method to communicate with each other.

The moment he reverses a step back praise him. Get him to stay until you release him to go through the door.

Only when you are certain that both your dogs can do this then add them together.

In the beginning it would be good to give them food separately. One dog fight over food can lead to a never ending dislike of each other.

If you do want to feed them together supervise the situation at all times...until you are certain no one will go over to the other ones food bowl.

Your first dog can take a few days or months to get used to the new dog. Be patient and aware.

Don't feel or look stressed about the situation. Your dogs will feel your anxiousness and react to that as well.

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