Why two dogs are better than one

By Dr Julie Summerfield

Dogs are “pack” animals and feel happiest when in a group. We form part of their pack, but often have to leave them alone. In the wild, this would mean grave danger. Even our pampered pooches still have these instincts and feel much happier with canine or human company despite being in no danger and in some cases downright luxury.

A lot of behavioural problems we see in our pets dogs stem from the fact that they have very little to do and are bored. A wild dog would spend a large proportion of its day hunting for food, looking for shelter, trying to reproduce and protecting itself from danger. A whole day alone in a house having only to move from the beanbag to the food bowl can lead to boredom and destructive behaviour.

Two dogs will encourage each other to exercise, play games with each other and keep each other company. Anxiety is much less likely to be a problem. You still of course need to make sure both dogs get enough exercise and that you leave toys and bones/food treats to keep them busy.

Dogs will naturally work out their pecking order between them by rough play and the odd snap, but this is normal and dogs soon work out who’s boss between them and usually are accept their place. Dogs are more concerned that they know and feel secure in their place, than which place they live in.

There will always be an “alpha” dog or top dog, and a more submissive “omega” dog, this easy to work out by watching them interact together. The top dog will eat first, go through doorways first, get jealous if the subordinate dog gets more attention, win games, and steal food and toys from the omega. The omega gives in at games, looks away if stared at by the alpha, gives up toys/food, and shows submissive gestures such as rolling over to expose the belly.

It is important that you don’t interfere with this ranking system by trying to push down the top dog and give more to the bottom dog. This could cause jealousy and fights. Of course make sure there is no bullying, but leave the rest up to them!

Obviously, if your dog has been the only dog in the house for sometime, there may be some jealousy at first. Introduce them slowly, first on leads. Let them sniff each other and interact under supervision. You need to give them separate beds and food bowls. You may need to keep them in separate parts of the house for a few days until they get used to each other. Play games that involve both dogs, and respect the top dog. Give him first go at everything including feeding. The hierarchy is then clear to both dogs.

In general, male dogs especially entire (uncastrated) dogs are more likely to fight. If you are not planning on breeding, then have your dogs desexed at 6 months of age. This can minimise aggression and unwanted pregnancies. At the very least, desex the omega to avoid competition, and desex if you have mixed sex dogs.

Getting a puppy is probably easiest because you can begin the training with the other dog around, and the top dog will actually do a lot of the training himself! However, adopting another dog of any age will usually be welcomed by your dog (once the ground rules are set), and hopefully they’ll be the best of friends.

Above all, both dogs must know that YOU & YOUR FAMILY INCLUDING THE KIDS are the top dogs! You need to show leadership, by humans eating first, going through doors first, often (not always) winning at games, and play being initiated and ended by you. Obedience plays an important part in this. If you act like the top dog and they feel secure that you are leading the pack, they will respect you as alpha.

© Copyright VCA
Please note: This article was written in 2001. Dog training methods and ideas change frequently, please consult your vet or trainer to discuss whether this article would help your dog.

http://www.dogmatch.com.au

Please note: This article was written in 2001. Dog training methods and ideas change frequently, please consult your vet or trainer to discuss whether this article would help your dog.

Why two dogs are better than one

One Trackback

Search