[NAGDU] Two dogs in a one-bedroom apartment

Mon Sep 11 13:17:27 UTC 2017

What Cindy said. Of course, my first two dogs at school were just on tie down at school, but many dogs like the crate because it's their place, and it speaks to their denning instinct...or that's what they tell me, anyway. Plastic crates are great for doubling as nightstands, too. And, remember too, a crate is safer for the dog, since they can't accidentally get tangled up in one. 

As for not confining the dogs at night, great if that works for you. I stopped doing this partway through working my first guide, not because he wasn't trustworthy (he was, absolutely), but rather to avoid any nasty surprises, a lesson I learned one day after stepping out of a nice warm shower and into a cold, squishy pile. So confining at night is really more for me than for them, if I'm to be completely honest about it. At least if there's a surprise, I'll know where it is. 

Anyway, we've often had multiple dogs. They happily share toys and all of my dogs have gotten on well when we've had more than one, like a retired and working guide. Heck...Leno helped raise Hilde and they're great friends. I feed separately. Hilde has her feeding station in the kitchen, Leno has his not far away in another room, and neither one bothers the other's food. Both have crates in the bdroom right beside each other, and there's a large crate downstairs for anyone's use, although Leno seems to use it most, sometimes opting to sleep there rather than upstairs. 

Anway, while space is a consideration, I think it's probably the smallest consideration. I had my first dog in a 400 square foot apartment, fairly large for a first apartment and a poor college student. So it was me, Karl, and Zoe (the cat), and we never had a problem with confined quarters. A dog doesn't care about where it lives, just so long as where is with you. 

--
Buddy Brannan, KB5ELV - Erie, PA
Mobile (preferred): (814) 431-0962
Phone: (814) 860-3194
Email: buddy at brannan.name

> On Sep 11, 2017, at 9:06 AM, Cindy Ray via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 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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