“I’m already out for a walk, with one or more dogs, it really doesn’t matter.” A frequently heard argument that has no practical validity. Dogs can develop strong group dynamics among themselves. Hunting, territorial behavior, or responses to other people or dogs change dramatically when several dogs are outdoors together.
The challenge for the host is twofold: on the one hand, you have to keep an eye on the group as a whole, while traveling with people who all have their own needs and personality. If you want to get lost in thought, you have to do it alone. Few dogs require full attention. While one dog continues to sniff a tuft of grass a little further back, others are looking for mice, go ahead or roam together.
That means a lot of work for our eyes and concentration. Separate walks are sometimes useful and necessary and, accordingly, take more time. Especially when injured or sick, but also in old age, a dog may need much more uninterrupted attention and a different rhythm.
Individual education and employment
Bonding, recall training and activity tailored to the dog’s individuality: these are what remains a matter between man and dog. Like the orchestra. The individual player must master his instrument before being integrated into the orchestra, otherwise it will distort the recorded structure.
An absolute must is that each dog is deeply remembered. The entire group must be able to wait reliably, even when distracted. Walking and education in daily life are part of the agenda. Because if the entire group of dogs suddenly rushes towards another dog or human, stress is inevitable. The annoyance of the audience is understandable and justified in this situation, when several dogs rush at them in anger. It can be assumed, or even expected, that people who own several dogs are aware of the great responsibility.
Too much emotion for the composition of the group
Bringing dogs together requires a good eye and a lot of intuition. Especially when it comes to adult dogs, because the four-legged friends each bring their own backpacks containing their experiences, likes and dislikes. The first meeting should be held on neutral ground, for example, on a walk together. When it comes to puppies, it’s important to remember that large dogs don’t always welcome cute newcomers as enthusiastically as humans. The initial bitch can develop into a close canine companion over time.
However, one should perceive his role as a regulatory and guiding piece. No dog in the group should get under the wheels. Depending on the constellation and depending on the individual characters, attention should be paid to resources such as toys or chewing objects lying around. This can quickly lead to friction, even if the dogs basically get along well. It is important that dogs learn to communicate and respect each other. For example, a teenager sometimes has to learn to leave his older colleagues alone. If the rooted four-legged friend is having trouble showing up, people need to intervene.
Structure and order are essential
If you live with several dogs, you must have a certain order and structure, otherwise daily life will soon turn into chaos. Rituals help bring calmness to the group at home and on a walk. For example, you should ask yourself where dogs should stay on the leash. Two on the right, one on the left? Who is next to whom? It’s not always easy to keep a few lines in order with both hands.
Dogs sense whether the human is attentive, calm and orderly. They should be able to walk calmly together on a leash and get along well with each other. Rush leads to a tense mood, increases tension between individual dogs, and increases the potential for conflict with external stimuli such as other dogs or humans.
Four-legged friends should also learn to walk on a leash alone while the others are free. Impulse control is a top priority in a dog group.
Owning more than one dog is not for the fainthearted. Even a dog can be criticized. If there are several animals, you can be sure of some unpleasant words, especially if a four-legged friend “gets out of control”. Because despite responsible attitude and training: dogs are not machines. It happens again and again that there is barking or fussiness or that everything is not under your control. And then it means maintaining inner strength, greatness and kindness.
Legal obligations
It is subject to legal provisions in most cantons as it is not entirely unusual to have more than one dog. If you’re willing to take on the extra work, costs, and responsibilities, then living with several dogs is great wealth. Observing them in their “inner” daily lives opens the door to a subtle world of communication and social interaction. Dogs learn a lot from each other. Things that make us smile – and others.
If you are considering going through daily life with a few four-legged friends, you need to have an unconditional interest in the nature of the dog, with its complex behaviors and social interactions.
Sibylle Kläusler is a dog and mental trainer.