While adding a second dog to your family is exciting, it can also be a little stressful and require more time and patience as you build a relationship between your two dogs. You can’t just put the two dogs together and expect them to get along and entertain each other. Help them become BFFFs (Best Furry Friends Forever) with these helpful tips for a happy multi-dog household.
Create a positive environment
While dogs are social pack animals, they also have territorial instincts and may feel threatened by a new puppy in their territory. As a parent of two dogs, it’s important to always stay in control of the situation and take things slowly. As the dogs learn to adjust to life together, keep an eye on their body language and don’t leave them alone when playing.
Do not play favorites
Just as with multiple children, it’s important with multiple dogs that you love each of them equally and appreciate their unique personalities. Maybe one dog is the ultimate snuggler, while the other gets excited when you take him for a run. Celebrate each of them individually for the joy they bring to your life!
Share your attention
Don’t think your dogs won’t notice a difference in attention, they will. It’s easy for them to notice that a puppy gets more walks, access to special areas (like the bed), more bones and/or attention from pet parents. They won’t resent you for it though, as they probably aren’t jealous like humans are. As you spend a lot of time training your new puppy to be a well-socialized dog, find ways to include your older dog. This will also help reinforce good behavior in your new dog as he learns and mimics his sibling’s behavior.
Treat your dogs equally
There should be a set of rules for all dogs in the house that they all adhere to. If a puppy is allowed on the couch, then all the dogs in the family should be allowed on the couch. If a puppy is allowed to play alone in the garden, the other dogs should spend as much time with the parent doing something they enjoy.
Determine who is in charge
In households with multiple dogs, it is important that the dogs understand that the parent is in charge and not them. Puppies should be taught to respond to basic commands, to wait their turn for treats, meals and belly rubs, and to put on and take off the lead. This way you can minimize the risk of conflict between the dogs.
Maintain proper socialization
Pet owners often think that if they have two dogs at home, they will entertain each other and get the proper amount of socialization and exercise they need when they are comfortably at home. Remember that dogs are pack animals and are used to being with other dogs and people. Can you imagine only being around the same people and never leaving the house? Dogs feel the same way! To maintain a happy and balanced pack, dogs need to get out of the house at least four times a week.
Need help with fun activities for your dog?
At Animal Hotel-5-Star, dogs enjoy socialization, exercise and education in an open play environment that is fun, safe and extremely clean. Separated by size and temperament and supervised by certified dog trainers, your dog will play in our state-of-the-art playrooms with plenty of BFFFs, burning off energy and learning through brain games that improve behavior and manners. Let Us Help You Develop a Balanced Dog! Get in touch with us!
