Harmony at Home: Navigating Multi-Dog Families
As a dog mom of three (previously four, with a carousel of fosters over the years), I often feel a little deflated when I see training advice or activities aimed solely at single-dog households. I sigh and think, “Well, that’s not going to work in our home,” or sometimes guiltily, “If only I had one dog, we could do so much more!”
Then I watch my dogs goofing around together, and it’s all worth it. Yes, multi-dog living comes with its challenges, but the joy, love, and laughter far outweigh the effort.
Through trial and error, I’ve discovered techniques that help maintain harmony in my pack while keeping training realistic and effective. While every home is different, my hope is that this guide gives you inspiration and, if nothing else, moral support!
Note: These are general tips, not comprehensive training plans. If you need tailored advice for your unique household, I’d love to help—book a consultation with me here.
Training Techniques for Multi-Dog Homes
Teaching your dogs to respond to their individual names is one of the most helpful foundation skills in a multi-dog household.
Here’s how to play:
- Say one dog’s name, then immediately reward them with a treat or kibble.
- Give ample space between dogs during this exercise.
- Crates, mats, or baby gates can help prevent pushy dogs from stealing another’s treat.
- Vary the order in which you call their names to avoid frustration (no one wants to be picked last all the time!).
⚠️ Important: If any of your dogs show signs of resource guarding, please avoid this exercise and consult with a certified trainer.
Confession time: when I adopted my dogs over a decade ago, I didn’t understand the importance of crate training. But now, all my dogs are happily crate trained—even my senior pups!
Why crates are game-changers in multi-dog homes:
- They provide a safe space for each dog, especially during meals, training sessions, or when guests visit.
- They make one-on-one training much easier. For example, while I work with one dog, the others relax in their crates, occasionally earning treats for waiting politely.
Pro tip: Sweeten the deal by tossing treats into the crates periodically during training. This reinforces calm behavior and turns crate time into a positive experience.
Training multiple dogs at once can feel chaotic, but it’s possible with the right setup:
- Start by asking one dog for a cue (e.g., “sit”) while rewarding both the responding dog and the waiting dog.
- Use a crate, platform, or baby gate to help the waiting dog stay in place while you work with their sibling.
- Slowly build up to more complex group exercises as each dog gains confidence.
Platforms can be a great tool to help dogs focus, especially in a busy multi-dog household. The slight elevation encourages stillness and concentration, making it perfect for stationary behaviors like sit, down, and stay.
Budget-friendly hack: An old aerobic step with a drawer liner for grip works just as well as pricier dog-training platforms!
Feeding Time
- Fill a Kong with a portion of each dog’s meal.
- Once the dogs finish eating, give them their Dessert Kong to enjoy in their own space.
- Over time, this encourages them to wait calmly rather than hovering around others still eating.
This routine has been a game-changer for my household, especially for my senior dogs who need to eat their full meals without distractions.
Walks: The Struggle is Real
Walking multiple dogs can be one of the biggest challenges for solo caregivers. I’ve been there—exhausted, juggling leashes, and hoping for the best!
Unfortunately, there’s no magic solution. Teaching each dog solid leash skills individually is key.
- Use a leash belt system once your dogs have some training. Clip a well-trained dog to your belt, freeing your hands to work with another dog in training.
- Mix up your routine. For example, I focus on one “trainee” dog during solo walks, do senior-friendly activities with my older dogs, and enjoy family walks with my husband once a week.
When Guests Visit
If your dogs love to ambush guests, try these strategies:
- One-on-One Greetings: Reward the dog who greets politely (e.g., standing quietly or sitting).
- Outdoor Greetings: Meet guests in a secure outdoor area for fetch or foraging games, letting the dogs burn off initial excitement before heading indoors.
- Busy Work: Provide pre-stuffed Kongs, chews, or licky mats to keep dogs occupied once inside.
- Toy Pairing: For toy-loving dogs, give them a favorite toy to hold or play tug with during greetings.
Barking in Multi-Dog Homes
Did you know barking is contagious? In my home, one dog’s bark of excitement often triggers a chorus of startle or alert barks!
To address barking:
- Identify the reason behind it (e.g., fear, excitement, or an environmental trigger).
- Use management to prevent rehearsing the behavior.
- Try Kiki Yablon’s “Thank You for Barking” protocol, which works beautifully in both solo and multi-dog homes.
High Value Items
Teaching each dog a reliable “drop” cue is essential for preventing conflicts over prized possessions. I recommend Chirag Patel’s “Drop” game, starting with individual sessions before moving to group practice.
Final Thoughts
Living with multiple dogs isn’t always easy, but it’s endlessly rewarding. Remember, progress takes time, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Be patient with yourself and your dogs—and don’t hesitate to seek professional support if needed.
For customized training plans, book a consultation with me here.