19/04/2023
Just because you have multiple dogs doesn’t mean you need to treat them the same
In a lot of ways, Ava & Nina are similar
They are both (regrettably 😂) pushy, high drive, intelligent, eager dogs
They both require a lot and are capable of a lot
But I’ve raised them totally differently!
Ava was AWFUL at settling in the house and couldn’t be trusted not to chew anything until she was about 18 months old. Nina has always been an angel in the house
Nina has always been given more luxuries concerning interacting with other dogs; Ava required more neutrality work for longer because she is genetically more social (as a result, Nina is much more playful than Ava - isn’t the nature/nurture topic interesting?)
But don’t think Nina is perfect!
I have more boundaries in my relationship with Nina than I do in my relationship with Ava 🚫
Nina needs her pushiness managed every day because it can tip into over arousal; there are literal & emotional boundaries.
Even if you had 2 dogs of the same breed, they’re still going to be different
I always tell my clients I don’t care if their last collie/greyhound/Jack Russell/whatever wasn’t like this, your current dog of the same breed is!
You’re a great dog owner if your dogs are fulfilled, healthy & respectful of the outside world - that’s all that matters 👌🏻
PS yes my dogs are a bit feral 😂 but they are also all of the above!
