Multi dog households: Double trouble or double joy?

Owning more than one dog can be rewarding, fun and educational. But it may create complex issues, causing conflict within the household and possible welfare issues for the dogs involved.

In this, the first of two articles we cover general management and ways to reduce the likelihood of issues. The second article concentrates on what issues may arise whilst also considering the positive aspects of owning multiple dogs.

It sounds like a perfect scenario – we love dogs, we love our dog, surely it is a logical step to acquire another?

• Covid saw an enormous increase in dog ownership, and many people who already had one dog acquired a second, or third.
• The 2024 National Dog Survey by Dogs Trust found that 25% of dog-owning households own two or more dogs.
• I am seeing a huge increase in people acquiring littermates, sometimes having been encouraged by the breeder to do so.
• The rescues are fuller than ever before and there are many unwanted dogs. Some people are acquiring more, in an attempt to help the situation or that particular dog.
• Sometimes, there are potential or existing issues and families feel that acquiring another dog may help overcome these – a pet for a pet.
  

The more dogs involved, the more complex the situation will become. Adding another dog to a household of four dogs has more potential for issues than adding to one existing dog.

One beneficial change in the behaviour world in recent years is the avoidance of blanket recommendations. Every situation, every dog, every person is unique and taking all factors into consideration is essential to decide upon the “best” recommendations.

How can veterinary teams help?

Veterinary practices are ideally positioned to assist with advice:

• before people acquire more dogs
• to avoid issues arising
• to identify and point in the right direction if issues are appearing

We will look at these three areas specifically, the first two in this article, the third in the second article.

1. Before acquiring more dogs

If the opportunity arises, helping clients explore why they want another dog is a vital first step. Are they doing it for them, their original dog, or the potential new dog?

How will the existing dog(s) adapt to this change?

Dogs are social animals, but not all enjoy living with others. Many enjoy being “only dogs” with a close relationship with their family. Does the existing dog enjoy the company of other dogs? Would he enjoy another being dog around all the time?

As a general rule, I would always suggest getting the original dog or dogs to the stage where their behaviour and lifestyle is what you want, before adding to the group, often when the youngest dog in the household is approximately two years or older.

Acquiring another dog because of insufficient time for the original dog, or to teach him the desired behaviours, is likely to create more issues.

Choosing the right companion

Choosing the right companion is the next consideration. A good fit is essential and whilst this is not an exact science, there are general indications.

When someone is ready to expand the household, compatibility becomes paramount.

Size and breed: Size and strength differences can be a safety issue - a boisterous young Golden Retriever can easily injure a small Cavapoo during play. Breed traits matter too - a herding breed might chase or control others, while terriers may play more roughly than was expected.

Sex combination: Evidence suggests that mixed-sex pairs tend to coexist more peacefully than same-sex ones. If conflict arises, the more similar two dogs are, the more serious it is likely to become.

Age and energy levels: Two high-energy adolescents can fuel each other’s excitement, leading to overstimulation and poor impulse control. Conversely, an older dog may find a puppy exhausting.

Personality traits: Two friendly, well-adjusted dogs are more likely to get on well together. The more issues either dog has, the more challenging it can become.

2. Management to lessen the likelihood of issues arising

The most important point is that the dogs have good experiences together, every step of the way.

• Introductions should be gradual and carefully planned, on neutral ground if possible.
• In the house, ensure that each dog can have their own space, for resting, sleeping, feeding and playing as well as the choice of being together when appropriate.
• Supervise to ensure that each animal is learning the right behaviours and habits.
• Ensure that each dog can be away from the other at times. Again, this may need to be gradual.
• Allow individual one-to-one time with the people to develop each dog’s bond and confidence.
• Watch for subtle early warning signs: tense body posture, intense staring or looking away, avoidance or freezing. These may precede more overt conflict and warrant early intervention.
  

It's important to ensure that the needs of each individual dog are met, rather than trying to treat dogs “equally”. For example, an active young dog will likely need more exercise and stimulation than a young puppy, or than an elderly dog. The teaching and training needs are likely to be higher in a new dog to the family than an established member.

Teaching dogs to be more independent of each other

I would generally recommend encouraging dogs to be separate at times. This may include letting them into the garden separately sometimes and if two people are in different rooms in the house, have one dog with each person. This could be time to train or play with the dogs, but it should also include time to settle and do nothing. The same dog shouldn’t always be with the same person.

Separate walks are usually beneficial, even if this is only some of the time. Involving friends, family, dogs walkers etc can all make this easier.

Environmental enrichment (safely, not in ways which will increase competitiveness between the dogs) and appropriate exercise away from home are essential.

Try this. Provided it causes no issues, if one family member were to take one dog out for a short while, when they return, who does the remaining dog greet first and most enthusiastically? Often, an older dog will greet the person first, whilst a younger dog, who has always had the company of the other, may greet the other dog. There isn’t a right or wrong response, more an insight into the relationship.

Where to go for support in the early stages with a new dog

Puppy classes are usually a good start if appropriate. Classes provide the foundation for the puppy of being involved with the family, away from the older dog. If two littermate puppies are acquired at the same time, classes can help with developing some level of independence between them and can give valuable experience of the puppies being a little distance apart. Training classes for dogs beyond puppyhood can also be helpful.

Cases where multi-dog households caused problems

1. At puppy classes, Poppy and Daisy, Labrador littermates, rolled around on the floor together, but if separated by a short distance, couldn’t cope or concentrate on anything except getting back to each other. Their family were able to gradually teach the necessary skills to the puppies to help increase independence.
   
   
2. Lisa did her best to help dogs in need. She already had three rescue dogs, all of whom had many issues and a fragile relationship with each other. When Ted, the Romanian Rescue needed a home as he wasn’t settling with his previous owners, Lisa stepped in. Unfortunately, it was a step too far and each dog was being kept separately to avoid fights.
   
   
3. Dexter was reactive towards other dogs. His family specifically chose a friendly puppy to add to their family and Rosie was introduced slowly and things went well. But on walks, Rosie wasn’t able to meet other dogs and learnt that they must be kept at a distance. Her family were surprised when she developed the same reactive response towards other dogs when out.
   
   
4. Coco, a high energy Cockerpoo, loved playing with other dogs, rarely settling in the house. Biscuit was bought as a companion, and at first, the family were delighted. It seemed so much easier as the dogs played together. But the responsibilities of owning two dogs, from the financial side to the practicalities of walking, having visitors to the home etc proved too much and both dogs were rehomed.
   
   
5. George and Charlie were two Jack Russells, aged 7 and 9. Fights had developed which meant the dogs had to be closely supervised. We resolved the issues and both could live together amicably. A year later, the eldest son left home and took the younger dog with him. The family were amazed at the development of personality of both dogs. George began to play and seemed much more relaxed. Charlie stopped being the “grumpy old man” they had long considered him to be.

The next article in the series looks more specifically at the third area: issues which can arise, along with considering the potential benefits for people and dogs of owning more than one.