Question for people with two or more dogs...

[bubbadoo38]

My sister uses one of these and loves it.
http://www.meijer.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=112270&CAWELAID=317708972

Our 3 dogs all work on the NILF program. When we walk in the house after work they all run to the appropriate spot and wait to be fed, unless I'm to slow and Ginger will run out look at me and run back to her spot. They don't go out unless they sit and stay until they are given the OK. They know they are not allowed in the kitchen when I'm cooking. Furniture is mine not thiers unless I say they can be on it (movie night includes the dog). I chose who to pet and when I pet them, not them. They all get walked at the same time even that way noone is favorite.

 

[Cinder and Me]

Riven has given great advice on being the "pack leader". Also NILF (nothing in life is free) is a good method to go by with dogs as well.

My two have their moments in the morning and after dinner where they zoom through the house for a few minutes, and then plop down and go to sleep. They are hounds, and LOVE their sleep. I think its important to know what kind of dog you have (meaning typical characteristics/personality traits/etc.). That way you know how to deal with them. If you have a working dog, you need to give them things to stimulate their mind, and do more physical activities with them. Dogs act the way they do because they are allowed to (good or bad). I don't really like a lot of Cesar Millans techniques, but he has some good points, as well as the "dog whisperer". There a lots of good books out there, as well as good online reading too.

Getting them neutered/spayed will help, and an obedience class too. If you don't want to take them to class, spend 15 mins a day training them at home. Simple commands like sit, stay, wait, come, down will help make them feel good, and they will help you have more control over situations too.

 

[greychins]

Right that makes sense. With the free feeding, which I'm going to try avoiding with the whole restricting food thing, I have asked the vet about Kaileys' weight (the new one has not been to the vet yet) and he says she's healthy. I once measured it out and she does eat about the recommended amount on the bag for her age/size. If she did get overweight, I would restrict how much she eats, I want my pooches to be healthy.

I actually have been told by several people to use one of those timed feeders, but my dogs are crated when I'm not here, so if the time they'd eat was when I'm not here.... Kailey has already taken a corner off my dresser, so she's not allowed out if I'm not home (I was in the shower when it happened).

They both do know the "out" command, which is good for the kitchen/bathroom and such...

Actually though, I will not have this problem for very long. I just got a call today from the dog's original owner. Ok, so here's the story on this dog.

Few week ago, I had mentioned to my friend Jenny that I might want to get a second dog, so she said "oh well my sister (Beth) has this dog she doesn't want" and the next day brings over the dog. A lot of people are getting rid of dogs, so nothing suspicious about this. Enter dog #2 into my life.

So come to find out, I just got a call today from Beth saying that she had gone on vacation and said to Jenny something in the occasion of "I can't stand this dog, I don't want it anymore" after the dog ate some cake she dropped on the floor and knocked over a pile of clothes she had on the bed while she was packing. So Beth goes on to say that she really didn't mean what she said, it was just one of those knee-jerk mad reactions and she didn't really mean for her sister to give the dog away (Jenny was supposed to feed and watch the dog while Beth was on vacation). And god knows I yelled and probably told someone I didn't want my stupid dog anymore after she chewed off the dresser corner. So, I understand, and it happens. Apparently Beth's still on vacation, she had called to check on the dog, and came to find out there was no dog.... and she said when she gets back, she wants her dog back. She was bawlin and crying and was really worked up, and she said she couldn't imagine not having her dog there, and that she never meant for Jenny to give the dog away and all that.... so I guess doggie #2 is going home when Beth comes home.... *sigh* Well I guess now I'll have time to work with Kailey on her manners and her thinking I'm the pack leader and getting that cemented....