Whether you own one dog or five, you should be able to manage them responsibly—including picking up after them.
At Training With Troy, we help owners navigate life with multiple dogs because no two dogs are the same. One may have significantly more energy than the others, and one dog’s barking or excitement can quickly influence the entire group.
Here are 5 tips for managing multiple dogs:
1. Establish a Potty Routine. Give your dogs a designated time and place to relieve themselves. If they go during walks, train a reliable DOWN-STAY so you can safely pick up after them.
2. Address the Highest-Energy Dog First. Use appropriate physical exercise and mental enrichment, such as sniffing mats, fetch, or a treadmill, before taking the group out.
3. Follow a Consistent Order. Establish a predictable routine for feeding, outings, and other activities. Consistency helps reduce anticipation and competition.
4. Respect Other Dogs’ Space. Don’t allow your entire pack to rush up to another dog at once. Give others room and teach your dogs to remain calm around distractions.
5. Provide Safe Opportunities for Freedom. Dogs with reliable recall can enjoy running and stretching their legs in a secure, enclosed area.
Remember, dogs don’t automatically cooperate because you feed them, house them, or give them freedom. They need clear communication, structure, and consistent expectations.
The more dogs you own, the stronger your management system needs to be. Don’t wait for chaos to happen before you establish one.
— Training With Troy | Dog Behavior Coaching
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