[NAGDU] Two dogs in a one-bedroom apartment

[Cindy Ray]

Sandra, I think a lot of schools have now changed to crates. Many the
obedience instructor thinks it is good to have them because the dogs can go
to a place that is their own when they feel the need to do it. I have always
kept my dog on tie down, and I'm thinking of getting him a crate now that
the crate left with my one dog. He likes a crate, and he would really be
more comfortable in it.
Cindy Lou Ray
cindyray at gmail.com


-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of S L Johnson via
NAGDU
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2017 7:43 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
<nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: S L Johnson <SLJohnson25 at comcast.net>
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Two dogs in a one-bedroom apartment

Hi,

I do not want to come off as critical but, why would you need a crate?  I 
have been a guide dog user for 42 years and have never used a crate.  many 
people in small apartments cannot find enough room for the crates.  Most 
guide dog schools use a tie-down chain that wraps around the leg of your 
bed.  You could put one on each side of the bed.  After the first couple of 
weeks the dog should not even need the chain.  All of my dogs have had 
complete freedom in my house from their first day home.

As for the other stuff, there is no problem with the dogs sharing toys, the 
same bag of food, and same water bowl which I always leave down at all 
times.  The only issue might be if one of the dogs is on some kind of 
special diet.  Your vet can help you choose a food that is appropriate for 
both dogs.  I ran into this when I kept a retired dog who was on senior food

and got my new guide.  My vet came up with a food recommendation that was 
good for both dogs.  The school will send you home with a food bowl so each 
dog will already have their own.  As for the play time in the living area of

your home, don't worry.  Many households have more than one dog and they get

along just fine have freedom in the house and playing together.  If their 
play gets too out of control then you separate them until they learn to get 
along together.  In other words, don't sweat the small stuff, everything 
will work out with your two guides in the same apartment  The guide dog 
schools will give you plenty of advice about how to introduce the dogs and 
guidelines for them living together.  I hope you get your new guide next 
summer as you plan.  Good luck.  .

Sandra Johnson
SLJohnson25 at comcast.net
-----Original Message----- 
From: Miranda B. via NAGDU
Sent: Sunday, September 10, 2017 10:52 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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