5. Treat-Time Turf Wars - Multi-Dog Setup

Best for

Multi-dog homes, dogs of different sizes, supervised chew sessions, structured feeding areas, and pack management

Main problem solved

Dogs stealing bones, dragging bones away, crowding each other, guarding treats, or fighting over high-value chews

Primary setup

One or more BoneZone® stations arranged to give each dog its own controlled chew position

Best dog type

Small to large dogs, provided each dog has suitable space, supervision, and an appropriate setup

Setup style

Single Clamp-Post with multiple jaw positions where suitable, or separate BoneZone® stations for better separation

Video

🎥 Add setup video link / icon here

BoneZone® alloy Clamp-Post / pole

Main vertical support for the jaw assembly

Versatile Wall Mounts, BaseMount, or straps

Mount the Clamp-Post to the selected structure or surface

One or more BoneZone® jaw assemblies

Holds separate bones, chews, or treats for each dog where suitable

Plunger pin / height-locking pin

Sets and locks the working height for each jaw position

BiteLock™ jaw insert, where suitable

Helps grip irregular bones, round bones, or awkward chew shapes

Spill mats

Helps contain mess, drool, blood, crumbs, marrow, and bone fragments

Optional barriers or spacing

Helps separate dogs that need more distance during chew time

Cleaning bucket and stiff nylon brush

Useful for cleaning between dogs, bones, and sessions

Dog behaviour

Know your dogs. If they guard food, steal, crowd, snap, stalk, or hover, use separate stations with more distance.

Space between dogs

Each dog should have enough room to chew without another dog standing over it or reaching its bone.

Size differences

Large and small dogs may need different jaw heights, different bone sizes, and separate positions.

Bone value

High-value bones can increase competition. Start with calm dogs, short sessions, and equal-value chews.

Mounting strength

The mounting method must suit the strongest dog using the setup, not the smallest dog.

Escape path

Dogs should not feel trapped against a wall, corner, fence, or another dog while chewing.

Supervision

Multi-dog chew sessions should always be supervised.

Separation option

Be ready to remove a dog, separate dogs, or end the session if tension starts.

One Clamp-Post, one dog at a time

New users, strong chewers, dogs still learning BoneZone®

Safest way to introduce the system before adding other dogs.

One freestanding Clamp-Post, multiple jaw positions

Calm dogs that already share space well and can access the pole from different sides

Only suitable in a standalone/freestanding setup with 360° access around the Clamp-Post. Not suitable for wall, tree, fence, post, or other one-sided mounting arrangements.

Separate BoneZone® stations

Most multi-dog homes

Best option for preventing crowding, stealing, and tension.

Separate stations with barriers

Dogs with mild guarding, size differences, or high excitement

Use distance, fencing, gates, or physical separation where needed.

Commercial-style layout

Daycare, kennel, breeder, or high-volume environments

Covered in the commercial use scenario, with stronger spacing and cleaning controls.

1

Confirm the dogs are suitable

Only use a shared Clamp-Post arrangement for dogs that are calm, supervised, similar in temperament, and not prone to food guarding, stealing, crowding, or fighting over chews.

2

Use a freestanding setup only

A shared multi-jaw setup must have 360° access around the Clamp-Post. Do not use this arrangement with wall mounts, tree mounts, fence mounts, post mounts, or any setup where one or more faces of the pole are blocked.

3

Choose the correct base arrangement

Use a standalone/freestanding arrangement such as a fixed BaseMount on concrete, decking, patio, verandah, kennel floor, timber base, pegged grass setup, or future 1200 mm folding base.

4

Confirm full access around the pole

Both dogs must be able to approach the pole from different sides without being forced into the same space. All three pole faces should remain accessible.

5

Install and test the freestanding base

Secure the Clamp-Post into the base arrangement and test it firmly by hand. The setup must not rock, lift, twist, tip, slide, or shift under pulling load.

6

Understand the three-face pole layout

The BoneZone® Clamp-Post has three usable faces. Multi-jaw setups work by placing each jaw arrangement on different faces so the dogs can work from separate directions.

7

Choose Arrangement A or Arrangement B

Use Arrangement A for dogs with a clearer size difference. Use Arrangement B for friendly dogs of similar size where the jaw sets can overlap slightly on different faces.

