If you’re a dog lover, chances are you’ve considered owning more than one. Walking two dogs at the same time can seem like a daunting task, but with a little bit of practice, it becomes easy!
Why Do Dogs Love to Pull So Much?
There are a few reasons why dogs love to pull while walking on a leash.
For one, they are curious about nature and want to explore everything around them. Walking side by side with their human companion doesn’t allow them to do this as much as they would like.
Additionally, dogs tend to have a lot of energy, which they burn off by running and playing. Walking at a slow pace isn’t enough to release all that energy, so they try to go as fast as possible instead.
Finally, some dogs simply enjoy the sensation of pulling on the leash. They find it fun and stimulating, much like we might find running or playing fetch fun and stimulating.
Whatever the reason for your dog’s pulling behavior, there are a few things you can do to help stop it.
All About Dogs In Our Detailed Guide Here: The Ultimate Guide To Dogs Behavior
Why Is Walking Two Dogs Challenging?
Walking two dogs can be tricky, even if you’re a seasoned pet parent. If you’re new to the game, it may seem downright impossible. Here are a couple of reasons why walking two dogs can be difficult:
- They Have Different Paces
- One May Be More Excited Than The Other
- You Might Get Pulled In Opposite Directions
- They Could Start To Fight Over A Stick… Or Your Attention.
Learn More: Why Is My Dog Aggressive to Other Dogs?
How to Walk Two Dogs at The Same Time
Now that we know why walking two dogs can be tough, let’s talk about how to make it work like a charm! These tips will have you strolling with your furry BFFs in no time.
Here are Ten tips to help make walking your furry friends a breeze.
Get the right gear: While you don’t need anything special to walk two dogs, there are a few things that can make your life easier. A double-ended leash is the most important item – it will allow you to keep both dogs close to you without getting tangled up. A harness is also a good idea, especially if one of your dogs tends to pull on the leash.
Start slow: When you first start walking two dogs, it’s important to go slowly and let them get used to each other. If they’re not used to being around other dogs, they may be hesitant or even scared at first. Just take your time and let them get comfortable with each other before increasing the pace.
Heel: One of the most important things to remember when walking two dogs is to keep them close to you. They should be walking right by your side, not in front of or behind you. This will help prevent them from getting tangled up and also makes it easier for you to control them if they start to pull.
Be consistent: It’s important to be consistent when walking two dogs – if one dog is allowed to pull on the leash, the other will probably try to do the same. If one dog is allowed to sniff around and take breaks, so should the other. Dogs are creatures of habit, so the more consistent you are, the easier it will be for them to behave.
Reward good behavior: As with any training, it’s important to reward your dogs for walking nicely on a leash. This could be in the form of treats, petting, or verbal praise – whatever they respond best to. This will help reinforce the desired behavior and make it more likely that they’ll continue to walk nicely next time.
Stop if there’s trouble: If you start to have problems while walking two dogs – such as one of them pulling or getting tangled up – it’s best to stop and take a break. This will give them a chance to calm down and reset before starting again. If the problem persists, you may need to seek professional help from a dog trainer or behaviorist.
Be patient: Walking two dogs takes a little bit of practice, so be patient while you and your furry friends get the hang of it. It may not be perfect every time, but with patience and consistency, you’ll eventually be able to master the art of walking two dogs!
Have fun: Walking your dogs should be a fun experience for both you and them! So make sure to take breaks often, give lots of rewards, and let them sniff around – they’ll love it, and you’ll enjoy the bonding time.
Be safe: Always put safety first when walking your dogs. If one of them starts to act aggressively or is showing signs of stress, it’s best to end the walk and try again another time. And always be aware of your surroundings, especially if you’re walking near busy roads.
Get help: If you’re ever feeling overwhelmed while walking two dogs, don’t hesitate to ask for help from a friend or family member. They can hold one of the leashes while you walk the other, or even take one of the dogs home if necessary. Having someone else there to lend a hand can make all the difference!
Walk One at a Time
if things do not in your favor then you will have to walk the dogs one at a time. This is not the ideal situation but if you are dealing with two very strong dogs, this may be your only option until they learn how to heel.
Get a Second Person to Help
If you really cannot handle walking two dogs at the same time, then get someone else to help. This person can take one of the leashes while you take care of the other dog. You can also switch off so that each person gets a chance to walk both dogs.
Read More: How to keep your dog active, fresh, and warm during winters?
Use a Leash Attachment Tool
There are leash attachment tools available that will let you connect two leashes to one central point. This way, you can avoid having the leashes getting tangled around each other or you. You will still need to be careful, however, as the dogs can still tangle themselves up if they are not trained to heel.
Read More: How to Stop an Off-Leash Dog From Approaching Your Dog.
Use a Gentle Leader or Halti
If your dog pulls on the leash, then using a Gentle Leader or Halti can help. These devices attach to the dog’s muzzle and give you more control over them. It is important to get the right size and type for your dog, however, as an ill-fitting device can cause discomfort.
Training is Key
The most important thing when walking two dogs is training. Both dogs need to be trained to walk calmly by your side without pulling on the leash. If one of the dogs is well-trained and the other is not, then it is likely that the untrained dog will be the one causing all of the problems.
You will need to be patient when training your dogs and start off with short walks in a quiet area. As they get better at walking calmly, you can gradually increase the length and difficulty of the walk. If you are having trouble training your dogs, then seek help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
In conclusion, walking two dogs can be a bit of a challenge but it is definitely doable with some patience and practice. Be sure to train your dogs well, use a leash attachment tool, and take breaks often. And most importantly, have fun!
