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Are you thinking of getting a puppy but unsure if you want one or two dogs?
There are lots of reasons that two dogs make sense, but there are also some pitfalls.
One of those is dog training!
It’s much more difficult to train 2 dogs in one household at the same time.
Common Issues When Raising 2 Dogs
Training issues aside, it’s just flat out harder than you think raising 2 puppies at once.
In fact, if you are buying from a reputable breeder, they usually will not allow 2 puppies to leave their premises bound for the same home.
To give you some idea of what’s in store for you…
If you bring home 2 puppies, you will most likely have to deal with these types of issues:
- Half dog syndrome
- Lack of time & energy
- Excessive stubbornness
- Stronger pack drive
- Scheduled play sessions
- Same sex issues
By the way, if you already have one dog and plan on bringing home another dog as a playmate, here’s how to properly introduce two dogs. (These tips work when introducing your dog to other dogs at the dog park as well.)
Okay, so you’re going to do it anyway, huh?
If you’re set on having 2 dogs, then that means you have to train 2 dogs.
Here are some tips for training two dogs at once…
Tips For Training Two Dogs
#1. It is easiest to train them one at a time. Teach one dog how to do something first. Then train the other dog how to do it. Only then can you expect them to be able to do it together. Here’s a good example: teaching 2 dogs how to walk on a leash without pulling.
#2. This means each dog should be training separately, with the other dog completely out of sight during the entire training session. That way, you are able to give your full attention to each dog individually. And you’re able to teach each dog at their own pace. Here’s a good example: teaching the dog that just isn’t “getting” a trick.
#3. Always remember which dog is your dominant dog. Usually it’s the older one, or the one that was living in the house before the other one. It’s important to support the dominant dog at all times. Not that you don’t support the other dog, but the dominant dog gets first choice, first attention, first treats, etc. That way, your dominant dog will be less likely to create drama in the household and become jealous of (or become aggressive with) the second dog. Here are some tips for managing your dogs’ roles on a daily basis when you have 2 dogs and how to deal with conflict situations.
I like to help Dog Parents find unique ways to do things that will save time & money — so I write about "outside the box" Dog Tips and Dog Hacks that most wouldn't think of. I’m a lifelong dog owner — currently have 2 mixed breed Golden Aussies that we found abandoned on the side of the road as puppies. I've always trained my own dogs and help friends train theirs, as well. Professionally, I worked at a vet and have several friends who are veterinarians — whom I consult with regularly. (And just because I love animals so much, I also worked at a Zoo for awhile!) I've been sharing my best ideas with others by blogging full-time since 1998 (the same year that Google started… and before the days of Facebook and YouTube). My daily motivation is to help first-time dog owners be better prepared from the first day your new puppy enters your home. I like to help dog owners understand what's 'normal' and what you can expect in terms of living with and training your dog — how to get through the ups & downs of potty training, chewing, teaching commands, getting your dog to listen, and everything else that takes place during that hectic first year! When I'm not training, walking, grooming, or making homemade treats for my dogs, you will find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites). To date, I've written over 500 articles for dog owners on this site!
