Originally Posted by KTCastleLady

First I'd like to say that I just recently joined this week and I have been loving all the feedback, opinions, and questions! What a great forum!

I have been raising my first doberman for 2 years this January. She was the second addition to my home after having my 4 year old mini schnauzer for 1 year. I am now adding a 3rd dog. I will be picking up my 10 week old puppy on the 16th. My family all think I am crazy to get a third dog. More so a second Doberman. I was just wondering if I could get some advice from those of you who have raised two dobermans at once.

How did your homes operate? I have 3 Dobes (two 8 year olds and a 3 year old) and 2 Border Terriers; my house is at times chaotic but for the most part, there is no rough-housing allowed in the house, but when I first come home, they're pretty excited but settle down quickly. They usually all go outside together to play and usually break up into 2 groups, Dobes and BTs!

What did you find most helpful for handling two very energetic dogs? When I got Jordan, Moe and D'Va were 5 so until she was big enough to go outside and play with them, I spent a lot of time outside with her throwing her Wubba (she loves to fetch), hikes, etc. When she was about 4 months old, she could go out with the other 2 to play and wear themselves out.

What was the hardest part? Having the time for 1-on-1 interaction.

Do you walk them at once? When I take them for walks or hikes, I kinda mix it up. Sometimes I'll take 2 Dobes and walk them on a coupler, and then the next time I'll take just 1 Dobe or maybe a Dobe and a Border, but eventually they all get a little time with me.

Should I train each dog one at a time? Absolutely. When I'm working with one of my guys whether it's indoors or outside, there's not another dog around for distraction, unless I'm working on sits and downs.

Do you walk both dogs on the left? I tend to keep my guys on the left, but if they're on a flexi or a long line and we're just on a hike, they might lag behind or circle me occasionally.

How do you avoid the dogs thinking of themselves as a pack so they still want attention from me? You have to be willing to spend 1-on-1 time with them to keep that from happening, especially with your puppy. If you just put them all outside to entertain themselves, they will bond more to each other...spend time with your pup and that shouldn't happen. My guys all get along great, but they all seek attention from me.

FYI: my current dobie and schnauzer are female (AND absolutely LOVE each-other) and my new puppy will be male.


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