Multiple dogs in house - Page 2

Hi there,

Before you bring him home I would strongly suggest watching the Leerburg video on Establishing pack order. I do this method with every new dog that comes into my home. It makes an amazing differance. I always need a set order in my home as I usually have over five dogs at any given time inside the house. But they are not treated equally and are not given tennis balls to do as they please. Older dogs have earned rights becuase they have been trained and socialized. Balls and toys are mine not the dogs. And are used for play time and training. I NEVER play with more than one dog at a time, you are asking for a dog fight. Shepherds are very possessive, especially the working lines that I have, so expecting them to share a toy or letting whoever gets it have it, is not safe. I speak from someone who has made this mistake, even with two dogs who normally get along when you add a toy or ball to the mix it changes the dynamic. All new dogs that come in are put on a leash and are with me allof the time or in a crate. They are not allowed to do as they please, this helps keep them from making mistakes such as chewing things or having an accident. It also helps build the bond between me and that dog. Dogs are in general fed at the same time usually in their "spots" or if they are still inthe process of learning the pack order, in the crate. Unless I have a dog that is not a good eater, I will feed them last to incourage their appitite.
Just some food for thought, but please if you only do one thing get that video from Leerburg. I think you can watch some of it for free online at leerburg.com
Shelby Dean
Neuer Monde German Shepherds

LadyFrost, I'm impressed! Nice well behaved pack you got there.

Thank you beetree....


Shelby Dean
I posted what works for me, everyone is different and everyone households are ran differently, I say do what is best for you....

I personally refuse to play musical chairs with my dogs, fighting is not allowed at any time and they all must get along, therefore all treated equally (I hate to compare dogs to kids but how many parents here have favorite child and than the other two that are just okay...just making my point)- getting alone is not a preferred method it is my expectation and dogs follow that rule no exceptions, ball no ball, toys no toys, food - all of that is mine and are not to be fought over.

Anyways...we all have our preferred methods I am glad your works for you.

oh and all dogs play at the same time..all run after a tennis ball, no fighting there...:)

@LadyFrost - I love the kiddie pool picture! Is there a sprinkler in there too?

I usually place hose in a tree with a sprinkler attachment so it looks like an outside shower over kiddy pool... sometimes they (dogs) pull it down though...Misty (one on the right in 3rd pict.) not a huge fan of water so Bailey brings her ball into a pool to hide it...LOL

Shelby-
I had the Leerburg dvds and two trainers who were working on the socialization problems with the pup and older male.  It was a very tense time to say the least. My males breeder- very experienced person-WARNED me about bringing another male into the house even though he was a 4 month old pup. I was dealing with territorial  issues and fear/aggression.