It was a typical September day. The weather was still hot and I was spending another day working at home. When it came time for me to take a break, I walked into my bedroom and my phone went off. It was a text message from the manager of Happy Pets Palace & Playground. I’ll never forget the moment. I looked down at my phone to see a photo of the cutest white fluffy dog I had ever seen with the caption “Know anyone who wants a puppy?” This beautiful baby girl had been left by someone at the facility. When I laid eyes on the little ball of fluff, my heart melted and my life forever changed. At that moment, my life went from revolving around one dog to having to split my time between two.
Fast forward – now I have three dogs and it is more of a challenge than I ever expected. I love my crazy household but having more than two dogs has definitely presented it’s difficulties.
From a dog mom of one, to a dog mom of two.
The transition from one dog to two was hard for me. Wynston was my world. I didn’t know what it was like to have two dogs. I had all of these fears like “Is Wynston going to get depressed because I’m not just focusing on him? Will I ignore Khloee because I put so much time and effort into Wynston? Am I going to be able to handle an energetic poodle?”
That was a stressful time for me. Khloee was only three months old when she was abandoned at the boarding facility. Not only was she a puppy but I was also trying to get used to having two dogs around. I’m not going to lie – it took me quite a while to really get into the routine of having two dogs. It got easier as Khloee got a little older and started to figure things out.
But here’s the kicker. Now we had to travel with two dogs, walk two dogs, play with two dogs and feed two dogs. Luckily Matt is an animal person and he’s been a HUGE help. We’d go on evening walks and Matt would walk Khloee while I’d walk Wynston. Matt was the one who took the time to train Khloee basic obedience skills. It took a lot of pressure off of me because I was already struggling with the multi-dog transition.
And then comes another.
McKenzie Rae came into our lives in November 2015. She was on the euthanasia list at our local county shelter because of “fear.” Yeah okay, she was fearful…for like two days. With LOTS of positive reinforcement on the part of both Matt and I, she adjusted quickly. This time around, it was no big deal. The transition from one dog to two was difficult, but from two to three was very easy. I knew how to handle multiple dogs and I was well versed in spending time with each dog.
But here comes the struggle. McKenzie Rae has been an excellent addition to our family. She and Khloee play all the time and she’s learned very quickly because she’s constantly imitating Khloee. However, she’s become reactive and bratty.
McKenzie Rae wants Matt and I to only focus on her. If she comes to cuddle with one of us on the couch, she doesn’t allow another dog near her. No no no. Matt and I don’t encourage that behavior – we will move her if she becomes aggressive and reward her when she’s being good. She’s also protective of us when we go out. Honestly, I think she’s jealous and nervous that Matt and I will leave her. After all, she has never had this kind of treatment. We treat all of our dogs like royalty.
McKenzie will bark at big dogs, and if a new dog comes up to us, she freaks out. It’s kind of like “NO THAT’S MY MOM. GET AWAY YOU JERK.” We’re working on it. McKenzie Rae is always trying to steal attention from Khloee or Wynston. We’re working on that, too. I will add that we only use positive reinforcement methods.
The Challenge of Having Three Dogs
- Splitting your time: I always have one-on-one time with each of my dogs. But with three dogs, it just takes more time. If I take one dog out and about, I feel bad for leaving the other two behind. I can’t win!
- Walking three dogs is much more difficult: All of my dogs walk differently. Wynston is slow, McKenzie Rae is consistently normal and Khloee is fast. Matt or I have to control two dogs instead of each of us having one dog to worry about.
- There’s more to keep track of: Khloee and Wynston are great off the leash. They are pretty well trained (most days) and it’s wonderful for when we travel with them, whether we’re going to the beach or up to Payson. We have to keep McKenzie Rae on a leash and keep close tabs on her. She will start to wander off. It’s so fantastic to not worry about Khlo and Wyn, but now we’re back to having to watch a dog closely. It’s a work in progress!
- Training: If I’m training with Khloee and Wynston, I have to put McKenzie Rae in a different room or in the kennel. She’s constantly jumping in their way and going nuts. We have to train her separately, especially because she struggles to simply “sit.” All she wants to do is run, jump and run some more. I train with all of my dogs one-on-one. It’s necessary and just better for the dogs in general.
- Cost: Of course, three dogs cost more than one or two! McKenzie Rae had some very hefty vet bills when we rescued her because she became extremely ill. Costs to consider are food, bully sticks and chews, toys, miscellaneous items like waste bags and veterinarian expenses.
- Traveling: Let’s just say we bought an SUV in January to accommodate three dogs comfortably…
Looking back, I didn’t realize how low maintenance Wynston is until I adopted Khloee and McKenzie Rae. I went from dog mom to dog wrangler. I call my babies “the trouble triplets” but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
So tell me, do you have multiple dogs? How did you deal with the transition? Do you do anything special to make sure each dog gets attention?
