Well....I screwed up today. Two dogs (50 lbs / 23.6 kgs each) in back yard have not been crated as a regular protocol. They will be now. They were litter mates (both female). I've taken them on hundreds of walks together. No problems. Gave each a chew thing today and left them in the back yard. Next thing, BIG FIGHT. Crap.

My better half and I separated them and now they are crated.

Someone mentioned that there are a lot of people out there who don't recognize dog behavior problems early. Even though I've been around dogs all of my life, I can't really say I know what to look for.

Besides videos that take hours to watch, are there written sources?

I've just got to get better at learning what to do and what not to do and not take anything for granted.

I hope to become a much better owner. I haven't rehomed any of the dogs (I have five). Three are inside now in crates all the time. I walk these three together and spend time with each one separately for short training spells. Where I failed was leaving the two bigger dogs outside but not in crates when I'm not out there.

Watching CM, how is it that he is able to have a huge number of dogs contained without fights? Or, are there fights at his compound?

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Gave each a chew thing today and left them in the back yard.

Even my super dog-friendly dog would get into it in this situation.

George hasn't fighting been an on-going problem with your pack for quite a while now? (If I recall past posts)

Food & toys are the biggest triggers for fights...can be even with dogs that generally get along.

With dogs with a past history of fights, I would keep these dogs seperated. I personally don't feel that it is worth the vet bills or doctor bills(for you & wife) to keep risking fights. And yes, I have lived with 3 working dogs that did not get along & had to all be kept seperated. It is not easy, but a comittment when you own multiple dogs that don't get along. So I am not just preaching...I have been there.

ETA...as for CM...he has years of experience & has the skills needed to do this. VERY, VERY few people would be able to have a huge pack of dogs living like that & have control. Most people can't even control one let alone two or 20!

Hi, Anne...yes, your memory is correct. I did separate the dogs but thought (wrongly) that the two out in back would be ok. Everyone is now separated and will be, period. My mother-in-law expressed what a lot of people think (and I thought, too). "You mean you keep these dogs caged up all day? Isn't that cruel? I wouldn't like that!" I thought the same way until I found Leerburg. Now I realize that the dogs actually get more exercise than if they were allowed to run around all day in the house AND they don't get into trouble.

The two dogs in the back are now in their crates and will be from now on.

Do you use water bottles in each cage?

George, we are not CM. In fact, very very VERY few people come close to his skill with dogs. (He is part dog, I'm convinced.)

Yes, there are books galore. There are many listed on the LB site. I would like to add, though, that watching 15 minutes of one of Ed's basic videos every night on top of reading books will show you, in person, with untrained dogs, how it's done. There's really no way to replicate this in a book.

I personally need both, but the videos are what resonate with my actual stance, demeanor, movements, actions.

http://leerburg.com/books.htm
http://leerburg.com/dvd.htm

FREE streaming video:
http://leerburg.com/stream/videolistcat.php?cat=Training

You are going to be pretty busy ensuring that all five dogs' exercise needs/training needs are going to be met. They can not just stay in crates except for potty times, but I'm sure you are aware of this. Best of luck George.

 Quote: barbara schuler

You are going to be pretty busy ensuring that all five dogs' exercise needs/training needs are going to be met. They can not just stay in crates except for potty times, but I'm sure you are aware of this. Best of luck George.

In fact, I admit that one time when I fostered an adolescent Mal and separated/crated everyone (first time in years for my own), they all got more structured exercise than before. I realized that I had fallen down on the job to the extent of thinking of their lounging around together as somehow being activity.

I made a chart in "Word" (just a list of what they need every day). Every dog got a morning power walk (I did one on each side of me -- little-dog walk and big-dog walk). I actually pencil-checked potties and training sessions. Then I also pencil-checked the bigger structured exercise late in the day and also bedtime potty.

The three that were fine together switched off on who was with who, and the noob really stayed separate except for walks (I'm good at marching them right along, no stink-eye, no looking at each other at all, no pause, etc.).

Then the following Monday I just printed out another copy and started over.

JMHO, but I would not feel confident of keeping everything out of the cracks for every dog without this kind of checklist.

This was on top of my training journal, which of course is optional but very useful.

If I owned four, that checklist would be permanent. I own dogs who are fine together, but if I did not, that checklist would be permanent in that situation as well.

I admitted to myself early on that without it, my subconscious would lead me into spending more time with the easier/happier/funner dogs (who probably need it least).

Hi, Connie....I know I'm not CM for sure. Not even on the same planet. I was just curious as to how in the world he does it.

I've been watching the vids...more than once...usually just before falling asleep. They have helped a lot. I do appreciate the links and suggestions for reading, too.

thanks again

Back in the day, way pre-Nat Geo, seminars with him were small and everyone brought their own dog and everyone worked with him.

I knew then that he was part dog. He said that in Mexico he had been called "the dog boy" (not a compliment). LOL

We would go in carpools (several hours from me) with whoever had the the most crate room in their car, the rest buying the gas.

He had some other job at the time, which I think was grooming.

 Quote: George Tate

I've been watching the vids...more than once...usually just before falling asleep.

That's a great idea!!!