I live in a multi-dog household, as many readers do. Multiple dogs can bring much joy and love into your household. But it can also present challenges to the pet parent and individual dog(s), depending on their temperaments and interaction within thei pack. My column today will talk about how I personally deal with undesirable behaviors and interactions based on MY dogs. My techniques might not be effective for your own personal dogs, but it is my hope that it might give you some insight into your own personal situation.
I have Smudge, who just turned ten years old. Swayze, who just turned one year old. And the new kid on the block Rue, four months. An interesting combination: one senior dog and, as I call them “the frat brothers” Swayze and Rue. My house is indeed a frat house, a true animal house!!
Oftentimes you are told to let your dogs handle their conflicts, but sometimes it is absolutely necessary for the pet parent to control the situation. When I brought Rue into the household, Smudge immediately told puppy Rue that he was not to be messed with. Smudge did not bite him but did seriously growl, snap, and charge him. I did not get involved. Smudge might have done this twice. Being very bright, Rue got the message loud and clear. He does not climb onto or chew on Smudge, and there is total respect for the alpha in the pack. No blood shed, no punctures, just clear body language and vocalization was all that was needed to earn the puppy's respect.
Then there is Swayze. Sweet little Swayze. At one year old he loves to chase and wrestle. And in the beginning that is all that he and Rue did. Their whole interaction was to wrestle, bite, roll, chase, and then repeat. Over and over and over. When both were pretty much done in I would give them time out. But as Rue becomes bigger and stronger I have noticed Swayze going into avoidance mode. Yesterday Rue was standing in the doorway as I was calling Swayze in from the yard, and Swayze resisted knowing full well that Rue would be on him the minute he entered the room. So I came to the conclusion that I have to become involved to control Rue's playtime with his brother. Swayze's temperament is such that he will allow Rue to do ANYTHING to him. He will never correct him, and as a result Rue has become dominant during playtime with his slightly older brother. Rue will hold Swayze down and chew on his ear while Swayze lies quietly and just accepts his fate. I wish that Swayze would put limits on Rue when he becomes too rough, but that is just not in Swayze's make up. He is just the sweetest little terrier. I have never seen him angry and probably never will. As a result, their playtime will be closely supervised, and controlled, by me.
When it comes to feeding, my dogs are always fed separately, behind a gate or in an ex pen. I never want to see resource guarding or competition for food that escalates into aggressiveness. Each dog knows that their food can be eaten without fear of it being consumed by their sibling. Between my three dogs I have three styles of consumption: Smudge will chew each piece of kibble carefully. Rue is in-between, eating quickly with some chewing. And then there is Swayze, who inhales his chow, no teeth involved!! My method of feeding allows each dog to eat at his own pace, stress free.
On that same note, I will deliver treats to each dog when they come into the sunroom from the backyard. Smudge and Swayze have been taught to sit, and when I say each one's name the treat is handed to that dog. The first time Rue came inside he was on top of Swayze trying to get his treat. I probably showed Rue the behavior I wanted and expected twice, maybe three times. He is a very smart boy. After that Rue became the first dog to sit for his valuable treat!!
Name recognition is a very integral part of training your dog for all behaviors. I start when they are puppies and, using a very valuable treat that is not offered any other time, I will say their name and reward when they are looking at my face. The key to this exercise is that your dog “snaps to” whenever you say his name. Attention is a necessity in learning any new behavior, and repetition will ensure that your dog responds to his name each and every time, without fail. Also very important in a multi-dog household. I will say each one's name deliberately when their food is being delivered to them.
Then there is the toys. Some are more valuable than others. I worried about Smudge when I brought puppy Swayze into the household. His senior siblings Whitney and Ty had no interest in toys, and Smudge never had to share them. But he was very generous and gracious when Swayze joined us, and my concern was a non-issue. Smudge does have a favorite ball. And just the other day Rue snatched up this ball and was prancing across the living room. Smudge was lying in the kitchen and saw red, flying across the floor and hitting Rue like a linebacker! Rue yipped in surprise, and the ball flew out of his mouth. Rue has not picked up that particular ball since.
I personally do not have this particular problem much, but visitors can create a very out-of-control and excited pack of dogs. In order to prevent your guest from being plowed over, it is important that your dogs be taught how to appropriately and calmly greet the visitor. Your own energy will influence theirs. Remain quiet and calm when visitors arrive. Advise the guest not to talk to or look at the dog until/unless it is calm. Teach dog(s) to sit for a treat by having visitors armed with a nearby treat bowl when they arrive. You will be replacing a dog's undesirable behavior of jumping with an automatic sit. Repetition will result in a very calm and well-mannered canine host/hostess.
Remember to quietly leave and re-enter your home to control you dog(s) energy level. Telling your dog repeatedly how much you will miss them while cooing over them will only create anxiety and undo stress during separation. And a wild greeting from you upon your arrival home will equally create one wild and crazy furkid! Of course you can tell your dog how much you love him, and he can tell you how much you were missed. But this should never be over the top. Good manners are always welcome and much appreciated. You are the teacher. When you show the dog what you want, they will happily and eagerly do it for you because of their love and devotion.
Dogs are excellent communicators. People can learn so much from them. A successful pack will function efficiently, effectively, and most importantly, peacefully. They will not always agree but will come to a mutual understanding and respect. Why can't people be so smart?!
Dog bless, Judy Endo
judyendo@outlook.com
Published in The Citizens' Voice on May 4, 2019
Thank you Judy. Great post
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