Having a multi-dog household can be challenging. I always say two dogs are the perfect number. Unfortunately, I now have three. I feel like someone is always left out.
My old dog Dale requires the least attention. She likes Rio and Jesse, but is cautious about too much roughhousing and jostling. I try to give her extra one on one time. A separate walk is enjoyable for her. I let her sniff around a lot, something she really likes and without the younger dogs, Dale can walk as slow as she wants.
It’s harder when I am actively training them.
Sometimes I put two dogs in the kitchen while I work with one. Sometimes I go outside and leave two indoors. Occasionally we have individual outings. That is more time consuming, but really beneficial for all of us.
I am working on having two in a down stay while I train number three, but that is much more difficult. All three dogs want it to be their turn all the time.
I guess that’s a compliment. And I love their enthusiasm!
I am starting a bit of agility with Rio. I put a board in the back yard to teach Rio to run the plank and stop at the bottom.
Old agility dogs don’t give up. Dale showed me she still remembers our fun days of agility!
Cissy Sumner, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA
Best Behavior Dog Training
Member, Board of Directors, CCPDT
Consulting Dog Trainer & Behavior Counselor
for the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County
APDT #062323
AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator #13985
Vero Beach, FL
772-978-7863
www.bestbehaviordogtraining.org
