H&LSpring2017 E_MAG V1

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Home&Lifestyle Magazine | Spring 2017 19
SALES • SERVICE
PARTS & ACCESSORIES
(02) 4331 9007
3/305 Manns Road, West Gosford
You may have high hopes that your two
dogs will provide companionship for
each other, but it doesn’t always work
out that way. Personalities can clash, just
as with people, and you may find yourself
spending more time refereeing fights than
enjoying combined games of fetch. If your
dogs aren’t getting along as well as you had
hoped, there are some things you can do to
encourage them to bond. With patience and
supervision, it is possible for most dogs to
learn to get along
Tip #1 - Provide plenty of resources to
avoid fights. One reason for conflict in dog
relationships is competition over limited
resources. You should always have more
water bowls, dog beds and toys than you have
dogs. You may also want to feed the dogs in
separate rooms so they can eat in peace.
Tip #2 - Give each dog attention, every day.
Feeling that there is competition for your
affection will create an uneasy relationship
between your dogs. Spend one on one time
with each dog, every day. Even a 10-minute
play session will strengthen the bond
between you and your dog, which will improve
the relationship between your dogs.
Tip #3 - Play with the dogs together. As
important as it is to have one-on-one time
with each of your dogs, it is also important
that they learn to play together. Joint walks
are a great bonding exercise, as long as you
can control both on the leash at the same
time. Even sitting on the couch and petting
both at the same time encourages bonding.
Tip #4 - Provide separate areas for the
dogs to hang out. No matter how well your
dogs get along, they probably will want some
alone time occasionally, particularly if they
have vastly different energy levels or one of
the dogs is still young. Avoid closing them
both into small areas, such as bathrooms or
laundry rooms.
Tip #5 - Spay or neuter your pets. The most
important thing you can do to help your dogs
get along with each other is to have each one
spayed or neutered.
What you can do to help your two dogs bond