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Raising 2 dogs

19 13:39:02

Question
Hello, my husband and I adopted a lab/shepherd mix when he was 8 wks old and he is now 10 months. We've done an obedience class and worked with him well-he is very well behaved. This past weekend we rescued another pup off the street-the vet approximates his age at 12 wks. The two really enjoy each other,but I'm needing info on the best way to train them together. When they are out of their crates they are inseperable, but it's that wrestling sort of play that I'm wondering how long it will last and is it ok to let them carry on like that. They don't appear to be hurting each other. They do sleep and eat seperately, as well as bathroom breaks. Any advice you can give is much appreciated. Oh, the new puppy is an unknown mix-possibly german shepherd and who knows what else. Thanks!

Answer
First of all, I want to say how pleasant it is to find a question form somebody who is part of the solution rather than the ones wanting to go into breeding and be part of the problem.  It really hurts me to know we are slaughtering dogs by the millions for lack of homes.  Thank you.

Let them enjoy themselves.  Maybe after they are 3 years old, they will slow down.  For now, confine them to rooms with less breakable furniture.  

Don't try to work both of them by yourself.  It will be good practice for them if you can recruit another family member to work them together.  I have never had much luck trying to control 2 dogs at once, even ones that did well alone.  It sounds like you are doing well.  Get back with me with any questions.  

Here is a link to a picture of a Shepherd I had enjoying a week's visit of a young lab,