Life with Four Dogs

Things have gotten so comfortable for me with the four dogs.  When I think about where I was 10 months ago with this pack, it makes me feel really grateful as  I’m so fortunate that I share my life with these four awesome dogs.  I’m also kind of proud of myself for getting through that…Holy Cow, two puppies is a lot!   It was often crazy and difficult.  Not to mention, having a dog (Shumai) who’s not all that comfortable with other dogs.  That brought on a lot of angst too.

The puppies are now 11 months old and they are just wonderful in many ways.  They get a long well with each other, they respect their older Aussie sister and their older Doberman brother Shumai.  They all play at times together, sometimes just 2 or 3 of them are playing or sometimes (my favorite times), they are all lying peacefully next to me while I’m working.

We take group hikes almost every day, and they each get some one on one time with me several times a week. 

My goal was that each of these dogs would rather be with me than each other.  I was worried that I might lose that battle with the two puppies since they might bond so much together.  But I worked really hard to not have them spend so much time together and it really paid off.   They both listen really well to me and Wayne and my staff and can easily detach from each other.

Training Topic:  Multiple dogs

Of course I want to talk about Multiple Dogs!  I have 4 big dogs now.  Kala must be pushing 60 lbs., Grin is 32 lbs., Phlip—45 lbs. and Shumai is 78.  That’s a lot dog pounds.  They are also very active.  The puppies are 9 months old, Shumai is 4 and Phlip is 9.

One of struggles of having multiple dogs is being right “on top of them”.  You have to be sure they know you are the boss.  It’s very easy for a pack to fall apart when stressed by excitement or stimulation.  Knowing your pack, just like knowing your dog, is very important to keep everyone safe.

Topic:   Fleas-pesky little things

As you may or may not know, I spend every Friday from 4 – 6 down at Dave’s in Northampton at a table advertising It’s PAWSible!   We’ve had a table there for a while where I  try to assist people with training issues and questions about different products. 

In the last 3 months, there has been a store endcap right behind me featuring several different flea products.  In that 2 hour spot of time, there has to be 4 – 6 people coming by saying:  “I’ve never had a flea problem before but I have one now”.  And, they are having trouble getting rid of the fleas. 

One of the things I strive to teach people the MOST is to be careful when you use your dog's name!  Well having two puppies the same age REALLY makes that a challenge. 

I do find that I can't help but use their names when warning them or scolding them. Especially at this age!But what I have to be extra sure I of is that I do opposite training with them.  Meaning:  I spend time working on recall training and using their name in a positive way.  This offsets the times when I use their name to reprimand them.  It seems to be working so far :)

They both still have a really good recall.  But it is a challenge and I wanted to share that I realize that...

Ah yes, I forgot about these fun times.  First the puppies follow you around and have little halos over their heads.  Then, the horns come out.  Housetraining is pretty much complete but now there is this new challenge--independence and a thinking dog!  Here are some pictures...

click the article link to the right -----