Lauren Miller says
I can totally relate. When we got Phoenix the transition was really hard because she had a lot of issues and she was more energetic and more drivey than Zoe. She needed a lot more of my attention and training than Zoe did. I still feel sort of guilty about it but Zoe did get pushed to the side more. She still is. I try to spend one on one time with each dog but now with Phoenix taking two classes a week it’s harder to get time with Zoe. Luckily my husband has really stepped up and he’s been walking Zoe and playing with her.
I don’t know if you’ve seen it but you might want to check out the kikopup video (https://youtu.be/MfRrBH_beX8) about training multiple dogs at once. It is really helpful and I still use it. I teach one dog to settle while the other dog is working and vice versa and I also practice releasing them one at a time and sending them back. It’s great for impulse control work with multiple dogs and it allows you to work with them without the other dogs getting stressed.
Amanda says
Thanks for the resource Lauren! Khloee and Wynston are super easy to train together but bringing McKenzie into the equation has proven difficult. I’m glad you understand my pain, and I’m going to check out the video 🙂
Lindsay Pevny says
I’m sure McKenzie is on her way to becoming a secure, easy-going dog with your positivity and spoiling! 🙂
When I got Matilda, my neighbor got Cow. Nobody really gave Cow the way I did, so slowly became my dog – I really didn’t expect to have two, but Cow nosed her way into my life. It’s been manageable because I have to leave Cow outside, hopefully soon I’ll move out and be able to make her an inside dog.
The biggest problem I had with them was resource guarding, but nowadays they seem more respectful of each other’s space.
Do your dogs ever cuddle with each other? I sometimes tuck them in together when they’re too sleepy to care. I think their sisterly love would grow if they lived indoors together.
Cathy Armato says
Thanks for sharing your multi dog experience Amanda. We have two dogs; we got our Husky Icy 6 years ago and adopted our little white fluffy dog Phoebe from the county shelter 3 years later. Phoebe is a bit like McKensie. She’s super jealous of Icy & can’t stand her getting attention if she isn’t. She’ll try to get between us to get attention as well. Same thing if Im training Icy, she gets in her way & disrupts. We’re working on it, making slow progress. I’d love a third dog but I think my husband would have a heart attack, LOL!
Love & biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
clare harvey says
Love this, I recently got my third addition a rescue puppy. My three are 9 y/o, 5 y/o, and three months (they are all girls and the new puppy is deaf). The transition to three is a big adjustment for sure, it’s almost like having a baby. I’m up at 3 am to let the puppy out, then again at 5, then up at 6 to get ready for work and get all three settled. I have to pay special attention to my new puppy as she is deaf and potty training has been our biggest hurtle. I can really relate to the cost being more, luckily I don’t have to spend too much on toys or beds or collars (i still had the old puppy collars from my second dog). But i will say having three is a great adventure, now trying to walk all three is not easy at all; i normally end up taking them out one at a time. it really seems to help with the one on one time and making sure that each dog does their business without a distraction. I definitely loved have my two and got into a good rhythm but adding the new one has been the best thing so far.
Amanda says
Congrats on the new addition! It’s definitely a transition, but it sounds like getting your third baby into the mix won’t be a problem!
Teresa Russell says
My husband and I have 3 very spoiled dogs and each one has their own unique personality we started off two Putter (a Papillon) and Tippy but after my chihuahua Tippy passed we swore no more dogs my heart was so broken after I lost her she’d been with me for 12 years. Then Sadie came in our lives after coming from an abusive home I couldn’t turn her away then our youngest fur baby came in our lives a little bundle of trouble always the mischievous one. putter is just like your dog McKenzie Rae always has to be the center of attention no one else is allowed to get the love not even mom and dad. Sadie and little bit just do their own thing them two are my most troublesome duo being a mom to 3 dogs has its moments but when I look at all three of those sweet faces I realize its all worth it I love my three babies and being a mom to them is an awesome experience
Amanda says
It really is worth it!
Jade says
Hey, really enjoyed your post!
I currently have 2 dogs both terriers one boy and one girl aged 1y/o and 2y/o. My female we had first she is the older one and is totally attached to
Me at the hip and just wants to cuddle all the time and wants ALL the attention. I only work 2 days a week so it’s great with the dogs.. my boy is the younger one I was really worried about adding a second as like yourself I was so stressed about my girl feeling left out or that I didn’t love her etc I thought she would love it as she loved playing with dogs outside. She wasn’t keen on the pup when we first got him but after a couple of days they started playing and that’s been them since!
She can get a little protective of him outside and I now find my boy wants to play with other dogs and my girl doesn’t she only wants to play with him and chases other dogs away from him (she is kind of nervous and gets a little overwhelmed in groups but she is still young).
I’d really love a 3rd dog but everyone has told me I am crazy. My only concerns are again are they going to feel left out or pushed aside by another dog or a 2 against 1 situation. I have also read places saying there should always be equal or more humans than dogs to ensure enough attention all round.
Amanda says
If you have the time and resources for three dogs, I say do it! For us, it all worked out nicely. The dynamic ended up being perfect. You just never know!
Lindsey says
So cute! Try having a Great Dane, a Doberman puppy and a papillion.
Donna says
Lindsay, I am going to get my 3rd now. In this crazy time nothing like dog love!
Any tips on managing 3?