Many dog owners get a second dog at some point and wonder if their current dog house is big enough for two. Dogs are social animals that often enjoy having canine companionship, so getting a second dog can enrich your first dog’s life. However, dogs also need adequate space of their own. Sharing a dog house may work well for some dogs, while others may prefer having their own separate spaces. There are several factors to consider when deciding if two dogs can successfully share the same dog house.
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Dog Breed Size
One of the most important considerations is the size of the two dogs. Small dogs take up much less space than large dogs. For example, two Chihuahuas or other tiny dogs may comfortably share a small dog house without issues. However, two large breed dogs like Great Danes likely would find even a very large dog house too cramped.
When the dogs are different sizes, consider the space needs of the larger dog first. Make sure the dog house is big enough for the bigger dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably by itself. If the larger dog has sufficient room, then a smaller second dog may be able to share the space without problem.
Pay attention to the combined weights of the dogs as well. Even if they physically fit, two very heavy dogs may make the floor space overly crowded and uncomfortable. Lighter weight breeds can usually share tighter quarters more easily.
Dog House Size
In addition to the size of the dogs themselves, the physical dimensions of the dog house matter too. A good general guideline is that each dog should have at least 30 cubic feet of interior space.
For example, a basic cube-shaped dog house that is 3 feet wide by 3 feet deep by 3 feet high would equal 27 cubic feet. This would provide adequate room for one medium-sized dog but would likely cramp two dogs trying to share it.
Expanding to a 4 foot by 4 foot by 3 foot high dog house results in 48 cubic feet of space. This extra room would allow two dogs that are not extra large breeds to comfortably share the dog house together.
If you have giant breed dogs or more than two dogs, scale up the size even more. Make sure to include extra head room so the dogs can sit and stand fully upright.
Dog Temperaments
Along with physical space considerations, the temperaments of the individual dogs also impacts whether sharing will work. Dogs that are more anxious, territorial, or aggressive are less likely to accept a canine housemate. Even very bonded pairs may run into issues in the confined space of a dog house where they can’t get away from each other if needed.
On the other hand, dogs that are more easy-going and social are ideal candidates for sharing dog house accommodations. Older dogs and puppies tend to do better at sharing space than high-energy adolescents. Dogs that are littermates or have grown up together also tend to accept sharing better since they are accustomed to close living quarters.
If you have any concerns about potential disagreements, provide a second dog house or at least an extra large shared space to give the dogs options. Having escape routes helps minimize conflicts when sharing tight quarters.
Dog House Features
The design and amenities of the dog house itself can also impact the sharing experience. For optimal success, choose a dog house with the following features:
– Double door allowing entry and exit from either side so one dog doesn’t have to crawl over the other
– Divider or partial wall inside to create side-by-side areas for each dog
– Extra insulation and ventilation to prevent overheating when two warm dog bodies share the space
– Easy-clean materials in case of accidents with multiple dogs
– Raised floor to stay dry and promote circulation under the dog house
– Wide overhang roof to provide shade and shelter from rain and snow
– Heating pads, fans, or flaps to maintain temperature regulation if needed
A well-designed dog house with plenty of room and handy features can make sharing the space much more pleasant and reduce conflicts.
Outdoor Space
While the interior dog house dimensions are crucial, also pay attention to the amount of outdoor yard space surrounding it. Even dogs that get along well indoors likely will want some alone time in the yard. Make sure each dog can have adequate outdoor play and rest areas to itself when needed.
If space is limited, consider adding a fenced run or connecting the dog house to a larger kennel. This allows the dogs to share an indoor sleeping space at night while still having their own areas outdoors during the day.
Separation Options
Rather than forcing dogs to share 100% of the time, it may work better to give them their own dog houses that they can choose to share. Place the two dog houses side by side in the same outdoor area.
That way each dog can retreat to its own private house whenever it wants space, but still has the option to join the other dog in one house for companionship. Having multiple linked houses with interconnecting doors works well too.
During the adjustment period, try separating the dogs into their own houses at night, and allow sharing only when directly supervised during the day. As they get comfortable with the arrangement, they may choose to sleep near each other more often on their own.
Trial Period
Don’t expect dogs to immediately accept sharing their house with a new canine housemate. Be prepared for an adjustment period that may take days, weeks, or even months in some cases.
