If you have been a regular reader, you know we currently have 2 dogs. I consider myself fairly knowledgeable about canines. Although we have had dogs, dogsat dogs and fostered puppies for our local humane society we have never had 2 dogs longterm. Shasta was 6 months old when we got Darcy so they have grown up together. My sister Lynda has 2 dogs as well. Macy is a goldendoodle they got as a puppy and Biscuit is a much smaller rescue they got several years later. My sister Leanne has 2 dogs. Roger and Julia are Eskipoos and they are littermates. We have made some interesting observation about 2 dog households.
Each pair has a dog that is louder, more obnoxious, annoying.
Each pair has a dog that loves food and a dog that doesn't (they actually hand feed Roger).
Each pair has a dog that is playful and one that isn't.
These dogs are all sizes, all temperments and have been raised differently, in different households, sometimes at different times yet there is a very noticeable pattern. So I am asking you my faithful readers what is your experience in multi-dog households? Have you noticed any strange patterns? I have noticed that my dogs even sleep the same. They either both curl up or both stretch out. Their heads almost always face in the same direction. Every time I pick up a camera to document this they get up so I have no proof. You just have to take my word for it.
Another interesting observation by Caitlin. She recently read a book by Shaun Ellis who has spent years living with wolves (in England - pretty sure he'd freeze to death if he tried it here). We always assumed Shasta was the alpha dog - she is bossier and more aggressive. But Shaun suggests that Darcy is the alpha. Shasta's job is to protect her so that would explain why Darcy doesn't like to go anywhere alone. Anyone have insight on the pack mentality in their dogs?
Darcy loves being outside in the yard - her own safe world. She would be happy (and quiet) outside by herself all day, in all weather, despite having zero fat as insulation. Shasta only goes outside to do her business and is back in a flash. This is Shasta's idea of being out.
4 comments:
The most dogs we had living in the house at the same time is 6. That was Chaos, Shepherd. Marley, St. Bernard. Kash, Sara, Whisper and Star all Mini Poodles.
Marley & Chaos grew up together, where one was the other was right behind. Their personalities were very similar. Marley was very nervous around people, Choas loved people. Neither we barkers unless somebody was around. Neither were pushy or dominating, they just loved to be together. Kash, came next when Marley and Chaos were both about 5 years old. He was the only male and he thought he should rule the house, he was the alpha dog. He loved Choas and very quickly started showing shepherd ways. He hated Marley, unless he was cold then he would cuddle in her fur and sleep. Whisper, Star and Sara were a few month behind Kash with their arrival. And everybody all just got along. When Marley died, Choas was devastated, then when Choas died Kash was devastated. If one of the dogs is taken to the vet, everybody waits for their arrival back home. They all just expect the others to be around. The only one that is a barker is Whisper and she only barks when people are in her house that she doesn't like...which is almost everyobdy....
Those are my observations....Sorry a bit long winded.
I figured you'd have a lot to say! I wonder if you need more than 2 for a true pack. Our pets have been upset when another pet died too, though grief doesn't last as long as with people.
hmmm. my dogs are very different than house dogs.
However, they were subdued the day that Chinook died. I like to imagine they missed her on the runs, but that could be because I was missing her. They just ran.
We have one dog and a step-dog. When our step dog visits, it's fun to see the two together. They're very different, yet both think they're the boss. They, both opinionated and vocal. Muggins is bitchier than Sammie.
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