How to entertain multiple dogs?

One of the trickiest things about enrichment is what we see on social media. I’d argue that oftentimes what dogs find enriching doesn’t look super fancy. One of my dogs’ favorite games is to eat their food, then go see what the other dog had in their bowl. They literally tap dance waiting for me to open the gate so each can go check out the other’s feeding area. Another favorite activity we have at my house is grocery inspection. The girls take turns thoroughly checking out each item from the grocery bag, which can take quite a while, depending on the haul. Nightly cuddle sessions on the couch are another favorite. Use what you have, and use what works. Although novelty can be a really useful component of enrichment, we don’t need to reinvent the wheel every day with our enrichment strategies.

Owning two or more dogs just multiplies the fun. To entertain multiple dogs, separate the dogs, at least when they’re learning the fundamentals, and work with only one dog at a time, placing the other dog(s) in a different room or in their crates. While you focus on the working dog, give the other dogs something to do, so they don’t fuss or feel resentful, such as providing a chew like a bully stick or a food-stuffed puzzle toy. Keep your training session short by making it something you can accomplish in less than 10 minutes. Once you’re finished with the first dog, swap them out for another dog, and repeat until all of your dogs have received their one-on-one training time. You can also take your dogs on individual walks to train outside the house, which is incredibly helpful when teaching loose leash walking. Alternatively, you can use a leash or tether to keep the dogs in the same room, preventing them from interfering with each other or stealing each other’s treats. Station training is another valuable way to work with multiple dogs, where you give each dog their own station or area to relax in while you work with one dog at a time. With this technique, the dogs learn patience and emotional self-control, and you reinforce calm behavior because only after waiting quietly will a dog get a chance to work with you.

To entertain multiple dogs, each dog should get some time with just you, maybe you play a game of hide and seek or fetch and maybe you work on commands. It could be as short as 5 minutes. I used to rotate 5 mins for each dog until I was done or the dogs were. Some people may do a whole outing with one dog and leave the others behind and the next day, it may be dog B's turn to go on an errand. In addition to special solo time, I also advocate that each dog, mostly young dogs, get time to chew a bone or work on a kong or brain toy in peace. If your dogs have very good relationships, all of them can have a goodie in the same room. However, if there is stealing, growling or stress, it is best to isolate them while they enjoy their game, toy or chew. You don't have to do it all at once, you can pen one dog in the room you are in and the others are free to roam while one is using the pen to work on his kong. Find a flow or routine to your day with your dogs, I always had a routine for workdays and non-workdays, the dogs knew what to expect and I could plan accordingly, we may have done different activities or training exercises, but for the most part, they occurred at the same time on those days.

Make time for play. All work and no play makes Jack a bored pup. Schedule some quality time between meetings to play with your pooch. Why not get creative with some DIY dog toys made from household items? Brain games for your dog. Enrichment games have both mental and physical benefits. They also teach a variety of skills, such as problem-solving, confidence, agility and searching. Treat and scent trails. Hide treats around the house or around the garden and send your pooch off on an adventure! However, if your pooch is on a diet, or isn’t as motivated by food, you can also hide their favourite toys for just as much fun. Fun feeding. When it comes to lunchtime meals, how about filling up a Kong or smearing their food on a lick mat? Freezing before feeding will take them that extra bit longer, savouring the taste and encouraging perseverance. You could also serve their food in a puzzle feeder which reduces bloating and works their brain too! Long-lasting chews. Dogs love to chew. Providing your dog with a chew that’ll take some time to get through will help them feel comforted and reduce stress. It’s time for walkies! Most dogs need to be walked twice a day. Pound the pavements with your pooch to exert some excess energy and make sure they’re getting their steps in.