Is it OK to have different rules for different dogs?
Neal Koepp
2025-06-07 23:23:29
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: 9
But in our house, different dogs have different rules. Ike, the service pup in training, has the most rules to follow. His life is relatively structured, as he's going to have an important job - helping a disabled veteran lead a full life. The other three dogs in the house have pretty relaxed rules. They're pet dogs, they don't have the same expectations placed on them as Ike. So don't be afraid to have different rules for different dogs -- but only if you're consistent enough to remember the rules and apply them to the appropriate dog(s)! His rules never vary, they're the same every single day.
Howell Herzog
2025-05-31 15:03:09
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: 8
In the big picture of dog training, how important is it to be consistent. Does everyone who spends time with our dog need to follow the same rules and maintain the same criteria. If they don’t, will that hurt our reinforcement based dog training.
What happens in a home where two people have different rules for the dog.
Why maintaining your dog's sit is all about the release cue.
How my husband and I had different criteria for our dogs.
The relationship between consistency and your dog's value for you.
Fern Rau
2025-05-31 13:13:54
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: 10
Dogs, if given clear and consistent rules, can get used to just about anything. We knew from the minute Ike walked in that we'd have a little harder time teaching him to stay off the furniture because our guys are allowed. We had our plan in place, and ensured that the boundaries were clear — and consistent — from the very beginning. What's important to note is that we're teaching Ike an appropriate alternative behavior from the beginning. That's very different than trying to re-train Ike to stay off the couch. Many of my clients let their dog onto the furniture when the dog was a pup, but then decide they don't want the dog on once he gets bigger. That's not really fair to the pup, and it's ridiculously hard on the owner to teach the new rule to the dog.
Leda Block
2025-05-31 12:34:03
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: 11
I truly believe that if you live with multiple dogs, you can have different rules for each of them and probably should. Every dog is an individual and needs different parameters to make them comfortable and successful in life. Dogs of different sizes require different rules to keep them safe. We ask Tater to wait for us to lift him on and off our bed because he is 45 lbs and the bed is high. Tater is rarely behind a baby gate when we have visitors, but Thiago may be gated in the office periodically, because he is big and exuberant. When I think about living harmoniously in a multi-dog household, I think different rules for different dogs just means you are managing your household. You are making sure that things goes smoothly and the relationship between the dogs remains solid. Pay attention to the individual needs of each dog and do what you can to support them so you can have a wonderful, relaxed life together.
Geoffrey Hansen
2025-05-31 11:08:12
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: 10
I get this question a lot for multiple dogs in the home: I want to allow Fido on the couch, but not the other 4 dogs, can I do that. The answer is yes, but do they deserve it. So if Fido deserves to be on the couch. And you are willing to take away said privilege if necessary, by all means, yes, do it. Houses need an equal distribution of love, rules, and structure. Especially, when you have multiple dogs. I have no problem with people that want to give their dog privileges, you just need to be able to take them away as fast as you gave them. Balance is extremely necessary for canine and human relationships. If you foster, this also applies to your multiple-dog-crew.
Okey McClure
2025-05-31 10:30:49
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: 5
It’s okay to have different rules for different dogs, as I do in my house, as long as each dog has clear, consistent expectations. Every dog, and every person, is an individual. I don’t go into any situation with a one-size-fits-all idea of how all dogs should behave. I’d love to have both my dogs snuggling up with me on the couch – and that’s my personal preference – but because they’re each individuals, there are good reasons they have different rules. Be clear and consistent so your dog knows what’s expected. Confusion can lead to anxiety. Is your dog only allowed up when invited, try asking for a “sit” before inviting them up as a sort of “please and thank you.” Is your dog never allowed up, make sure everyone is enforcing the same rules.
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