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A few months ago we added a seven month old puppy into our three dog household. We didn't expect it and to be honest we weren't really ready for it. Things between the three we already had were just beginning to settle down.

However, three months have passed and the new Golden-Poodle mix has acclimated to his position within our home. The first few weeks were the hardest. They always were with each new dog we've added over the years.

If you're ready to add another dog there are several things that will make your life easier. If you've got an older dog that isn't well trained don't worry. It's never too late to start. Don't believe all that mess about old dogs and new tricks. Just be consistent and calm.

Make it easy on everyone:

1) Crate. This is a safe place. Dogs should not share crates. They each need their own "den". When we added dog number three we went out and bought four crates. Crazy on the wallet I know, but it probably saved us a lot in vet bills to be honest. Our older dogs (ranging from age 11-4) now know the command "go home". The first week was rough but we overhauled their training to show them that the crate is safety not entrapment.

We can go out and know that they're not fighting or tearing things apart together. They can sleep at night knowing they won't be stepped on or attacked by a grumpy companion. We were consistent and our dogs went from sleeping wherever they pleased to curling up like angels on crate pillows.

A crate is also great for a new puppy. You can sleep easier knowing that they aren't chewing up your phone cord or peeing on your carpet. Some people even use crates to house train.

2) Supervision. Never leave your new puppy alone with your older dog. This is tricky though. You also don't want to stand between your older dog and new dog. You want them to interact with one another. You don't want an attack to happen because they think you're going to back them up. I learned that the hard way. Now I don't let my dogs hide behind my legs and act shy. I move when they come to me if we're meeting a new dog.

3) Play times. Dogs that play together are almost always going to become good friends when they get back indoors. Our lab mix loves her new Golden-Poodle wrestle buddy. Our Jack Russel spent three days chasing both of them and now he doesn't greet them with the same hostile look in his eyes. They had fun outdoors and they brought that non-aggressive attitude in.

4) Food spots. Don't expect your dogs to eat from the same bowl. Get them their own bowls so you can monitor how much they eat. I like to feed my four from within their new crates. They're all in the same space but they know their food is safe from hungry buddies.

5) Group walks. Using the same friendly principle as playing together, walking together establishes happy bonds between dogs. Don't walk the new puppy and leave the old behind if you can help it. You'll want to get used to having them both together and the sooner you do it the easier it will be.

Learn more about this author, E. Rae Fallesen.
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