[NAGDU] Two dogs in a one-bedroom apartment

[Julie Johnson]

I have two dogs right now.  They need separate space for sleeping and 
eating.  The rest can overlap.   I have one crate in my bedroom and the 
other in the next room, about 15 feet or so away.  I do not allow them to go 
into each other's crates.  For my two this creates problems, but some dogs 
will be fine with swapping sleeping arrangements around.   Mostly the crates 
are left open for them to come and go as they like.

I have food mats at their places in the kitchen, one in the corner of the 
kitchen and the other between the kitchen and dining room, probably 8 feet 
or so apart.   They have separate food bowls, of course, but they share a 
water bowl.  My two do not have any food guarding issues so I'm fine to put 
the food down and walk away.  With a new dog, one that I don't know well or 
a dog with food guarding issues, you will need to stay close to supervise 
and perhaps feed further apart or with a door separating them.

I have one plastic bin in the living room, where all the toys are supposed 
to be.  Generally they are scattered all over the floor though.  They share 
all the toys.  I do have a few plush toys that only the older can play with, 
because he has stopped mangling soft things.  I keep those in the closet and 
take them out when the other dog is in her kennel.

I use the same shampoos, nail trimmers, grooming tools etc.    They have 
separate harnesses, but I do swap leashes between them.  This all hangs on 
coat hooks by the front door.

Most of the exercise they will need will likely come from working in harness 
outside your apartment.  I try to minimize rowdy play in the house.   That's 
more difficult with young dogs, but they should settle down after a while.

HTH
Julie
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-----Original Message----- 
From: Miranda B. via NAGDU
Sent: Sunday, September 10, 2017 9:52 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Cc: Miranda B.
Subject: [NAGDU] Two dogs in a one-bedroom apartment

Hi everyone,

My husband recently received his first dog guide, and I'm planning to get
mine in the next 1-2 years (hopefully during the summer of 2018, if
possible). We live in a larger 1-bedroom apartment. I believe it's just over
900 square feet.

Our current plan is to rearrange our bedroom to make room for a second dog
crate, and we plan on taking turns with play time in the main living space,
as this works with our general schedule and prevents over-crowding. Our
other current plan is to share as many supplies as possible. For instance,
if the two dogs eat the same food, we'll only have one Vittles Vault. We'll
also share the larger supply of pick-up bags, ETC. Of course, we won't share
the dogs' gear, toys, ETC, so they'll each have some items of their own.



I'm writing to get any tips regarding dog supply/toy storage (these tips
would help with only one dog too), or overall tips regarding having two dogs
in an apartment. We are not in a position to get a 2-bedroom apartment, so
this is not a viable option for us. If you have any storage products you use
and recommend or other helpful advice, please feel free to share.

Thanks, and have a wonderful week!



Best wishes, Miranda

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