As you have seen I have been going through major issues with my significant other's decision to add a dog to his household (when he wasn't prepared). As I have posted, I am working to find what I think would be a better situation for our GSP Jake (fighting in the house is bad, but still needing to correct his mounting behavior ismaking him less desireable to people as new dog). For now we are status quo.

My question is about how many people is too many for taking care of one dog? Currently Jake lives in one house, but during the day is watched by myself (afternoons, with training and walk) or taken for the day by my BF's sister or neices, where he is taken to a small house where there are 4 small dogs inside (yorikies, pommeranian, and some other rat looking thing).

My concern is that with all the moving around, Jake will not be able to find stability and security, and will not be able to establish a safe spot of his own. I am also concerned about bad and colder weather, and the dog having thte option of being outside, or inside a small house with 4 other dogs (and if this goes on, adding a terrier mix to the bunch in december)

I am afraid this will be seen as a permanent solution as it looks like that is what people are thinking. I love the dog too, but being a realist from hell, I am seeing how it may not be in Jakes best interest. Am I crazy or does this set up sound a bit complicated and maybe too much for the dog? Feel free to tell me it's all perfectly fine (I would love if it COULD be a good thing for the dog because I love him). I will say that I also worry about what it might do to the resident dog who is always left at home, out of the mix with the running around, though I always try to walk him and give him time before I take Jake with me. The resident dog is currently away for two weeks at doggie school.

I do get it, we sound like insane people, or like horrible dog owners. I am trying very hard not to be either, and just hoping to be able to find what is best for my big lovie bear Jake, and then convince the small army of other people to think of the dog, not only how much we humans want him with us.

Let me start by saying I am definitely not an expert on dog training.  What I have found works for me in all the dogs I've own is routine and exercise.

I don't think it really matters how many people are involved in the dogs life.

I work fulltime and a typical routine for my two is as soon as the alarm goes off they go out, when I get out of the shower they get fed, out again in the yard to play for about a half hour, as soon as the kongs come out of the freezer they both go directly to their kennels (I don't even have to tell them to go).  In the afternoon one of the neighbor kids comes over after school and lets them out and plays with them, then they go back in their kennels and she doesn't even have to tell them to. I get home, they are back out again and when they come in they go directly to the closet where I keep the leashes because they know it's walk time. Bedtime is actually quite comical because they know when I go to the pantry it's to to get their cookie and they both take off running for the bedroom. They know the routine pretty well and I think it works for them. This is typical 3 days a week - the other 2 they go to doggie daycare.

In the beginning I had issues with Archer showing some dog aggression, so I took him to a trainer that worked with him around other dogs, this really worked wonders.  I then started taking them to this doggie daycare where they have supervised play with other dogs - this has many benefits, one they are socialized around other dogs in a controlled environment and two they are totally exhausted when they come home (this is probably why they don't mind going in their kennels to rest those 3 days a week ).

Again, as I said before I am not an expert and this is my 1st experience with GSPs but I really think routine is key.

If you are trying to juggle Jake around just for the sake to keep him with humans cuz of separation anxiety then you are going about it all wrong... if SA is an issue then you need a schedule and he needs to learn to be by himself right away... giving him a kennel in the house and making that his safe place... there are meds and soothing scents that help relax dogs with SA...

The most important thing with SA is to not over indulge the dog... you need to be totally laid back... when you come home do not greet the dog, ignore the dog for at least 30 minutes... if the dog is in its kennel do not let it out right away if it is loose in the house simply ignore (though you can let out to go potty)... it is very important that when you come and go you do not talk baby talk to the dog and give it lots of attention and pets, don't say silly things like "watch the house for mommy" "be good dog while I am gone" these things excite the dog and begin the stress of SA...

I do believe that routine is the key.  If they know what to expect, the are much better dogs.  While it may not matter how many people are in their lives, I do believe they will be more obedience to one particular person who is their caretaker, i.e. the one that feeds them.

If you could set up a routine, no doubt that would make everything easier.   Like dlord said, she does not even have to tell them to go in their kennels because they know they will be let out to play, eat, etc.

Mine are the same way.  When the alarm goes off, they go outside and I fix their food.  They come in, eat, and because I am paranoid about bloat, they go back to laying down for an hour, then I get up, they go for a run with me, then I go to work.  Mine are not in a kennel during the day, they pretty much have run of the house.  Thankfully they are all very good dogs (4 of them).  Then when I get home, they get to out and I prepare their 2nd meal, I fix dinner and eat and then will do some individual training.  Then they are ready for their chews and bed.

They are very content dogs . . . because they know what is next.

One other thing with regards to kenneling that might help: Try putting the dog in the crate when not expected (we do it occasionally during TV Time). Call the dog to kennel, put it in, and give it a treat. Close the door, and fiddle with the lock (as if to lock the dog in) but do not lock the kennel. Let Jake open the door, and let himself out. That way, it will not be so traumatic (with doing this over time) for Jake to put himself in the kennel!

Some pictures - it is all fun and games until the boy figures-out that he can still play with her when she is in the kennel!