Living the Pack Life: How to Train Multiple Dogs in Your Apartment.
Hey there, fellow dog parent! 👋
Let me guess – your apartment has gone from quiet home to furry circus, and you’re wondering how on earth to manage it all? As someone who’s navigated the joys (and chaos!) of training multiple dogs in a cozy apartment, I’m here to tell you it’s totally doable! https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-to-train-in-a-multi-dog
First Things First: The Space Reality Check
Let’s be honest – apartments weren’t designed with dog packs in mind. But here’s the thing: dogs don’t need huge spaces to be happy. They need structure, love, and a good leader (that’s you!).
Setting Up Your Space
Think of your apartment like a tiny school classroom. Every dog needs:
- Their own bed or crate (their personal space)
- A designated eating area
- A quiet spot for when they need alone time
Pro tip: I use different colored beds and bowls for each dog – it helps them learn what’s theirs! https://citydoglife.blogspot.com/2025/01/teaching-place-in-tiny-spaces-city-dog
The Individual Attention Game
Here’s something crucial I learned: each dog needs one-on-one time. I create this by:
- Using the bathroom as a mini training room (seriously!)
- Taking solo walks with each dog
- Having special playtime while others nap
Teaching the “Wait” Command (Your New Best Friend)
This is your secret weapon! Teaching each dog to wait their turn has saved my sanity. Start with:
- Doorways (no more stampedes!)
- Meal times
- Getting leashed up
- Greeting visitors
The Musical Beds Technique
I invented this game when I realized my dogs needed to be comfortable in different spots. We rotate sleeping spots every few days. It prevents territorial behavior and keeps things flexible.
Dealing with Different Energy Levels
Got a senior dog and a puppy? I feel you! Try:
- Exercise the high-energy dog first
- Use puzzle toys to keep the busy one occupied
- Create calm zones for the mellower pup https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2T41FeAdc8U
The “Quiet Time” Revolution
This was a game-changer: scheduled quiet time for everyone. Even if they’re not sleeping, they need to be calm. It’s like naptime in kindergarten!
Managing Meals Without Mayhem
Food time used to be chaos until I tried:
- Feeding in separate areas
- Using station training
- Staggering meal times
- Making them wait for the “okay” to eat
The Leash Dance
Walking multiple dogs in apartment hallways? Here’s what works:
- Train each dog individually first
- Practice hallway manners one at a time
- Gradually combine them
- Always carry high-value treats!
Bathroom Break Strategies
This requires military-level precision! My system:
- Create a schedule
- Take them out in pairs (matched by speed)
- Use different potty spots to avoid marking contests
- Reward calm behavior
The Visitor Protocol
Company coming over? Here’s your game plan:
- One dog greets at a time
- Others wait their turn
- Reward calm greetings
- Have a “place” command for each dog
Dealing with Noise (Yours and Theirs!)
Multiple dogs can mean multiple barkers. Try:
- Teaching “quiet” commands
- Using positive reinforcement for silence
- Creating distractions during noisy times
- White noise machines are your friend!
The Training Triangle
Here’s something nobody tells you: dogs learn from watching each other! Use this to your advantage:
- Train the best-behaved dog first
- Let others watch
- Reward everyone for good behavior
- Create a positive learning environment
When Things Get Wild
Some days, it feels like you’re running a furry circus. That’s okay! Have backup plans:
- Interactive toys ready
- Separate cool-down areas
- Quick training games to redirect energy
- Emergency high-value treats
The Group “Place” Command
Teaching all dogs to go to their spots on command is pure magic. Practice this:
- Start with one dog
- Add dogs one at a time
- Reward everyone who stays
- Make it a regular part of your day
Managing Different Training Levels
Maybe one dog is an obedience star while another is still learning basics. No problem!
- Work at each dog’s pace
- Use advanced dogs to demonstrate
- Celebrate individual progress
- Never compare them to each other
The Power of Routine
Dogs thrive on knowing what to expect. Create a schedule for:
- Training sessions
- Play time
- Quiet time
- Meals
- Walks
When Someone Needs Extra Help
Sometimes one dog needs more training attention. Handle it by:
- Using baby gates for separation
- Having special training sessions
- Keeping others occupied with long-lasting treats
- Rotating attention fairly
Celebrate the Small Wins
Did everyone sit for dinner? Amazing! Did they all wait at the door? Fantastic! These little victories add up to big progress.
Remember This
You’re not just training dogs – you’re creating a harmonious pack in a small space. That’s pretty incredible!
Some days will be chaotic, some will be calm, and that’s perfectly normal. The key is consistency, patience, and lots of love (and treats!).
Keep going! Before you know it, you’ll have a well-behaved pack that makes apartment living look easy. And when people ask how you do it? Just smile and remember how far you’ve come!
