Keeping the Peace in a Multi-Dog Household: Lava, Hela & Lajka Make It Work

Hi, I’m Dr. Maja! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two crossbreed dogs, Lava and Hela.

When I was a kid, we always had one dog. During my teenage years, we slowly progressed to having two dogs, and that always seemed like a good number. They would play together and keep each other company. And now, for the first time in my life, I have three dogs. It wasn’t something I planned; it kind of just happened and I couldn’t turn a blind eye. And after one month of having the third four-legged girl join our family, I have no regrets. She has turned out to be just what my pack needed.

New Friendships

When getting a new dog, there is always that potential concern of how well they will adapt to the existing household and get along with other pets. This is particularly challenging when it comes to rescue dogs with unknown histories and often a lack of socialisation, such as in the case of Lajka. Although she has been very affectionate from the beginning and showed a friendly attitude towards my other two dogs, there was still a little degree of transient uncertainty.

She was great outside with them and full of confidence, following them around without any indication of fear or aggression. But inside, when she was in her crate, there were a few instances of growling. This was mainly directed towards Hela, who only showed a playful intention, so it seemed like Lajka had developed a dislike of her for whatever reason. However, after a few days, Lajka realised that Hela only wanted to play and embraced her very quickly from that moment on. The two of them are now always playing both inside and out and seemed to have clicked. With Lava, it’s a little bit different.

…And Some Yet to Be Formed

Lava is very boisterous and playful but a dominant dog. She always seems to have an attitude, but as soon as she realises the other dog only wants to play, she’s all fun and games. With Lajka, however, it seems there is a bit of reserve. Lava seems very interested in interacting with her, while Lajka loves barking at Lava, which really annoys both her and me. They do play, when Hela starts the game of chase, but they clearly need more time, which is quite typical of Lava. She is super friendly, forward, and curious when she meets a new dog, but as soon as she realizes they are actually here to stay, she becomes visibly jealous of needing to share my attention with yet another pet, not to mention her toys and various beds. It’s tough being a dog in a multi-pet household, Lava thinks.

Even the Cats Approve

Lajka must have been around cats as she was quite friendly towards them. But she also easily got excited seeing the kittens play and run around her crate, as well as climb on top of it. This would set off her barking and she would take a little time to calm down. This was the only thing I worried about in the beginning, thinking she may see the kittens as a fun toy to chase and grab. But after a week of living with us, she stopped paying much attention to their zoomies. Now she connected the dots that cats mean cat food, and that is way too good to pass on.

The kittens accepted her very quickly, Minnie in particular, despite Lajka’s initial barking, which sounded quite scary and would send the other kitten Nara running up to the loft. Now they have become used to the noise and will sleep even when Lajka barks.

Would I Ever Get More Than Three Dogs?

I say no now, but I know in my heart that isn’t necessarily true. However, caring for so many animals is quite time-consuming and a great responsibility. Above all, my biggest worry is that I don’t have enough time to give all of them the attention they need. The meal times and walks are all done together, but the three of them have different needs when it comes to exercise and attention. Still, watching them interact with one another and seeing how their relationships get stronger every day is fulfilling and fun, and I can only do my best to provide them with all the care and love they need.