June 1, 2015

Simple Tips for Training Multiple Dogs


I have to admit that I did a lot more training when I only had Ruby. She excelled at trick training and quickly developed an impressive repertoire. Boca was able to attend a basic obedience class and did wonderfully, but we haven't gotten very far beyond that. Training more than one dog can be tricky and it can be hard to find the time to work with each dog individually. Here are some things I have learned that can make it easier and keep it fun. 

Keep It Simple 
When working with multiple animals it's important to remember that they can be a distraction to one another, and you may not be able to work on complex behaviors. A dog may find it more difficult to do some things in the company of another; for instance, Boca is overexcited when there is food involved and can tend to leap around and make Ruby nervous, so Ruby won't necessarily do some of her behaviors that put her in a vulnerable position, such as rolling over or "relax." I know I have to ask for simpler things such as "sit," "down" and "paw." I increase the challenge by asking for these behaviors from both dogs in unison, and the results can be pretty amusing. 

Get Creative
Training two dogs can open up some delightful possibilities if you draw on each dog's strengths. Ruby loves to jump over things. Boca loves to sprawl out on the floor. Naturally, I've taught Ruby to jump over Boca! Our friend Lauren taught her adorable lookalike girls to "kiss" and it's just about the cutest thing ever.  Dai Aoki of Positive Dog Care Sydney does some incredible stunts with his two border collies, Holly and Ace.

Utilize Mat or Crate Training
When you want to focus on one dog, it can be tough if the other is vying for attention, barking or whining. I'm so glad that Ruby has a great mat work foundation as it is the perfect solution for short training sessions when I have both dogs in the same room. I can place Ruby on her mat and work with Boca, or ask Boca to go to her kennel while I work with Ruby. I haven't done any mat training or the Relaxation Protocol with Boca, but sometimes we play our own variation on "crate games" where I will take turns sending them to their kennels and release them separately.  This is a great way to practice impulse control. 

Consider the Individual
What works for one dog may not work for another, and even if you are working with more than one dog at a time, you may have to fine-tune your training for each. They may require different kinds or rates of reinforcement, different lengths or intensities of sessions. Ruby is easily frustrated and Boca can be too food motivated so I have to take these things into account and adjust for them.


Remember that every interaction we have with our animals is teaching them something, and even if one dog is waiting its turn for formal training, it is learning! Ruby and Boca have taught me so much about positive reinforcement, often picking up on things so much faster than I expect. Training multiple pets comes with its own challenges, but I think the rewards far outweigh them. 




This post is part of the Positive Pet Training Blog Hop hosted by Cascadian Nomads, Tenacious Little Terrier and Rubicon Days - join us on the first Monday of every month to promote positive pet training and share advice and experiences. The hop is open all week long! The next hop begins July 6th.


18 comments:

  1. I wanted to teach the dogs to high five each other but didn't quite finish the trick. They would both high five if my hand was in the middle. Your trick sounds adorable!

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  2. Great post! It can be very challenging to work with multiple pets and it definitely requires extra patients! LOL

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  3. Such a great post! Everyone in my house is taught to stay either in their crate or on a stool (elevating them always seems to remind them to stay put) while the other works, unless asked to come forward.

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  4. Such a wonderful post; I have a hard time imagining how I'd be able to teach dogs individually but I know I'd try these tips. I find it so cute that Boca's so food motivated.

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  5. I couldn't agree more. When Neeko was an only dog, I was constantly training her. She is (mostly) well-behaved and calm in public, and has a whole repertoire of tricks up her sleeve. Bruce and Faolan know the basics-sit, down, wait, shake, and watch me.

    I do get some amusement out of having them do behaviors together, though.

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  6. The only thing my boys can do as a group is "stay." They are really good at that one thing so one would think I could attempt other group cues. But even simple rounds of "sit, down, stand" or a group come leads to one dog snapping at another for crossing whatever invisible lines of personal space they choose to have at that moment. So I stick to individual training sessions but they all very much need the crate/mat/patience work while waiting their turn.

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  7. We only get trained separately cause fatty will interrupt the training otherwise
    Lily (& Edward)

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  8. You have some great ideas, especially working on the mat training rather than struggling with two dogs. They're both being trained at the same time, but by doing two different things. I love that tip!

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  9. Great tips. We always train multiple dogs at one time. Ma says it is just easier for her to do it that way. Dogs can sometimes follow what other dogs do

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  10. Awesome tips!!! I always train my 3 huskies at the same time. The only time when I don't is if they are feeding off each others energy and begin to want to play with each other rather than train hahahaha!
    ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

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  11. Your dogs sound like a lot of fun to live with! I like that you use the mats and crates to help with your training. That is a very cool method. :)
    -Purrs from your friends at www.PlayfulKitty.net

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  12. What a great dogs <3 Love this tips! I'll try them when I get another dog <3<3<3

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  13. These are fantastic tips. I like to send one dog to their "place" while I work with the other.

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  14. These are great tips. Charlie know "place" on a mat, so I think I could have him down stay on it and work with Harley. Love that idea!

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  15. Great tips for those who are trying to work with more than one dog! I am a strong believer in crate training, and I think mat training would be a great tool for use with Nike, so I'm going to give it a go! Thanks for sharing!

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  16. Our beagle is also very food motivated, so she almost always has to be separated if I want to train with the other dogs. Even photo taking can be challenging because both she and our Lab mix get too excited about treats. Luke is the only one that will still do his correct behaviors even when the girls are not cooperating!
    Jan, Wag 'n Woof Pets

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  17. It's so hard for me to imagine what it would be like working with two dogs. I admire all the hard work and dedication you've put into teaching each of them (especially considering how different they are from one another). They're so lucky to have such a great owner that truly understands the meaning of positive training.

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