Conjoined Twins
I work in many multi-dog homes and the big question my clients always ask before we begin our lessons is, “How are we going to train two dogs at one time?”
My preferred method is to work with each dog individually for the first four weeks, then bring the dogs together for the final two sessions. This allows each dog to learn the basics at his own pace. Sounds reasonable, right? The challenge in working with the dogs individually is that the dog not in school usually spends his time outside the classroom complaining, volubly. The owner, stricken by the noise, then admits that the two dogs are rarely separated.
And there’s the problem.
Most of us tend to consider our multiple dogs as one unit. We feed them, walk them and play with them together. It makes life easier on us, but it sets a precedent that’s hard to undo. When the dogs need to be separated, because of illness or some unplanned for household emergency, the never-alone sibling dogs can’t cope.
In addition to the worst-case scenario planning, it’s a good idea to have solo time with your dogs because it allows them to have your total focus. What dog doesn’t want to be the star of the show every now and then? You might be amazed to discover behavioral traits in your dogs that you never noticed before.
My dogs have vastly differing play styles, so much so that Sumner won’t even try to play when Zeke is around. (Zeke is a bully.) Rather than let Sum watch from the sidelines, I’ll take turns locking one dog out of the room and have individual playtime with the other.
Zeke enjoys rough-and-tumble fetch and tug:
While Sumner likes low-key nibbling and hugging his realistic stuffed Kitty Cat:
Sure, it would be easier to play with them together, but it’s clear to me that they both enjoy being my “one and only” every so often.
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Comments (2)
Ann March 7, 2008 11:58 AM
Okay I have to ask you once and for all. Where did you get your dogs awesome collars. I've looked everywhere and have not seen anything remotely like them.
Jeff Alexander March 7, 2008 3:07 PM
The collars are by Mascot (www.mymascot.com). I founded the company several years ago, inspired by my two mascots. The collars pictured are part of the Old School Repp collection. Other very popular groups are the Sailor's Knot and the Essential Beach. I'm glad you like them!
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