How many dogs do you have? Just the 2? We have 3 and will be adopting a 4th soon. We are kinda rural, but not as rural as you.
I'm strong with my dogs (firm hand, no BS, etc.). They hunt rabbits and other varmits together as a pack but see my family as part of the pack and I'm the alpha, so no trouble. The 'top dog' is very loyal and keeps the others in line. If the others get out of line, he will pin them to the ground with his teeth on their neck. They help protect my other animals that they recognize as belonging to me, so I consider them value added.
I do love to see them work together. In a hunt or protecting chickens from coyotes. They work very together - it's the most amazing thing to see.
This is just a thought - you do what you need to do. But, multiple dogs can work if you have the right structure and a firm hand. If they know what to expect, they can be trained to stay in line.
Good luck.
I work during the day so Dog is alone, he doesn't roam, but with another Im sure he would. People shoot dogs in the country. If I had a fence to keep them contained I would keep it. Other than that I try not to look at it.
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