Safe, structured introductions for a new rescue dog or puppy will set everyone up for success. When you have two or more dogs, your wish as a dog owner is that they all get along. But sometimes, that just does not happen. Living with multiple dogs should be intentional. We can help by implementing “Project Togetherness” to condition dogs to like and look forward to seeing each other.
In the episode you'll hear:
- When to see a Veterinary Behaviourist.
- The times to put your togetherness project plan into action.
- About the signs your dog will give to show they are not comfortable with another dog.
- Why to recognize your dog’s emotional state.
- The importance of paying attention to your dog’s body language.
- How dogs don’t need other dogs putting them in their place.
- What happens when my dog Feature looks out the window.
- About starting Project Togetherness.
- When to use a muzzle and why to desensitize your dog to wearing one.
- Why to use high value treats that are special.
- About the importance of supervision and safety for all dogs.
- How to use “Easter Biscuits” as part of Project Togetherness.
- What a “Friendship Bed” is and why to use it.
- How I use dog mealtimes for togetherness.
- Why to record keep and why to know where your dog’s comfort level is with other dogs.
- The reason you should celebrate your progress!
Resources:
- 4MyMerles Creations (Shaped by Dog Podcast Hoodie)
- Podcast Episode 71: Pro Dog Trainer’s Secret to Help Your Naughty Dog
- Blog Video: Understanding Your Dog’s Triggers
- Podcast Episode 4: T.E.M.P. (Tail, Eyes/Ears, Mouth, Posture)
- Podcast Episode 6: The Art of Manipulation
- Podcast Episode 14: Creating Intentional Multi-Dog Household Harmony
- Podcast Episode 15: CSI Tips for Managing a Multi-Dog Household
- Podcast Episode 68: 3 Easy Tricks Every Dog Should Know
- Video: Target Training for Dogs Part Two - Step by Step Training Plan
- DogsThat YouTube Channel (Watch Shaped by Dog Podcast Videos and More!)
- Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube
Ex-Pen Information:
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Susan, I have watched this video a couple of times. As usual, situations are very particular. We live on the East Coast of the US and needed to take an urgent cross country road trip as soon as we added a 10 week old baby to our family. Our almost 2.5 yr old Biewer Terrier is not fond of his new sister. He is not food aggressive but walks away from her. She is joyful and he is not. He wants no shared space. In the car he is in his own car seat (she is too small, Prague Ratter, to restrain just yet), she is in a carrier. When stopped in hotels, his tail is down and he walks away from her. We were in an Air bnb with a fenced backyard. He didn’t want to come inside. Suggestions on how to make my boy happy?
What do I do when my new puppy is playing too rough with her older sister who is super sweet. Togetherness project?
Hahaha. I laughed out loud at “Oh sorry. My bad. Heh.” Had to play it a couple of times just for a chuckle. I love the humour sprinkled throughout a lot of what you do — so natural. Yes. Useful information . . . but really liked the giggle, too.
These are such great tools for preventing aggression. Thank you!
Susan, I have two labrador puppies I got at eight weeks old. They are now 14 weeks old I need advice on training littermate puppies. They are doing great in the training as long as I keep them apart but during playtime they play very aggressively. I LOVE your podcasts,
Hi Susan Just wanted to thank you. Two of my dogs have begun to show signs that they don’t like each other and yesterday I clicked on here to re watch your multi doghousehold podcast and found this . Just what i needed today, I am probably one of the people who has been asking for more info on your togetherness programme. So thank you , perfect timing.
If I had more than one dog, I would definitely do this! 🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