8A

Arrangement A — separate complete jaw assemblies

Slide one complete jaw assembly onto Face 1 and set it lower for the smaller dog. Then slide the second complete jaw assembly onto Face 2 or Face 3 and set it higher for the larger dog.

9A

Adjust each assembly separately

In this arrangement, each complete jaw assembly has some independent height movement because each one is using a different face of the Clamp-Post. Space is still limited, but the two jaw sets are less likely to interfere with each other.

10A

Use Arrangement A when

This is the simplest shared-pole setup for two dogs with different chewing heights, provided both dogs are calm, supervised, and comfortable sharing the same freestanding chew station.

8B

Arrangement B — overlapped jaw setup

For dogs of similar size, slide the bottom jaw for the lower set onto Face 1. Then slide the bottom jaw for the upper set onto Face 2 or Face 3. Whichever face you choose for that second set, keep that entire jaw set on the same face.

9B

Add the top jaws in the same order

After both bottom jaws are on the pole, add the top jaw for the lower set, followed by the top jaw for the upper set. If done correctly, this can be fitted quickly without fully disassembling the jaw assemblies.

10B

Keep each jaw set matched to its face

The lower set must stay on its chosen face, and the upper set must stay on its chosen face. Do not attempt to mix top and bottom jaws of the same assembly across different faces. Its simply not possible.

11B

Move both bottom jaws together

Because the overlapped arrangement has limited space between the two jaw sets, both bottom jaws generally need to move up or down together. What you do to one, you should do to the other, or leave both fixed in place.

12B

Use Arrangement B when

This setup is best for friendly dogs of similar size that already share space well, do not squabble over food, and only need slightly different chewing positions.

13

Check dog spacing before loading bones

Make sure both dogs can chew from different sides of the pole without crossing over, bumping shoulders, standing over each other, or reaching the other dog’s bone.

14

Add equal-value bones or chews

Use similar-value chews to reduce competition. Avoid giving one dog a much higher-value item than the other.

15

Supervise closely

Watch body language from the first minute. Stiff posture, staring, hovering, blocking, growling, lip lifting, rushing, or stealing attempts mean the session should stop.

16

End early if needed

Remove bones and separate dogs before tension builds. Short, calm sessions are better than pushing too long.

17

Use separate stations if needed

If the dogs need more space, have a major size difference, compete over bones, or pull hard in different directions, use separate BoneZone® stations instead of one shared Clamp-Post.

1

Choose separate locations

Place each BoneZone® station far enough apart that dogs cannot reach each other’s bone or crowd each other.

2

Match each station to each dog

Set the jaw height and bone type for each dog’s size, strength, dental condition, and chewing style.

3

Install each station securely

Use the appropriate mounting scenario for each location: tree, post, wall, fixed base, round pole, or another suitable setup.

4

Add spill mats if required

Place mats, trays, or washable ground covers under each station to keep the area clean.

5

Load bones before releasing dogs

Where practical, load each station first, then bring dogs to their assigned stations calmly.

6

Assign each dog a station

Use routine and consistency. The same dog using the same station can help reduce confusion and competition.

7

Supervise the full session

Watch for dogs finishing early, attempting to steal, hovering near another dog, or guarding their own station.

8

Remove finished dogs if needed

If one dog finishes early, move it away rather than letting it pressure another dog.

9

Remove leftovers

Take away bone remnants at the end of the session, especially raw bones or anything that may spoil.

10

Clean each station

Wipe down jaws, Clamp-Posts, mats, and surrounding areas. A bucket of warm soapy water and a stiff nylon brush is great for cleaning clamp parts.

1

Choose suitable bones or chews

Use appropriate bones, raw meaty bones, air-dried chews, or pet-safe chews suitable for each dog’s size, chewing style, dental condition, and diet.

2

Use fair-value items

Give dogs similar-value items where possible. Big differences in bone value can increase stealing and guarding.

3

Match bone size to dog size

Do not give small dogs bones they cannot handle or large dogs bones that are too small, fragile, or easy to swallow.

4

Find the best clamping point

Choose the thicker or more stable section of each bone. Avoid clamping only the thinnest, sharpest, or most brittle end.

