Running a Smooth Multi-Dog Household: Part II

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

(c) Alan Boyko
Job #1 is Walk the Dogs!

Walking my pack is an activity that I find quite enjoyable, but more important, it sets the tone for our relationship. Not a day goes by that I don't get a comical remark from a passerby or a joke about little Oliver running the show. Little do they know that Xena, my matron, would take over if I were not around. I guess it really is a woman's job to manage a big family! 

Our walks are a much needed respite from the swimming, training, photography, writing and and napping (I write while they nap) that we all do as a group. After we all get our exercise, my reward is a quiet house to work in, when we return. It is well worth the training time involved in leash-training each dog alone first, and later with the group.

One final note on leadership to wrap this up. If you want your dogs to view you as their leader, rather than the other way around, you'll need to act the part. This means confident, calm and never wavering on what you expect. If you ask the dog to Sit, and he does not, stand up tall, take a step toward him, and emphasize your hand signal with a serious amount of eye contact. No yelling; the message will be clear. YOU are in charge. Need help? Feel free to write to us at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com. Judy, our dog training columnist, will be glad to help with your training questions and I'll put in my two cents on all your other non-medical issues. Those belong to the Doc!

So, did you read Part I in yesterday's post? Have you entered the contest for the Through a Dog's Ear FREE CD of calming music for your dog? If not, better get to it. The comment link is at the bottom of the post. Now go comment!


Your second option for entering this drawing is to send me a picture of your pack of 2 or more. My email is LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com. The drawing will be Friday, October 1, so get your entries in before midnight on September 30. Good luck!