The acquisition of an additional dog in the home can happen for a variety of reasons. The most common reason is the idea that the existing dog needs a canine companion. One human family member may want a companion that is more their special friend than another’s. An active family member may now need a younger dog to do certain activities with. A lot of good reasons exist for the introduction of a new canine member into one's home. Be aware though, this often comes with work to maintain a harmonious relationship between the two.
The fantasy or expectation is that the dogs will get along famously, if all goes well in the pre adoption or purchase meeting. Owners assume that little work or oversight will be needed to keep the initial relationship as is. Likewise, if a dog dislikes another dog on the first day, it's assumed they will never get along. Either case could end up as expected MAYBE, but there is a lot more at play than the first impression. Also, in general, potential owners assume if they get a young puppy, that puppy will grow into his/her position without conflict. This is also not necessarily true. So many factors will influence how a multiple dog relationship goes. If owners are given the right tools and knowledge, this relationship can work out an amicably. There are very few cases in which a situation is just not going to work with work and preparation.
When returning home with the additional canine companion, here are some steps to take and things to think about:
1. Only adopt any dog when you have the time, energy, and resources to care for them properly. Adopting dogs during stressful times such as the holidays or personal stress is never a good idea.
2. The incumbent dog should have a skill set to a standard in basic training. Dogs will not know via osmosis or intuition what you want them to "not do". It is so much easier to have a way to tell them to do something. Two untrained dogs coming together is a bad idea.
3. Training the additional dog should start immediately and separately from the incumbent dog.
4. Total freedom for a new dog should never be allowed whether they are the first dog or the next dog.
5. Start off on the right foot with boundaries and rules in place for both dogs.
6. Know how to read your incumbent dog's signals in body language and mannerisms. Observe and start to know the language of the canine addition. It may well be drastically different, and with time and care, you will begin to know this dog as well.
7. If you are not sure what you are looking at, assume the worst. Always better safe than sorry.
8. Do not leave them alone unsupervised. It's really important to fully know both dogs in the multiple dog context AND the ability of the dogs to resolve conflicts BEFORE even thinking of leaving them alone unsupervised. Some breed fanciers will not leave their dogs alone unsupervised.
9. Transporting home-Either pick up the next dog without your incumbent dog present OR be sure to have a crated area in the car for transport home. Nothing worse than driving along with two dogs that are not sure they like each other yet.
It is important to look for things that stand out and suggest that an amicable relationship is just NEVER going to occur.
1. Dogfights that show a total lack of bite inhibition or bites in dangerous areas.
2. Absolutely no signs of like or affection for the other canine. I am not talking about dogs that amicably ignore each other until the relationship is established; I am talking about where it's real obvious that there are going to be NO friendly interactions.
Special training considerations in multi-dog homes:
1. Commands-I use this general rule in my multi dog household. Commands not started with the dog's name, mean that all dogs in my voice range are expected to obey (or at least the ones that have been trained on this rule). Commands that start with a name, mean that specific dog needs to obey the command.
2. Release words-Release words that start without a dog's name first, mean all dogs within my voice range may release. Release words that start with a specific dog's name, mean that only the dog indicated may release.
3. Both 1 and 2 are things that must be taught to your dogs thru training exercises.
4. Remember a small altercation turns into large problems if not dealt with quickly. If you don't know what to do, seek professional help immediately. It will save you a lot of headaches and/or heartaches.
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2 comments:
good information! I particularly like the part about the commands and when to use the dogs name or not. I have several dogs, so "Chill Out" is my group command for greeting the door barking. "Hootie, chill out" is for when my one dog just WILL NOT stop! And I am a dog trainer too! I never realized how I was separating the commands but your article made me aware of it.
It's hard once you start singling the dogs out to make it a group command again if you get too used to it. Many times I have to go back and teach my dogs "sit" still means sit for them. You know what I mean, if you are surrounded by so many dogs all day, they get to used to their name coming first if they need to do something, and then don't pay attention unless they here their name LOL.
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