puppy behaviors at 1 year?

jenns

I find it a lot harder to train obedience now that I have 2 dogs. When it was just Zoe I could spontaneously work on a few commands throughout the day, but now it has to be planned because the other dog has to be crated.

why? IMO obedience is for every day life (especially basic obedience!!) and in the case of your household that means 2 dogs who are together most of the time (i figure...) so after having taught a new command (after they GET IT, i mean) i VERY quickly switch to training all the time. i just carry treats with me whenever i can (and in winter i have more pockets so it's easier) and train whenever with the other dog around. yup, going to the bathroom? ok, i'll do a command once or twice first. getting up? 1-2 commands. watching tv? ok, 1-2 commands first. no need to crate the other dog. THEY have to learn to control themselves as well. in fact for moca's focus (which was like THE hardest thing for her) i ended up going back to extremely strict NILIF and incorporated the focus into that. jason was always included....

janetmichel3009

IMO obedience is for every day life (especially basic obedience!!) and in the case of your household that means 2 dogs who are together most of the time

I couldn't agree more. Emma has competed in rally, and Ena B will, very soon. Obedience is a big part of their daily routine. Manners is a big part of life. Manners come first. I have to be able to live with them. They sit quietly, while I eat. They don't beg, so I share from my plate. They potty outside, so they get free range while I'm home. They don't bark excessively, so I allow some barking (three barks, and I say "enough!";). It's all give and take. Sit, and you can have your toy. You like this bite of food? Lie down. You're in my seat. Off. 

It's not all about structured training. Training is a great, big game, for my dogs. They think it's a blast!   I do little training sessions, throughout the day. If I want to just work one dog, I put the other in a stay. That does not have to be planned, at all.

 Not only that, but sometimes it can be great to have both dogs in on the obediance.  Dogs can learn from watching the other preform, and if you have multiple dogs you need them to be able to both obey you ultimatly at the same time so you can take them places together.  Plus, I think some healthy competition can create some serious focus at times.  Kirby at least gets really intense at performing commands when my cat comes wandering over because he wants to make sure he gets his share of the treats.