The Top Three Tips on Managing Multiple Dogs
The holiday season is in full swing, and that might mean you have a full house. Whether your family is bringing their furry family members to visit, or you’re sitting some Rover dogs, managing more than one dog can be a bit of a challenge. We’ve got the inside scoop on how to manage multiple dogs at once for safe, fun stays.
Have A Meet and Greet
Make sure that all of the dogs in your care will get along by having a Meet and Greet before committing to the stay. Successful Meet and Greets include:
- Meeting on neutral ground. Introduce dogs at a park or on the sidewalk outside the home so no one gets territorial.
- Asking lots of questions about the dog’s personality, likes and dislikes.
- Taking the dogs inside (if boarding) to make sure they continue to get along.
Keep an Eye Out
Dogs that seem to get along still need to be monitored to make sure nothing goes awry. To keep everything copacetic during and feeding and playtime:
- Separate during feeding. Keep dogs apart during feeding to avoid any instances of food aggression.
- Ensure play is calm. Playtime, especially with a toy, can go from a friendly romp to a scuffle very quickly. Watch the dog’s body language to make sure everyone is having fun.
- Avoid resource guarding. If one dog appears to be hoarding toys, or can’t share nicely, take the toys away.
One on One Time
The holidays are busy and it can make it harder to make time for each other. Make sure that each dog in the home gets some individual time and attention. To provide attention without competition from your other visitors:
- Set up time during the day to give each dog individual time. Whether you’re training, playing, or just snuggling, each dog needs a little extra.
- Enlist the help of your guests. If they’re also dog people, have your guests give the dogs some love. It’ll help everyone de-stress and feel good!
With these tips you’ll be safely and happily managing a multi-dog household–so you can relax and enjoy the holidays.