I had an interesting chat with a client this week who raised a question I hadn't been asked before: how do we pair dogs during long-term boarding?
I found it surprising that this had never come up, so I decided to jot down a few thoughts in this short article. While I can't cover every detail, I hope it provides a fresh perspective.
Let's look into this with an example featuring two of our beloved regulars. Firstly, there's a 4-year-old German Shepherd (GSD). He's generally a laid-back fellow but can transform into a whirlwind of GSD energy when the mood strikes. He's also quite an emotional dog with moments of insecurity. In contrast, we have a Husky-GSD mix, a bundle of boisterous, vocal enthusiasm with what seems like an endless supply of energy.
When these two share a space at home, their play can become raucous and noisy, to the extent that their owner sometimes finds it challenging to determine if it's all in good fun. Adding complexity, the Husky X has a tendency to be the perpetual instigator, often failing to recognize when it's time to ease up. This occasionally pushes their "play" into territory where intervention becomes necessary. Unfortunately, the owner's inconsistent time management exacerbates this situation, allowing their excitement to escalate before intervention, a concern that has been emphasized on numerous occasions.
Over the past two years, these two have become familiar faces in our care, ranging from one-week stays to month-long visits. During their stays, we take care to pair them individually with other dogs, minimizing their time together. Additionally, we follow a structured schedule that includes ample decompression and relaxation time.
Predictably, within just a few days, the GSD noticeably eases into a more relaxed state, no longer bearing the brunt of constant mischief, while the Husky X benefits from the boundaries established by their temporary companion. This management of "down time" significantly improves their overall hyperactivity levels, helping them become more balanced dogs.
Now, when I mention "pairing," it extends beyond exclusive interaction with just one dog. It encompasses activities like walks, training sessions, and even sleeping arrangements in form or crate set up.
In our diverse pack, the GSD typically pairs with a senior Labrador. Both share a laid-back attitude, preferring to observe rather than dive headfirst into action. However, they're not hesitant to assert themselves if a situation doesn't align with their comfort level. On the flip side, the Husky X often pairs with a young, strong-willed English Pointer girl. She brings playfulness and tolerance to the table but is adept at setting boundaries in a manner the Husky X comprehends.
It's essential to note that all four of these dogs were initially surrendered to shelters or rescues due to reactivity and aggression concerns. Each underwent training to address these issues and made significant progress.
The GSD's problems were solely attributed to previous ownership, while the Husky X required additional work as he'd been granted free rein for the first 1.5 years of his life. The Labrador faced socialization challenges after spending his early years as a backyard dog with little to no outside world interaction, and the English Pointer girl struggled with severe reactivity due to past experiences with irresponsible owners.
I emphasize these backgrounds to highlight that even though these dogs are now comfortable spending time together, it's the result of ongoing training and realistic expectations.
Each boarding dog undergoes a thourough assesment and trial periods before being allowed full free roam. As well each dog still receives individual downtime if required before reaching their threshold.
Therefore, when managing a pack of dogs, it's crucial always to be attuned to their mental states and accurately interpret their body language. This awareness is key to ensuring the well-being and harmony of the pack.