Multi-Dogs
Managing Multiple Dog Homes
Multiple dogs can and do coexist successfully. However, you have to understand what precautions you need to take to keep your multiple dog home safe. It’s crucial to ensure that any multiple dog home is properly managed. But, managing one with multiple Pit Bulls can pose additional challenges.
Choosing Dogs for Multiple Dog Homes
Choose your dogs carefully. Many Pit Bull rescues feel that altered Pit Bulls of opposite sexes and different ages, preferably with a few years between their ages, will have the best chance ata successful partnership. There are some dogs that get along very will with good chemistry right away. Others take a long time to form a friendship and others will also face conflicts. Certainly some same-sex dogs can live together happily, but they may have more conflicts.
Regardless of how well socialized your dogs are or how long you’ve lived with them, never trust a pit bull to not fight. We’ve all heard “but they got along so well”, until they didn’t. There are many pit bulls that live together happily with other pets. But, you shouldn’t assume that this will always be the case. Unfortunately, those involved in the rescue of Pit Bulls or on Pit Bull group chats have heard many stories from people whose dogs had been best friends for years until the day something went wrong and they got into a fight. Therefore, it’s your responsibility to manage your dogs and keep them safe when you’re not present.
As a multiple dog home everyone should be on board for dog management and should help keep them safe by monitoring the dogs and following household rules. Managing your dogs can also mean managing those who interact with them, informing them of any potential issues, and reminding them to follow the rules.
In multiple dog homes spay and neuter should be a priority.
The problem is that unaltered males and females in heat can be more easily triggered and reactive that those that are altered. Unfortunately, shelters and rescues are already bursting with Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes, so preventing unwanted litters should be everyone’s priority.
Manage multiple dog homes when you can’t supervise.
You can keep your dogs in separate rooms or crates. Many Pit Bull owners rotate crating. If your dogs respect gates, you can use gates to keep them apart. Minor spats can usually be stopped shout or intervention, but they can quickly escalate into a dangerous fight.
Monitor your dogs’ play.
It is crucial to not let things escalate. There is such a fine line between over-arousal, excitement, and aggression. That stepping in when you feel your dogs are becoming too aroused or too excited is an effective way to referee their play. If you sense one of them is becoming aggressive, step in and separate them.
Manage Resources, Dynamics and Tolerance
Make sure valuable resources are properly managed. Never leave food, bones, toys, or anything else that one dog might perceive is a valuable lying around. Monitor the chewing of bones and other high-value items.
Be aware of changes in dynamics.
Dogs are maturing, as well as older ones approaching their senior years with a possible decline in health. Be aware of any slight friction or different friction to ensure transitions are smoo
Each dog should have individual attention and training.
It strengthens your bond with each dog and increases your control over them. Mealtimes are perfect for practicing basic obedience skills, like sit, down, look, wait or stay. Taking your dog out individually for a short walk, riding in the car, playing ball, or tugging can help you bond with them further. Teach each dog in your household to relax because excitability and arousal are common triggers for fighting. Dogs that live in a state of excitement are much more likely to have dog aggression problems than dogs that can calm down and relax around each other.