How do I crate/house train multiple dogs?

[QUOTE=KOPsarah;3385]Thanks for any help or suggestions.

Hi andrea, thanks for your question. I think you have two problems here with your little pack that are leaving the dogs confused. First of all from what you describe here I would say you have dominance issues especially with the 3 year old intact male. Castrating the male is a very good option as it will almost definitely reduce dominance problems including his peeing on new objects in the house. Castration or males also drastically reduces their chance of developing prostate cancer.

Asserting your self as alpha dog of the pack will also help with all three dogs. Currently your dogs are unsure of their position in the pack because they don’t identify anyone as leader. They are therefore adopting various aspects of the dominant role themselves such as urinating in your house but not in their own. However once they know their position is at the bottom of the pack they will be happy to follow instructions and are very loyal.

Following the alpha dog training will definitely help show the dogs their position. It is important to remember the key points of dominance.

In a wild dog pack the dominant pack member controls :
-access to food
-access to favoured sleeping areas
-any interactions with lower pack members
-access to favoured items such as toys

In order to show your dog his position as bottom of the pack you and your whole family can take advantage of these keys points. For example

1) The dogs must be the last to eat at every meal and should never get treats from the table.

2) They should never walk through doors before you. A good way to practice this is to walk around the house and make them sit at each doorway and wait.

3) If either of your dogs is lying in the hallway or anywhere you have to get past make them move. If you think they will snap leave a lead on them so you can move them whilst maintaining a bit of distance.

4) When you arrive home completely ignore the dogs for 15 minutes. Don't look at them, talk to them or pat them. After this go to them and give them some quiet attention only as long as they are relaxed and calm.

The second issue I think your dogs are confused about it where exactly is appropriate to toilet. I recommend picking a particular area of the lawn where you want the dogs to toilet and where they have access to while you are at work, they may already have an area they use. Once you have an area its time to start re-toilet training. Take your dogs out to the toilet spot as soon as they wake up in the morning, after every feeding and before bed as these are the most likely times a dog will need to go to the toilet. Also put them outside in the toilet area every hour while they are inside the house with you during the day. Praise them for toileting in the area everytime you seem them use it.

As well as putting the dogs out to the toilet before bed establish a routine where they are exercised daily as this encourages toileting outside and improves general well being. Also try feeding dinner early so they will not need to drink so much late at night. Get them familiar with their crates and then use them as their beds at night time. This familiarization can include feeding them in their crates, rewarding calm behavior while in the crate and providing favorite toys and treats while in them. Place their favorite blankets inside them and allow the dogs to associate their crates with quite rest. Only allow each dog into its own crate with the door closed to stop the others entering. Their crates will then be their personal quite space that they sleep in at night. This will make them unlikely to urinate in their beds and unable to urinate around your house.

Establishing your self as pack leader and a good routine for toileting and bed time should help your dogs know their place in your household and respect you and your floor. Don't hesitate to let me know if you need any further assitance with your dogs.[/QUOTE]


Thanks for your response.

I have one more question. When re-toilet training the three of them should they all be crated during the day and let out to thier designated spot on a lead? And I'm assuming it would be best to bring them each separately.

I can take the time to be around to take them out of thier crates during the day at regular intervals if need be. Also, if you suggest that I crate them during the day (especially if I need to be at work for a few hours) should I also let them all out after their toilet break to have a romp with each other and me?

Thanks
Andrea