having issues

[ROSE BURSKI]

See i have 4 dogs was told to train them one at a time but im a single mom and work and take care of them 4 and a house don't have a lot of time and when i make it they go nuts earing me work with the one. any suggestions

[Adrienne Farricelli]

Hi there,

Thank you for reaching out, you're absolutely not alone in facing this kind of challenge. Many of us are super busy and it can get challenging at times. Managing a household, job, and four energetic dogs is no small feat, especially as a single parent.

You’re right that training dogs individually is often recommended, particularly early on, to reduce distractions and give each dog the chance to focus and learn. However, when time is limited and you're seeing the others get overly excited or frustrated while you work with just one, we need to adapt the approach to your reality.

This is what I usually do. I keep the other dogs not being trained in their own crates with something to chew on or a stuffed Kong or some other long-lasting treat. This will keep them busy and we also create routine which makes them eager to see you train all the other dogs. 

The good news is that once they know the basics individually, you can start working on behaviors like "sit" or "wait" as a group.

If you want to work more on impulse control, at some point,  you can start to no longer use crates, but use mats where each dog lies down with something good to chew and keep occupied, until it's their turn. Here is how to train a dog to lie on a mat: https://www.braintraining4dogs.com/members/video-archive/train-dog-go-to-mat/

If some of your dogs get along particularly well, try training two at a time. Sometimes dogs can learn from each other and help keep each other calm.

If training time is limited, mental enrichment (like puzzle feeders, scent games, or chew toys) can help reduce frustration and excess energy that builds up when they see you working with one dog. So yeah, make sure to provide brain games. 

Remember to set realistic expectations, wiith your full plate, it’s okay to go slow. Progress may take longer, but consistency over time matters more than perfection in the short term.

If the overexcitement escalates into barking, fighting, or stress among your dogs, it might be worth consulting directly with a veterinary behaviorist or certified professional dog trainer to create a customized plan.

You're doing a lot already! Taking care of your dogs and trying to train them shows real dedication. Even small, consistent steps will make a difference.