Multi dog households: Identifying potential issues

The previous article looked at why people may choose to acquire more dogs and some management issues which can arise. In this concluding article, we look at identifying potential issues, what steps can be taken and some of the benefits of owning multiple dogs.

What might go wrong with two dogs

The dogs getting on well together would be the perfect situation, but:

• The dogs may encourage unwanted behaviour in each other. One dog barks at people and dogs passing the house. The new puppy learns this behaviour and joins in, strengthening the response in both.

• The dogs may become more dependent on each other and less involved with, and responsive to, the family. The dogs love being together but are less likely to come when called, etc.

• They can develop a strong dependence on each other – dogs may be together 24 hours every day, for several years. Any sudden disruption leading to separation, such as one dog visiting the veterinary surgery, can be hugely stressful for both, and they have not learnt the skills to cope alone.

• On walks, other dogs can find the enthusiastic approach of two or more dogs difficult to cope with and may react to them in unwanted ways.

ADVISE: Encourage separating the dogs at times.

The dogs not getting on with each other

· Issues may be clear at the beginning, or may develop later. People frequently tell me that their dogs were “always playing” when young but as they matured, issues began.

· Fighting between the dogs is clearly a large problem.

· If there is tension between the dogs, they may not fight but anxiety is shown in other ways, perhaps reactivity towards people or dogs, general nervousness or physical symptoms.

ADVISE: Manage situations so that fights are prevented and tension reduced. Temporary separation of the dogs may help, but may result in difficulties reuniting them. Encourage to seek advice urgently.

Issues with either dog

• Regardless of how the dogs get on together, behavioural issues with one dog will be harder to address because of the dynamics between the dogs. For example, when one dog is reactive towards other dogs, even if the other dog is not involved in any way. If the dogs are walked together, it is much harder to create the desired situation and reward the dog at the appropriate times, as the needs of the other dog must also be considered.

ADVISE: Separate walks when needed, or as a minimum, at least as many people as dogs. They can ensure each dog has the right learning experiences.

• Barking at noises. Since lockdown, the issue I have been asked about more than any other is dogs barking in the house at noises, people or dogs passing, animals on television etc. Reactions from one dog can be difficult to manage, but two or more dogs tend to cause each other to react and the barking can become much worse, and can lead to other difficulties, such as inability to rest, reactivity to people and dogs when out or frustration and redirected aggression.

ADVISE: Giving the dogs alternative ways to occupy themselves and ensuring that they have some time away from each other can be helpful.

Other possible difficulties

• “Littermate syndrome.” Two littermates may get on well, possibly creating some of the issues outlined above, or may not get on. If aggression issues arise, the more similar two dogs are, the more severe the issues can be as they are more likely to compete over the same resources.

ADVISE: Ensure that both dogs have time away from each other and with people. Take them out and about separately as well as together.

• Lack of socialising. Taking one dog out with you is often easy, but two or more dogs can be more difficult, especially when dogs are young at the same time.

ADVISE: Being aware of this and having strategies will help.

• Neutering males. Years ago, it was advised to castrate the more aggressive of a pair of warring dogs, then it was recommended to castrate the underdog to create a bigger difference.

ADVISE: Now, it is advised to look at the overall situation. Is removal of hormones of either or both dogs likely to ease the situation?

• Neutering females. Although blanket recommendations are to be avoided, it isn’t uncommon for the approaching season of one female dog to bring tensions to a head, especially with another female.

ADVISE: Again, awareness and strategies to put in place will help.

• Dog returning from being away. For example, the return of a dog who may smell and behave differently following a visit to the vet surgery or the groomers can trigger an escalation in tension.

ADVISE: If dogs are already used to comings and goings between them, this will be easier. If tensions are likely, meeting away from home may be preferable, but be aware of these warning signs and work on the relationship between the two dogs.

• Large numbers of dogs. There are an increasing number of people owning large numbers of dogs. This may be interest or a hobby, it may be circumstances, such as taking on dogs belonging to a friend or relative, or it can be a mental health issue such as hoarding.

ADVISE: If this situation has arisen and parting with any of the dogs is not an option, consider long term help; friends and neighbours, dog walkers and boarders, apps such as “Borrow my Doggy”. Issues can arise from any of these, but they may be helpful.

• Bereavement. If dogs are together all the time, twenty-four hours a day for several years, the death of a companion will be very difficult for the surviving dog.

ADVISE: If possible, pre-empt and ensure the dogs are comfortable being away from each other. When the situation arises, aim to keep the remaining dog in a routine, where their needs are met.

• Over excitement / competition. Sometimes, living with a high energy companion is just too much. The increase in adrenaline, the competition for resources, frequently being disturbed from sleep means that it can be difficult for each dog to thrive.

ADVISE: Separate at times, teach the skills they need (dealing with frustration, self-control etc) when they are apart and then practice together.

• Possible injuries from play. Play between dogs in the same household can become increasingly rough and frequent. Additionally, differences in size, age and temperament can result in injuries.

ADVISE: Supervise and interrupt games that are excessive or rough. Use common sense and awareness.

• Financial and time implications. It is easy to underestimate the costs involved with pets, especially as prices are increasing. Food, insurance, vet fees, training sessions, daycare etc can escalate beyond expectations. Many people think that another dog will make life easier. This can be the case, but cannot be assumed.

ADVISE: Having an awareness and realistic expectations will help. Veterinary insurance can be useful.

I tend to assume that owning two dogs will be roughly three times the work of owning one. It’s important to work with each dog separately and then work with them both together.

Cases

1. Frankie was bereaved when Elsa, the other dog in the household, died. Elsa had been seven when Frankie arrived as a puppy and they had never been apart since. When she died, Frankie was 8 years old and had never slept or eaten away from her.

2. Luna the Husky was anxious when left alone. The couple who owned her acquired Max the Labradoodle to keep her company. Max learnt from Luna to be anxious when left and not only could neither dog cope with being left, Max and Luna started fighting together when left alone.

If issues have arisen, working with a behaviourist sooner rather than later is beneficial. The APBC and ABTC have members nationwide.

Benefits of owning more than one dog

Although there is an increased potential for difficulties, it is also vital to be aware of the increased benefits that owning more than one dog can bring.

• It is natural for dogs to be around other dogs.

• More dogs can dilute the attention on each dog, which can be beneficial.

• increased socialisation and exercise is usually helpful.

• More interest for the dog.

• Possible increase in confidence of the dogs.

• People often become better at reading dog body language. Watching differences and similarities is fascinating, developing understanding and appreciation.

• Awareness of different personalities. Learning what motivates each dog, what triggers them etc helps us to have a deeper knowledge.

• Enjoyable for all.

Conclusion

Owning more than one dog can be an enriching and joyful experience, but it requires thought, time, and understanding. A second dog doesn’t necessarily “solve” behavioural problems, and in many cases, new ones may arise.

Successful multi-dog households usually occur through careful planning, realistic expectations, and ongoing management.

Veterinary professionals are in an ideal position to guide owners towards positive, welfare-centred decisions that benefit dogs and humans alike. By offering clear, compassionate, evidence-based advice, we help ensure that “double dogs” really does mean double joy.