5

Select the jaw face

Use the jaw face or BiteLock™ arrangement that gives the best grip without crushing the bone unnecessarily.

6

Place each bone into the jaws

Position the bone so each dog can chew naturally without biting too close to the clamp faces, striking the pole, or reaching another dog’s bone.

7

Tighten each jaw

Tighten until the bone is firmly held and cannot be easily pulled free by hand. Do not overtighten fragile bones.

8

Check each dog’s access

Each dog should be able to chew from a comfortable stance with all four feet on the ground and its neck/back in a natural posture.

9

Supervise the first session

Watch how each dog interacts with the setup. Adjust clamp, angle, jaw position, mat position, spacing, or height if needed.

10

Remove leftovers

Remove bone remnants when the session is finished, especially raw bones or anything that may spoil.

11

Clean the area

Wipe down jaws, Clamp-Posts, mounts, mats, and surrounding areas before the next session.

Resource guarding

BoneZone® controls the bone, not the dog’s emotions. Dogs that guard food may need separation, training, or one-at-a-time use.

Supervision

Multi-dog chew sessions should always be supervised from start to finish.

One dog at a time

Introduce BoneZone® to each dog individually before running multi-dog sessions.

Equal-value chews

Similar bones or chews can reduce competition. Avoid creating obvious winners and losers.

Size differences

Small and large dogs may need separate heights, different bones, and more distance.

Strongest dog rule

The mounting setup must be strong enough for the strongest dog using it.

Early finishers

Dogs that finish early should be moved away so they do not pressure another dog.

Body language

Stop the session if you see stiffness, staring, hovering, blocking, growling, rushing, snapping, or repeated stealing attempts.

Children and guests

Keep children and visitors away from active bone sessions, especially in multi-dog homes.

Hygiene

Raw bones should be treated like raw meat. Clean jaws, mats, and surrounding areas after use.

One dog keeps stealing another bone

Dogs are too close, one dog finishes early, or the value difference is too high

Use separate stations, increase distance, remove early finishers, and give similar-value chews.

Dogs crowd each other

Stations are too close or dogs are not assigned clear positions

Increase spacing, use barriers, or run one dog at a time until the routine is established.

One dog guards its station

The dog is resource guarding or feels pressured by nearby dogs

Stop the session. Use separate areas, gates, crates, or one-at-a-time sessions. Consider professional training support for serious guarding.

Smaller dog looks intimidated

Larger dog is too close, standing over it, or watching its bone

Move the smaller dog to a separate station with more distance or a physical barrier.

Larger dog overpowers the setup

Mounting method is suitable for smaller dogs but not the strongest dog

Upgrade the mounting method, use a fixed post, wall mount, bolted base, or commercial-style setup.

One dog cannot reach comfortably

Jaw height is set for the wrong dog or multiple dogs are sharing one height

Adjust the jaw height for that dog or use separate jaw assemblies/stations for different dog sizes.

The dog can pull the bone loose

Bone is clamped on the wrong section, jaw face is not gripping well, or jaws are not tight enough

Reposition the bone, clamp on a thicker section, use a better jaw face/BiteLock™ arrangement, then retest by hand. Try to trap bones between two large ends to prevent slide-out.

Dogs swap stations repeatedly

The routine is not established or dogs are chasing higher-value bones

Assign stations, use equal-value chews, supervise closely, and separate dogs if they keep swapping.

One dog finishes too quickly

Chew is too small, too soft, or easier than the other dog’s chew

Choose a more suitable chew for that dog or remove the dog once finished. Do not allow it to hover over another dog.

Dogs become tense after a few minutes

Session is too long or bone value is increasing as they settle into chewing

Keep early sessions short. End while dogs are calm rather than waiting for tension.

One dog chews the hardware or straps

Bone is too close to the mount, the dog is frustrated, or hardware is within easy mouth reach

Reposition the jaw assembly, move the bone further from hardware, supervise closely, and stop use if the dog targets BoneZone® parts.

Mess spreads between stations

Dogs are moving around, bones are dripping, or stations are too close

Use spill mats under each station, increase spacing, and clean immediately after the session.

Dogs fight over bone remnants

Leftover pieces are falling, becoming loose, or being picked up after the session

Remove remnants promptly. Check the ground and mat area before releasing dogs together again.