You already have a dog at home and you want to adopt a second one, but you wonder how to manage the cohabitation between two (or more) individuals in your home?
How to manage the outings, the presentation between the individuals, the financial aspect will it change, etc. So many questions that you need to ask yourself in order to organize everything in the best way.
Even if the intention is good, it is necessary to be prepared because all the activities carried out daily with the first dog will be, consequently, doubled (or tripled, even more according to the number of loulous at home) and that thus requires more time and energy.
MULTI-DOG HOUSEHOLD : HOW TO MANAGE ?
A COMMON DECISION TO GET A NEW DOG
Unless you live alone, it seems logical to me that this decision should not be made individually in a corner. The arrival of a new individual in the home (whether it is a baby or a pet) must be carefully thought out and exchanged between all the people living together.
It is also very important to take into account the age and the character of the first dog(s) already present.
For example, if your dog is very old and likes calmness, it might not be a good idea to integrate a very young puppy who might upset the habits of the first dog (Be careful, I have already seen dogs who were at the end of their life get a boost when a young puppy arrived and live great weeks of play with the new individual. You are the one who knows your pet best).
It is also important to think about “why” you are getting a new dog. This decision must be well thought out and not only to compensate for a potential “boredom” of the first dog because we lack time to devote to him, because in the end, the two may be bored together.
It is up to you to adapt yourself to make the right decision so that this change is well lived for everyone.
MULTI-DOG HOUSEHOLD : HOW TO MANAGE ?
THE TIME TO DEVOTE TO THE DOGS OF THE HOUSEHOLD
Having only one dog already requires time and investment on our part to ensure that his needs are met. Having two or more dogs requires two or even three times more time.
Let’s take the example of two dogs going outside in a home:
It is obvious that they will walk together regularly BUT it is very important that they have individual outings each in turn frequently so that they can enjoy some alone time one-on-one with you and without their co-dog.
This is an important notion to take into account so that individuals do not develop emotional dependence on each other, and also because each individual must be able to have moments alone.
This advice is also valid for daily activities: eating while separated so that each one can enjoy this moment (separated only means that they should not eat in the same bowl, not necessarily in different rooms if the agreement is good), playing with one, then with the other, etc…
When we have 2 dogs, it is as if we had 3 because of the organization that this implies on a daily basis (moments alone with each dog, and moments all together).
It is not a prohibitive point but it is important to be aware of it in order to start.
MULTI-DOG HOUSEHOLD : HOW TO MANAGE ?
THE FINANCIAL ASPECT OF HAVING SEVERAL DOGS
Having more than one dog in your household obviously implies a change in the financial aspect.
And yes, there are several things to note before picking up your new fur ball:
FoodVeterinary expenses (vaccines, etc…)Flea and worming treatmentsToysBasketsLeashes, lanyards and collarsSpace in your vehicle if you have to go on vacation with your dogsChewing activity
This is only a non-exhaustive list but it includes the essential points to think about.
Having several pets is a wonderful thing, but it means being prepared to take on the financial burden of having them.
THE ORGANIZATION OF THE HOUSE WITH SEVERAL DOGS
When you bring a new dog into your home, your household needs to be organized so that each dog has its own living space without having to be stuck together 24 hours a day.
MULTI-DOG HOUSEHOLD: HOW TO MANAGE?
The first meeting should ideally be done outside in a neutral place to avoid potential conflicts. Also, make sure that the dogs are relaxed and that you do not put any strain on their leash. If you are concerned about this, don’t hesitate to call a dog trainer who will guide you through this first meeting between your new dogs.
Think about organizing individual sleeping areas with different beds for your dogs (at least 1 per dog) so that each one can go to bed individually. Your dogs can sleep together if they get along well, but it is necessary that each of them can be alone if they wish.
Also, make sure that doorways are properly managed. Two dogs passing quickly through to get out can end up fighting because of the narrowness of the area.
You can also install baby gates to ensure the safety of the different dogs when you are away if the adoption is recent and you are unsure of the agreement.
In conclusion, living with several dogs is an experience that needs to be thought through, but you now have all the cards in hand to adopt a new dog and manage your multi-dog household!
