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I LOVE my multi-dog household. I don't think we'll ever go back to having just one dog. It's not for everyone, for sure, but multiples fit well with our lifestyle, our house, our family. Here are some things to think about if you're considering adding another dog to your family:

Pros:

• Dogs keep each other company. I feel less guilty when I leave the dogs at the house. Those not crated can pal around…or just sleep. 
• Dogs entertain each other. I wind 'em up and let 'em go. Once they're all playing, I can sneak back to my computer and get some work done.
• Everyone has a dog (or two) to themselves. Tango is definitely my dog. Nemo is definitely my husband's dog. We share Lily equally (or is it that she shares us?), and Baby Caysun's everyone's and no one's  (except Service Dogs of Virginia — they lay claim to her) because she's the service pup in-training.
• They clearly enjoy each other. These dogs play together, relax together, and stand guard (or at least pretend to) together. When one is gone (out with me, usually), the others appear quite happy to see the missing one when we return home again.

Cons

• They're expensive. Dogs eat a lot. They require lots of medicine. If you buy one toy, you buy FOUR toys. You need supplies in multiples: toys, beds, medicines, leashes, crates, bowls, everything. 
• If they don't get along, you're in trouble. Big trouble. If our dogs weren't good friends, it'd be a nightmare. Having two compatible dogs is heaven. Having even one incompatible dog will make your life a living hell. It can get ugly in a hurry. 
• Exercising multiple dogs can be hard. Yes, they will exercise each other if you have a large fenced yard. But if you've gotta leash your pups up and get them out for walks for exercise, it's going to take you a long time and a lot of effort to get them all the exercise they need. 
• You gotta train them all. Training is important with one dog. It's mandatory with multiple dogs. In fact, the more dogs you have, the more individual training they all need. Because handling just one dog can be challenging, but handling several dogs can be a real bear, even if one of those dogs has an issue (even a small issue can be magnified when you've got a slew of dogs). 
• Your house (and yard) will be a mess. I already spoke of my dog hair problem. I haven't yet shared our poop problem in the backyard. We pick it up. Often. And there's a lot of it. It's disgusting. It's a part of your daily life if you have multiple dogs. Let's just leave it at that. (But oh, the pictures I could post…)

So. While I love having multiples, I understand that it's not for everyone. Thank goodness I have a husband who also likes mulitples, who doesn't mind dog hair, and who is ok with poop-pickup once a week. If you're thinking of  adding another, my general thought is: go ahead (if you've considered all the cons above)! Just keep canine personalities in mind, sign both dogs up for training, and then jump in to the joy — and chaos — of a multi-dog household!

Everyone knows Tango's my favorite. He gets the choice leftovers, I sneak him extra tidbits, he gets prime seating, the works. 

Over the past few years, though, since I started working from home now that I think about it, Little Lily's been getting closer and closer to the top spot. 

I'm not her favorite, though. My husband holds that honor. She and Nemo live for that man. It's a little disgusting, really. She fawns over him like a schoolgirl with a crush. 

But I've been noticing that I've been moving up on her list, lately, too. Given the choice, she'll follow me throughout the house, even if my husband's home. Her favorite spot is under my desk — she tucks in so tight — while I'm working. I can't walk 10 feet to the bathroom without her following, even when I tell her that I'll be right back. 

She's getting older — she'll be 10 this month (how can that be?!) and I think a lot more now about how much longer I'll have the pleasure of her company. With the addition of Baby Caysun, Lily's become more spritely and spirited, which I think also contributes to my growing fondness. 

Throughout her life, Lily's always been "in the middle." She's never been the top priority, and she's never been the trouble-dog. It's those in the middle that often get left out. I've been paying her more attention, and she's enjoying it, I do believe. I'm seeing a lot more of Lily — like peeling back the layers of an onion. 

Which is funny to me. Lily's been with us for 10 years. She's not exactly new. But her maturity's making me look twice at her. And I'm loving the girl I'm seeing. 

I received a coupon for $50 from an internet business called Mr. Chewy. They sell dog and cat food, and other treats for your animals. I try to feed my guys high-quality food, so I was pleased to see that Mr. Chewy carried our food: Taste of the Wild. 

But, c'mon — how on earth were they going to be a good value? Each bag weighs 30 pounds? I figured shipping would cost more than the food itself. Besides, I can get the food right around the corner for about $43 a bag. 

Well guess what. Mr. Chewy delivers for free if you order at least $49 from them. My food from Mr. Chewy was about $45 per bag, just $2 more than my neighborhood store, and I can save my gas $ (and time, which is even more valuable than fuel), and get my stuff delivered to my door. 

My next thought was: I better plan my orders because free shipping will take a week or two. Ha, wrong again! I placed an order to Mr. Chewy on Wednesday and it was at my door on Thursday. How do they do that?! I'm not a shipping genius, but I love that it happens. 

So here's my bottom line: if you're looking for good prices on some high quality food, treats, and toys for your dogs, check 'em out. I will be a repeat customer!

Mr. Chewy gave me $50 to spend, just to try them out. They had no say in my review, comments, or purchase. I bought my dogs Christmas presents with the $, which I still have to wrap! If I didn't like their stuff, store, shopping experience, or checkout, I'd tell you. I won't steer you wrong, especially when it comes to your $ and your dog!

My sweetest of sweets, Tango, passed the Odor Recognition Test (ORT) for K9 Nose Work a couple of weeks ago!

This was a hard-earned acheivement for my boy. We tried at about this time last year, but I screwed us up and we didn't get it. 

Thankfully, this year, I was up to speed, and was able to call "Alert" when Tango found the box with the birch odor in it. 

What the heck is an ORT? It's the first step in getting ready for competition in the sport known as K9 Nose Work. 

What's K9 Nose Work all about? Read the article on K9 Nose Work I wrote for clickertraining.com. K9 NW is a cool new sport that's good for almost any dog. No matter the age, temperament, or physical ability — almost every dog can have fun with K9 Nose Work. 

Another of my dogs is also into K9 Nose Work — Nemo. Part hound, Nemo excels in the sport. He lives for K9 NW. Nemo will be my competition dog, but it was fun for Tango and I to achieve the ORT. 

If you think your dog needs an outlet for exercise and mental stimulation this winter season, check out a K9 Nose Work class near you! Smart Dog U has a class starting in February, but it's almost full already. If you're interested in trying K9NW with your dog, sign up, we'd love to spread the nose work fever!