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Writer's pictureCasey Morrison

A Practical Guide to Multi-Dog Living: Why Avoiding the Hard Things is Just Fine


A Practical Guide to Multi-Dog Living: Why Avoiding the Hard Things is Just Fine

Living in a multi-dog household can be incredibly rewarding and surprisingly challenging, especially when you have four dogs, like I do. While it wasn’t exactly my plan to end up with a pack of four, my partner came with his dog, and I already had three of my own! This journey has taught me so much—not just as a dog trainer, but also as a dog mom.


Each dog brings their own unique personality, needs, and quirks, and navigating daily life with them requires careful planning. But here’s the thing—it’s perfectly okay to avoid the hard stuff sometimes. It’s not about forcing your way through every challenge; it’s about creating a plan that works for you, your dogs, and your lifestyle. In this blog, I’ll share how I’ve built a management plan for our home and why avoiding overwhelming situations is a smart, sustainable approach.


Set Realistic Expectations

When you have multiple dogs, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you have to do everything perfectly, all the time. But trust me, it’s okay to lower the bar. My first piece of advice? Set realistic expectations for yourself and your dogs. You don’t need to walk all four dogs together every day or train them all simultaneously. Splitting up tasks and focusing on one dog at a time is often more effective.


2 dogs walking together from a multi-dog home

For example, I can only walk two specific dogs at a time, while the other two need to be walked separately. Managing this on my own requires a lot of time and miles. So, what did I do? I hired a dog walker to help with one of my dogs, allowing me to focus on the other. This way, two dogs get their walk at the same time, with individual attention from a person. It not only ensures each dog gets the one-on-one time they need, but it also eliminates the chaos of trying to manage all four at once. While it takes a bit more time, the walks are far more enjoyable for everyone involved. Remember, it’s perfectly fine to adjust your expectations and do what feels manageable. You don’t have to tackle everything in one go.


Create Separate Spaces for Peace

One of the most important aspects of managing a multi-dog home is ensuring there’s space for each dog to retreat to when they need a break. Dogs, like people, need alone time, especially when they live with others. I’ve set up areas in our home where each dog can have their own space, whether it’s a crate, a specific room, or a cozy corner. This helps prevent overstimulation and allows them to recharge, which in turn makes them better companions when they’re together.


Having separate spaces also means I don’t always have to worry about a potential squabble over a toy or food bowl. It’s okay to keep things calm and controlled, even if that means occasionally isolating a dog from the others. In a multi-dog household, peace is often achieved through separation and management of toys and resources, not constant togetherness.


Focus on Individual Training

It’s easy to assume that you need to train all your dogs at once, but this can quickly lead to frustration – for both you and them. Instead, I’ve found that focusing on individual training sessions works best. Whether it’s reinforcing basic cues or teaching new tricks, I dedicate specific time to each dog without distractions.


Sometimes, I’ll train one dog while the others are occupied in their separate spaces with an enrichment activity, and this helps everyone stay focused. This also means I’m not overloading them with too much information at once. If a dog isn’t quite getting a cue, I know I can slow down and revisit the lesson when the time is right, without pressure.


Low stress activities are great for digs living in a multi-dog home, like relaxing in the yard

Prioritize Low-Stress Activities

While it’s tempting to take multiple dogs on exciting outings like trips to the dog park or long hikes, I’ve learned that sometimes it’s better to keep things low-stress. I prioritize calmer activities that allow my dogs to relax and enjoy themselves without overexerting them. Shorter walks, puzzle toys, or simple play sessions in the backyard are perfect for keeping them engaged without overwhelming anyone. 


And here’s the thing—it’s perfectly okay to skip high-energy outings if they’re not in the cards for that day. If I’m not up for a hectic trip to the trail, I can always opt for a peaceful walk around the block, some fetch, or a calming activity like a lick mat. Managing a multi-dog household doesn’t mean saying yes to every opportunity. Sometimes, the best plan is to take a step back, keep things simple, and focus on low-key enrichment activities that keep your dogs busy and content.


Have a Backup Plan

One of the most helpful things I’ve done is to have a backup plan for tricky situations. Whether it’s a busy day when I can’t manage all the dogs at once or an unexpected challenge like a reactive dog, it’s comforting to know I have options. Sometimes that means asking a friend or family member for help or scheduling a professional dog walker to take one dog out at a time.


Don’t feel guilty about asking for help or having an alternative solution. It’s a big responsibility to care for multiple dogs, and having support systems in place ensures that you can manage things without burning out. Honestly, my dog walker is a lifesaver! Avoiding overwhelming situations by calling in backup is just another way of taking care of yourself and your dogs. 


Dog walker helping to walk multiple dogs

Celebrate the Small Wins

In a multi-dog household, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s not going well—the occasional bark fest, the mischief, the mess, or feeling guilty for missing a walk. But it’s just as important to celebrate the small victories. Maybe all your dogs managed to get a walk in one day (I always feel like I’ve conquered the world when all four of mine get out for a walk!) or they had a successful training session and learned a new cue or trick. These little moments of success are worth recognizing and celebrating.


Even if you didn’t manage everything on your to-do list today, those small wins are a sign that you’re doing well. Don’t be too hard on yourself for avoiding the difficult stuff. Life with multiple dogs is a marathon, not a sprint, and it’s about progress, not perfection.


It's Okay to Avoid Hard Things

Building a management plan for a multi-dog household doesn’t mean tackling every challenge head-on. It’s about making smart choices, setting realistic expectations, and embracing the fact that avoiding the hard things sometimes is not only okay – it’s necessary. By focusing on what works for you and your dogs, creating manageable routines, and giving yourself the flexibility to adjust when needed, you’ll find a balanced approach that helps you thrive in your multi-dog home. Remember, it’s about creating a happy, harmonious environment for both you and your dogs, and that doesn’t always mean taking the most difficult route.

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