[nagdu] 2 dogs around the house

[Julie J]

I also have two dogs in the house right now.  It was a lot more work in the 
first few months, but now it's all very easy.

I put away all the toys until I was absolutely confident there would be no 
squabbles.   I got out the boring toys first to see how things would go. 
Chew bones were the last to be introduced.  Any signs of fussing and the 
toys went away.

I also fed them at opposite ends of the room with me in between.   They had 
to wait until both dogs were done eating before they could leave their area 
of the room.  Then I would pick up the bowls.

I also had to sometimes crate the younger dog when my older dog had just had 
enough.  My younger dog has a very high energy level.  the older dog 
doesn't.  Sometimes she just wanted to be left alone and the younger dog was 
inappropriately insistent that she should be playing with him.

It really only took a few months for everything to settle down and sort 
itself out.  Now the toys are always out.  The food bowls are left on the 
floor.  I feed them and walk away.  they play together frequently.  And when 
older dog wants to be left alone the younger dog respects that.

As for learning bad habits...I don't think that happened with these two.  My 
older dog has very good manners, except for barking.  But my younger dog 
came with all sorts of  opportunities to learn some new behaviors! LOL  the 
older dog never joined in the craziness.  The younger dog will stop barking 
with the older dog if I ask him to.

I do have different rules for the current guide and my retired guide.   I 
base the rules on the dog, their personality strengths and weaknesses and 
what works for us.

Good luck!
Julie