[Dailydrool] Multiple hounds non-related

[Beth Howering]

*We have three basset boys and a foster girl all unrelated, all arriving at
different times from different places.  Hugo is the oldest and he has always
gotten along with everyone.  He is probably somewhere between 11 and 13
years old and really acts it. He came nearly six years ago. Next is Arfur
who came  four years ago with many issues, but with training and
encouragement has turned into our host and greeter (although loud).  He is 5
years old.  Next is the young upstart, Vito, who is two and challenges all
the others, though he really gets along with all creatures except cats
(though that is changing - the Pippicat is training him well).  He is just
very energetic and playful.  He came here 1 1/2 yrs ago. Lady is six years
old and is a goofy, playful and peaceloving girl.  She has been here for
five months as a foster, and it looks as though she will be staying. They
all live together in peace.  I do not tolerate nastiness and they honor
that.  We have had a couple minor tussles between Arf and Vito due to Vito
challenging for the top spot, but those have passed.  Arfur tolerates
anything from Vito.  The most amazing thing is seeing them all ride in the
pickup - three in the back, one in the front.  We go through a drive thru
and no one even realizes we have four hounds in the truck.  The same with
camping.  I walk two at a time and people often think we only have two.  It
was more difficult with only one or even two than it is with our three, and
now four.  Any number beyond that is just not good for me.  Some days four
is a lot, but on the whole, they enjoy one another.  And when one does not
feel like playing, another steps in - with the exception of Hugo, who just
won't be bothered any more. We have had visitors who do not blend and they
clearly were  not meant to stay.  Strangely enough, no matter their
personality, they do tend to work things out among themselves.  Ours do not
even fight over food, though we have always enforced a "my space, your
space" mode of feeding.  Hugo and Lady eat together in the kitchen - they
basically ignore each other and concentrate on dinner.  Vito prefers his
crate, so we honor that.  Arfur eats in the same room as the crate, but does
not venture near it or harass Vito. Everyone knows their place and they do
not invade the space of the others.  Works even in the camper where we are
crowded together because the same rules apply.  All in all, it comes down to
how you interact with your pack.  And maybe your pack is just one - or two
because it is what you manage best.  The best way to know is to foster.
Good for you, good for the rescue, good experience for your hound(s) as
well.  Can't hurt to try.  And who knows?  Maybe you'll like having a pack.
Beth
Slave to Hugo, Arfur, Vito and Lady (& Blossom atb)

*O Great Spirit, grant that I might not criticize my neighbor until I have
walked a mile in his moccasins.

Help feed the animals http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com
http://www.freekibble.com

Visit Arfur at www.arfurtleadbottom.blogspot.com
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