Q&A: Multi-Dog Households and Adding Dogs to Your Family
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In this episode of Off Leash and Unfiltered, Kati Peppe—owner of Diamond K9 Dog Training in Biddeford, Maine—answers the big questions about living with multiple dogs and bringing a new dog home. From when to add a second dog, to picking the right fit, to safe introductions, leadership, resource management, and walking two dogs calmly—Kati lays out a practical roadmap so your household stays peaceful and fun.
Episode Highlights
- Timing matters: Don’t add a second dog while your first is a young puppy; get training solid and “low-nag” first.
- Choose for harmony: Consider opposite sex, complementary temperament, similar play style/size, and lifestyle fit.
- Introduce slowly: Cohabitate with crates/gates first, then parallel walks—greetings come later, with advocacy.
- Be the leader: Clear rules and consistent consequences prevent spats from becoming a pattern—especially with 3+ dogs.
- Manage resources: Crate meals, control toys/furniture access, and correct pestering/guarding consistently.
- Walk like pros: Train each dog individually; use well-fit tools and meaningful corrections before pairing them.
Minute-by-Minute Breakdown
- 00:51 – Who we are: Diamond K9; e-collar obedience & behavior modification.
- 01:41 – Most-asked questions about multi-dog households.
- 02:31 – When to add a dog: avoid under 6 months; your first dog needs your full bandwidth.
- 05:20 – Do training first: finish an e-collar program, then “cement” skills; aim for low-nag reliability.
- 07:50 – The “easy dog” illusion: a second dog exposes training gaps.
- 09:34 – How to choose: sex, spay/neuter status, temperament, play style; opposite sex usually easier.
- 11:43 – Same-sex notes: two intact males generally easier than two intact females.
- 12:45 – Breed/traits: complement your current dog; avoid doubling up power breeds with similar issues.
- 14:55 – Meet parents/puppies; assess confidence vs. reactivity; aim for similar size/play style.
- 17:06 – Lifestyle fit: energy needs, work hours; shelter adoptions require patient assessment.
- 19:14 – Wrong way to intro: don’t turn them loose. Use crates, gates, no doorway greetings.
- 20:50 – First days: see/smell without contact to lower arousal.
- 22:29 – Parallel walk with two handlers; space, no greeting yet.
- 23:44 – First meet: off-leash in open space (or loose short line); be ready to intervene; muzzles if needed.
- 25:17 – Advocate for both, especially with puppies; don’t allow rude play.
- 26:32 – After a spat: frequency/intensity often escalate—take it seriously.
- 28:37 – Leadership prevents chaos; adding a third dog often reveals issues.
- 29:38 – “You have a problem with me, not each other”: owner sets/ enforces standards.
- 30:35 – Resource rules: crate meals; control toys; reduce conflict opportunities.
- 33:17 – Furniture by invitation; consistent corrections across dogs; advocate for the pestered dog.
- 35:51 – No guilt crating one dog: freedom is earned.
- 37:36 – Training responsibility: some behaviors need lifelong management.
- 39:06 – Walking two dogs: train separately; fit prong high/snug; clear leash communication.
- 41:42 – Stop nagging: make corrections meaningful; fix timing.
- 43:19 – Pair dogs on walks only once each is solid; keep tools on for accountability.
- 44:00 – Wrap & contact: questions welcome at [email protected].