Have you ever felt guilt about your dog? Have you figured out why? Guilt is an interesting thing in that once you’ve alleviated it, you feel relief.

A second dog, Blue (an older puppy), came into my life a couple years ago, and I expected him to maintain the same schedule as my older dog, mainly because I didn’t want my first dog to feel jealousy. It has taken me this couple of years to realize that Blue needs different treatment than my trusty older dog. “Fair” isn’t treating them both identically.

Blue so far is untrained, though very trainable; doesn’t get to walk far enough, even though he’d like to keep going; and hasn’t been played with according to his needs. Basically since he wouldn’t fetch, I figured he didn’t much want to play. He wasn’t very interested in toys, so I didn’t bother him with them. Lately I’ve noticed him running in the house with my other dog’s toys, throwing them up in the air, chasing after them, etc. Maybe he’s not a fetcher, maybe we need to play differently—he’s definitely trying to get my attention. Just last week when I was training my other dog to use a pet ramp to get in the SUV, Blue immediately took the ramp over, racing up and down it, hoping for that treat even though he can comfortably jump in and out. Does my dog need a job?? A different form of play?? Training??

Having multiple dogs is it’s own challenge. There are tricks to training and living with multiple dogs.

Now don’t shed any tears for Blue, he has been loved, kissed, fed, and on the furniture since day one. But starting today, I’m going to attempt to meet his needs on a daily basis—recognize that he is his own dog—and improve his quality of life. I plan to use Online Dog Coach training tips, teach him new dog tricks, and take him walking (just Blue and me) until he is ready to turn back. Ahhhhh, I’m already feeling better!

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We have continued with our walking adventures as the cooler months have progressed. We do not get to go as often as we did in the warmer weather, we are working around the cold, the flu, school projects and the holiday season. But, we are still at it and have not had any wild aggressive incidents in many months. For Christmas, Ryder got a saddle back pack, he now carries the water on the walks. He is very proud of this new responsibility, and prances in the beginning of each walk. He has a job!!!

I believe the statement “a tried dog is a happy dog” is true, and a long walk is key. Our walks have really progressed and many of the behavior issues have become less of a problem thanks to training, consistency, and persistence!

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Another afternoon walk. We were trying to wait out the cold wind. I think the dogs behave better in the morning. The dogs, Deuce, Rookie, Ryder and Yazzie were a little edgy. We had some snapping and some low grumbling growling noises. It was very windy, we encountered a few people and dogs, nothing special.

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Walked the lake with Deuce, Rookie, Ryder and Yazzie. A little out of practice, but after a few yards they fell right into step. Lose leashes, staying right by our sides.

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