06/20/2026
I get asked sometimes how I deal with having two dogs of vastly different personalities, temperaments, and ages in the home.
Raz turned 14 this year, and Scythe is 4 in just under two weeks. Raz is tolerant of Scythe at best, where Scythe would LOVE to be Raz's best friend. That can occasionally make things tense. Raz also has some minor resource guarding tendencies and gets annoyed when Scythe wants to play or have all the attention.
So, how do I manage two very different dogs.
I have a strict no play rule in the house unless I initiate it.
I give both dogs breaks from the other. Scythe will get down time in his crate, and Raz gets some uninterrupted cuddle time and a break from her brother. Raz will occasionally put herself downstairs for a nap, and I'll close the basement door so Scythe can't get downstairs.
When I leave for work, Scythe will often come with me and get worked in between sessions, unless it's too hot to be safe for him in the car. If that's the case, I put Raz in the basement and leave Scythe to roam upstairs, a closed door separating them.
When I'm home and it's the end of the day and both dogs are winding down, we all find spots in the living room and just chill for the rest of the night.
Some might do it differently, but this arrangement has worked well for us for almost 2 years since Scythe has come home.