Start by letting the dogs sniff out and explore each other’s dedicated areas. Feed them, play with them, and provide affection in separate dog houses so they develop positive associations with having their own space.
Slowly allow supervised sharing times, watching carefully for any signs of discomfort, aggression, or anxiety. Separate them again if issues arise. With proper training, supervision, and adjustments, the dogs should gradually accept sharing.
However, if serious conflicts persist or either dog seems stressed by the arrangement, return to providing separate housing permanently. Some dogs simply prefer having a place of their own and will never happily share close quarters.
Be alert for any of the following signs that may indicate a dog is not comfortable sharing its house:
– Fighting/posturing over territory
– Growling or snapping when approached
– Trembling, cowering, or hiding
– Pacing and restlessness
– Excessive barking/whining
– Loss of appetite
– Shedding and hair loss
– Bowel accidents
If these behaviors start occurring, immediately separate the dogs and re-evaluate the shared housing situation. The dogs may need more private space, better separation barriers, or more individualized attention.
While close quarters sharing doesn’t work for all canine housemates, many dogs can learn to successfully cohabitate with proper training and preparation. Here are some top tips for setting up dogs for sharing success:
– Start young before territorial instincts fully develop
– Arrange adequate individual spaces in the house
– Give each dog its own bed, bowls, and toys
– Feed, walk, and train the dogs separately
– Set up clear divider panels in shared areas
– Provide separate outdoor time daily
– Maintain separate sleeping quarters initially
– Reward peaceful interactions near each other
– Correct unwanted behaviors immediately
– Go slowly with multi-step introduction process
– Be willing to revert to separate housing if needed
With time, patience, and proper management, many canine pairs or small groups can adapt to harmoniously sharing a dog house. Pay attention to each dog’s needs and reactions, and be ready to tweak the setup as needed. Proper planning and training can allow dogs to gain the social benefits of companionship while still having a place to call their own.
Conclusion
Sharing a dog house can certainly work well for some canine companions, but is not ideal for every dog pair. Consider the size of each dog, their temperaments, the dimensions of the space, the features included, and the amount of outdoor territory. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure adequate individual areas. Go through a gradual acclimation process, and separate them again if serious conflicts arise. While challenging at times, the effort to help dogs share harmoniously can pay off through long-term canine friendship. With thoughtful preparation, patience, and adaptability, many dogs can become comfortable, cooperative housemates.
| Dog 1 Size | Dog 2 Size | Dog House Size | Temperament | Features | Outdoor Space | Separation Ability | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Small | 2 ft x 2 ft | Calm | Single entry | Small yard | No | Success |
| Large | Large | 3 ft x 3 ft | Excitable | No divider | Large yard | Yes | Moderate Success |
| Medium | Small | 4 ft x 3 ft | Easy-going | Double entry | Average yard | Yes | Great Success |
| Large | Medium | 4 ft x 4 ft | Assertive | Interior barrier | Small yard | No | Failure |
This table summarizes different scenarios of two dogs sharing a house, and how factors like size, space, personality, and amenities impact the likelihood of success. It illustrates how important the individual details are when determining if a particular canine pair can learn to happily and safely share close living quarters together over time.
FAQs
Each dog should have at least 30 cubic feet of interior house space, more for large breeds. Make sure both dogs can stand, lie down, and move around comfortably inside.
Yes, having a dog door that allows both dogs to freely enter and exit prevents issues with one dog feeling trapped or blocked.
What if one dog bullies the other out of the house?
Set up clear territory barriers inside, and monitor initial sharing sessions. Correct any bullying immediately and separate the dogs if it persists.
Sharing bowls can sometimes lead to resource guarding conflicts. Providing two water bowls, one for each dog, is preferable.
Use individually gated areas, positive reinforcement of calm interactions, and corrections for unwanted behavior. Praise both dogs for polite sharing.
Summary
Sharing a dog house can work well when the dogs get along, have compatible personalities, and the space is large enough to accommodate both comfortably. Ensure each dog has its own bed, bowls, and toys inside. Allow the dogs to have regular separation in their own yards or houses. Introduce sharing gradually while monitoring for any conflicts. Some dogs may never adjust to sharing, so be prepared to revert to separate housing as needed. With time, training, and proper introductions, many dogs can learn to happily cohabit peacefully. Ensure the physical and emotional needs of both dogs are met, and a shared dog house can provide companionship without compromising comfort.