Things You'll Need
- Collars
- Leashes
- Training treats
- Crates
Instructions
Neuter each dog as early as possible. Male dogs that aren't neutered often begin to fight, no matter how much they seem to love each other in the beginning. The problem is that by the time the fighting starts, it is often too late to reap the full benefits of neutering because the hormonal changes that take place as the dog matures have already happened.
Spend time with each dog separately as well as together. They need to get used to spending time away from each other, so they don't develop separation anxiety. Although they must learn to behave and obey commands when they are together, it's easier to teach the initial commands to one dog at a time. The dogs need to bond with each other and bond with the family, so they need time together and time apart.
Take each dog to obedience class. Take them on separate days, so your full attention is on one dog at a time. Or take them together with another family member to help. If someone else helps, trade dogs for each class, so that the dogs don't get in the habit of only learning from one person.
Keep veterinary records and other documents separately for each dog. If the dogs look alike, microchip or tattoo each one, and carefully record the chip or tattoo number in each dog's records. This will help prevent confusion if the dogs are ever boarded or hospitalized. You may have no trouble telling one dog from the other, but the dogs will look alike to the veterinary staff or kennel staff. Many people have trouble telling one golden retriever or Labrador retriever from the next, and medication that is lifesaving for one dog can be life-destroying for the other.
Feed the dogs in close proximity, with supervision. Stay in the room while they are eating to be certain each dog sticks to its own food. While they are young, they may exchange bowls or share a bowl willingly, but this often changes when they are mature. Teach them now that each dog has its own bowl, its own treat, its own toys. Make a rule that each dog gets the same treats, toys and food. Do not give one dog a treat without giving the other dog the same treat.