Situations change, and sometimes you find your family going their separate ways. These scenarios can be tricky in themselves, but where pets are involved, it’s even more challenging. If you find yourself in a scenario where you want to share a dog between two homes – following a divorce, for example – will your dog be able to cope?
There’s no rule on whether dogs can live between two homes; some will thrive with attention from both of their pet parents, but others will struggle with the constant upheaval of moving between two houses.
Advantages of Having a Dog Live Between Two Homes
An obvious advantage of sharing your canine between two different homes is that both pet parents can stay in the life of their four-legged friend. If your dog has an equal bond with both of you, they will thrive on your continued love and attention.
In addition, dogs love to explore new environments, so having a change of scenery might be nice for them. This can help alleviate boredom and monotony and offer a constantly evolving and enriching environment. However, they also need a space where they can feel calm and safe, so you’ll need to ensure that each house can provide this for them.
With shared care, you can dedicate quality time to your canine while having space to take care of your needs. This can be better than one pet parent taking on full responsibility but not having the time and energy to dedicate to thorough care.
Disadvantages of Having a Dog Live Between Two Homes
One of the main disadvantages of splitting your dog between two homes is the disturbance to their routine and stability. Your dog’s adaptability is a good indicator of how well they will cope with this new scenario. They’ll be better candidates for living between two homes if they adjust to new situations with minimal fuss and have an easy-going demeanor.
On the other hand, if you’re the pet parent of an anxious pup or a dog who is easily unsettled by change, the transition of living between two houses could be a real challenge.
A dog’s adjustment to living between two homes doesn’t just depend on their personality; it also depends on their relationship with both people. If the bond is much stronger with one of you than the other, splitting them up from their “favorite” person could trigger severe separation anxiety.
It might be challenging to accept, but if your dog has a stronger relationship with one person, you should prioritize their needs above yours. If you’re going to set up a double-home living arrangement, it needs to be because that’s the best thing for your dog. Just because you don’t have them living with you doesn’t mean you can’t see them; maybe you could take them out for regular evening walks or trips to the park.
How Do I Help My Dog Adapt to Living Between Two Homes?
Separation can be stressful, and the same applies to your dog. One of the best ways to help them with their new living arrangements is to ensure that the transitions are as smooth as possible, and both homes have everything in place to make your dog feel safe and loved.
No matter the situation, you and the other person will need to put your differences aside for the sake of your fur babies so that you can provide a consistent and caring environment for your canine. Disputes, disruption, and instability can wreak havoc on your pet’s wellbeing, so it’s essential to do whatever you can to keep things calm, stable, and routine.
Ideally, you need to sit down with the other person and work out a clear set of logistics and guidelines from the start. Some key questions to think about include:
- How long does your dog stay at each home?
- How will you organize handovers?
- What is the feeding, exercise, and sleep routine for your dog?
- Who will arrange vet visits?
- Who will administer treatments? (Flea and tick prevention etc.)
- How can you offer consistency between both homes?
How Can I Tell If My Dog Is Happy Living Between Two Homes?
Every dog possesses its own unique personality, so there’s no hard and fast rule regarding a life between two homes. If a situation arises where you’d like your dog to live in two separate houses, it might be worth instigating a trial period to see how well your dog copes.
During the trial period, keep a close eye on your dog for any telltale signs of unhappiness or stress. These symptoms can present in several ways; one of the easiest things to look out for is changing your dog’s “normal” behavior. A dog who is usually playful and energetic may become tired and lethargic, while another might start to channel their energy into negative behaviors such as tearing up the furniture.
Signs that your dog is not coping well include:
- Tiredness, lethargy, or weakness
- A low tail or dropped ears
- Lack of focus
- Changes in behavior
- Destructive behavior
- Depression
Your dog may “act out” in the early days of your new arrangement. Still, if their behavior doesn’t settle, it may be time to rethink your situation. If you can offer one stable home, this may be the best solution, but if you can’t, seek advice from your vet on how best to help your canine cope with their stress.
