Hi Rick. The advice you have gotten here regarding training, and also the Leerburg training references is awesome. Here is just my own two cents having started out with 1 dog, and grown the pack over the years to a total of 4.

I had a very good experience going from 1 dog to 2 dogs. I was lucky that dog 2 got along from the get go with dog 1 because if you think I'm dog stupid now, I knew NOTHING back then. I got lucky.

When I met my husband, it seemed logical to add a 3rd dog (it was a rescue that *found* us anyway) - you know - 2 people = 4 hands. At that stage we realized that there is MUCH more going on between 3 dogs than 2, and it took more supervision and management on our parts.

Going to 4 dogs was a BIG jump. I think it's more about the group dynamics, and the possible issues multiply rather than add. We live in peace, but the addition of 1 more dog introduced MANY more than 1 more potential problem. For the time being, our 2 females have to be kept separated. We eventually plan to work on that based on the training information here. (there are other priorities right now, so separation is most appropriate for the time being). That requires even more vigiglence and communication between Gary and I - constantly knowing where each dog is at all times. And of course each dog needs training time, play time, social time with us, etc. - so it adds up to more time needed for the dogs.

All of this has been a labor of love for us - but the time and attention/coodination component should be thoroughly thought out IMO before you multiply your pack dynamics and relationships.

Best wishes!
Beth

Let me add some additional information. My minis recognized me as the pack leader. I am basing this on the pod casts Ed has provided, his writings, additional reading, and my understanding of the same. My dogs obey my commands (sit, stay, up, go outside, come inside, bed, eat, etc. etc.). They don't jump on people, understand "NO" and are house broken of course. I didn't mean to imply that they were totally not trained. Since reading Ed's products, I have began working with my minis and I am amazed at how quickly they respond. I am willing to take the time to train them and the Giant female.

I am planning on crate training the Giant as I did my minis. I am also building a separate outdoor enclosure (six foot chain link, concrete base, and a house) for the Giant. I only intend on letting her run free (with the pack) in the back yard when I am home to monitor and supervise. I really want this dog but want to be adequately prepared for her and do all I can to make ownership of her successful. I just don't want to come home someday and fine an injured (or worse) mini in the back yard. I want a good experience that is rewarding for me, my family and of course, the dogs. I hope this clarifies things somewhat.

Rick

Hi again Rick. Sounds like you are thinking about the right things, and looking at good info to be well prepared!! Good for you.

Beth

Hey Rick,

sorry if I misread your first initial post regarding your current dogs and them being untrained.

If you do decide to get the fourth dog, just make sure to keep her seperate from the other dogs for awhile so that she bonds to you and doesn't bond more to your other dogs.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Wendy

A lot will have to do with the individual temperament of the existing dogs and the new dog, IMO.

I have found that people on this board give a lot of worse-case scenarios---and that is 100% the right thing to do when giving advice to someone that they've never met with dogs they've never seen. Better to be safe than sorry.


It seems that you're paying attention to the right things and thinking the right thoughts and asking the right questions. Again, I would say that you should make sure you have toooons of time available to work with the dogs.

Good luck!

Elain, are you replying to me or Rick.
Cause if you read my answer.I have fully trained dogs .

Boy, no offense meant, but this additional info message sounds almost the complete opposite of your original post -- Since everything seems to be going so well, why did you want us to "save you from making a BIG mistake" (???) That's usually the kind of thing people say when they're about to jump into something that's the worst hare-brained scheme they've ever contemplated, LOL

Rick-

Good luck and please keep us posted. If you get the GS, please post some pics as I'm sure we would all love to see it.

Candi-

Is "Candi" short for candid, because I gotta tell you that your replies crack me up! They are so...candid! Please keep them coming!

Sorry Angelique, that was for Rick based on his first post. It seems though, according to his subsequent post, that his minis do have some training.

Rick, it does seem that you are going about it the right way. But, and this is just my opinion, it seems to me that if you have any questions or doubts about adding another dog to the mix, you might want to wait to do so.

Rick I never ever leave my big dogs alone with my little ones, not even when I am home and present, lets just say I learn't the hard way,one extra little soul in heaven, you just cannot predict behaviour, one minute they are all hunky dory the next thing something triggers off a snap and snarl,
the little guys are going to come off way worse, just My 2 pellets worth, keep them seperate crate the GS when the little ones are running about, and have seperate play sessions free time, Mine see each other, but thats it, we have a very strict
routine, the giant is just way to big for your small ones,
long lines can help but pack mentality with the little ones
and one small lapse in concentration a phone call etc and it could be a sad ending...Sorry to be a dipper.