How To Raise Two Male Golden Retriever Lab Dogs

Raising two dogs together is hard, and the hardest is to raise two puppies or young adults of the same age and gender together. When both dogs are males, conflicts and squabbles are more likely to flare up. Although it varies among individual dogs, golden retrievers, as well as Labrador retrievers, tend to be less aggressive to same-sex dogs, and easy to train, but this is still a big undertaking. It's easier if you raise one puppy and train it, and then add the second dog. Never add a second dog or pup if you are having behavior problems with the first dog -- the second dog won't help the first dog learn to behave. Resolve the training issues with the first dog, so that it will be a good role model for the second.

Things You'll Need

  • Collars
  • Leashes
  • Training treats
  • Crates
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Instructions

    • 1
      A favorite game can become a source of friction as the dogs mature. especially if they aren't neutered.

      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.

    • 2
      Give the dogs separate time with you, as well as playtime together with you.

      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.

    • 3
      A good obedience class is a must if you have two dogs.

      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.

    • 4
      These golden retrievers don't look exactly alike, but many people would mistake one for the other.

      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.

    • 5
      Each dog must learn to chew its bones and other toys in its own space.

      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.