When one is not enough!
Once you are bitten by the pooch love, you can only ask for more! But handling two or more pets might not be easy…here’s how to maintain a harmonious relationship in a multi-dog household.
- Match the genes: Before you bring home another dog, always research and see if the two are compatible as far as their breeds are concerned. Consult your vet or breeder for advice.
- Give them time to adjust: Unless your pooches are comfortable in each other’s company, never leave them alone.
- You are the boss: Let every pooch know that you are the alpha member of the pack and they all need to follow your rules.
- Early socialisation: Each dog should be socialised at an early age so that they do not get intimidated with other dogs or people.
- Maintain the pack order: Dogs establish their own pack order. In this case, do not praise the beta dog just because you feel sorry for him or it might turn him aggressive and nasty. Do not let him break the pack order by trying to sleep in the alpha dog’s bed. Maintain the pack order, maintain the peace.
- Peace at meals: Always feed your dogs in separate closed places to avoid food aggression among them. This will ensure that each dog gets the nutrition he deserves.
- Treats supervised: All special treats and new chew toys should be given in your presence, until they are through otherwise they may end up fighting for more.
- l Basic training – a must: Every dog likes to go out for his walk but taking them out together sometimes leaves us a handful of nerves – too much excitement and frenzy can cause conflicts. In order to avoid situations like these, it is imperative that you provide basic training to all your pooches. By using, Sit, Stay and Wait commands you can avoid such situations.
- Never feed from your plate: Sometimes, dogs fight for the tidbits you give them while you are eating. It is a wrong practice, stop it immediately.
- Read the body language: Whenever you see one dog showing aggressive behavior towards others, for example, strutting, staring, etc., interrupt and say ‘Knock it off.’ When all are calm, praise them or give them a treat.
- Remove the bone of contention: Despite all your efforts, if you see your dogs fighting over a particular toy or food, remove it immediately. Let them calm down and then praise them or give them a treat.
- Designated place to rest: Give each dog his own individual space to rest and sleep. Give them their own beds and do not let them sleep on each other’s bed.
- Spay or neuter: It is a known fact that spayed or neutered dogs are less aggressive and easier to maintain.
- Individual quality time for each: Give individual time to each dog – play with him, take him out, make him feel important… after all, they are there to love and to be loved in return.