AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.
When you walk multiple dogs at once, it can only take a moment for your situation to change dramatically. One minute everyone’s moving together calmly, and suddenly a rabbit, strange dog, or tennis ball flies into your path. You barely register the distraction before chaos ensues, with dogs running in different directions and leashes wrapping around your legs.
If you have multiple dogs already, or are considering adding another to your household, you probably have questions about the best way to walk multiple dogs at once. Here are some tips to help you manage multiple dogs to make those walks enjoyable and safe for everyone.
Getting Acquainted and Training Loose Leash
Before you head out for a walk with multiple dogs, you’ll want to make sure they’re compatible. “You should never have one handler walk two dogs who don’t know each other,” says Kelly Citrin, certified dog trainer and founder of 4 On The Floor Dog Training in Rockville, Md. “Give them a chance to be introduced, play off leash, and have all sorts of experiences with each other before you restrict them with a leash and ask them to walk next to you.”
Once you know your dogs are accustomed to each other’s company, you can ask friends or family members to walk with you so you can each handle one dog. This can help the dogs feel comfortable walking parallel while still paying attention to the human on the other end of the leash.
Another critical step is to take the time to practice loose leash walking with each dog individually. Citrin advises that you make sure all dogs feel relaxed and comfortable when walking individually before walking them together. Joining a group dog training class can also help your dog get used to focusing on you when other dogs are present.
“You want to set them up for success,” she emphasizes. “Train and practice the basics with each dog alone. This includes walking on a loose leash, understanding a recall command and a cue to heel by your side like ‘with me,’ or ‘touch‘ and giving you attention. If you have a leash-reactive dog, you must identify your dog’s triggers, and work on counterconditioning and desensitization until the dog can walk calmly by your side alone.”
Proper Equipment for Control and Comfort
Choosing the right equipment for the handler and dogs is critical for a safe and comfortable walk. Try out these types of equipment once your dogs are leash trained to see what works best for you.
Leashes
Match up your dog leashes, so they’re both strong, the same length, made of the same material, and have similar handles. Those with a bungee are a good option because they simulate a slow stop and are less likely to stimulate pull back. Many trainers, including Citrin, will tell you to stay away from retractable leashes that give the control to the dog and encourage a tangled mess that can trip you. “They break often, cause injuries, and allow the dog to hit the end of the leash each time he goes out, which can quickly put him over his threshold of excitement,” she explains.
Harnesses or Collars
Citrin prefers using a harness because they’re harder to escape from, and they don’t put pressure on the dog’s neck or trachea. If your dogs are different sizes, you may need different types of harnesses or collars for each. Collars must be sturdy and fitted properly. If used properly, no-pull (front-hook) harnesses and headcollars are two options that can be helpful for walking dogs that tend to pull on leash, especially when you’re walking more than one dog.
Hands-Free Leash
Another helpful piece of equipment Citrin recommends is a waist leash with a place to hook a leash on each side of you and then to the back of the dog’s harness. “This frees up both your hands, so you can reinforce a dog on each side and direct them,” she explains. If your dogs are different sizes, this leash can help you keep them separate while having your hands available to direct the bigger dog if necessary.
Couplers
Some people prefer to use double-dog leashes or couplers (aka splitters) to keep dogs of similar sizes and energy levels walking side-by-side and enable you to hold just one handle. “You can use a coupler only with bomb-proof dogs that know each other well and keep a similar pace,” Citrin says.
Belt Bag or Fanny Pack
Instead of relying on your hands or pockets to carry poop bags and treats, wearing a belt pack allows you to carry whatever you need hands-free.
Walk Multiple Dogs
“Ideally, the dogs you walk together should all have the same level of energy,” Citrin advises. It’s a good idea to let them use up some energy ahead of time by letting them run in a fenced area. You could also play catch or keep-away to help tire them out.
When out walking, only go as fast as your slowest dog. If you have an older, low-energy dog, you could take a short walk together, then take the older dog home and continue on with the young one. Work up to your ideal walking pace gradually. If you’re walking more than two dogs, start with two and then add the third dog, and so forth. Citrin says she “would start at one place and be stationary, staying away from distractions and triggers. Once you’ve made sure they can exist calmly together, begin adding small distractions. If the leashes get tangled, stop and fix it. If they’re pulling or distracted, don’t move until everyone is together. Your goal is short positive walks that end before something happens.”
Positive Reinforcement
When you’re out walking, even if you choose an isolated and low-key environment, you can’t control every factor that could possibly trigger a reaction from one or all dogs. It helps to be prepared with a command to manage their behavior. Before you head out to walk multiple dogs, teach each dog a cue for a backup, emergency turn, stay, or walk by to help you stay in control. You may need to temporarily move off the trail, pause, or change direction to avoid confrontations with deer, geese, or other dogs. Don’t walk when your dog is pulling and be consistent. And remember, at all times, you should be completely engaged with the dogs. “That means no earbuds, cell phones, or distracting conversations with others,” Citrin warns.
Positive reinforcement will help you encourage good behavior and focus the dogs’ attention on you when necessary. Remember to reward your dog for doing the right thing. Carry treats and use them as rewards when your dogs are walking nicely.
Temperament and breed of dog can make a difference in how they choose to walk. Take it slowly and reinforce the pace and positions you’re after. Citrin’s training philosophy is “patience, persistence, positive reinforcement, praise, and play.”
Benefits of Group Walks
Walking multiple dogs offers many benefits. You can save time, provide your dogs with more exercise, encourage socialization between the dogs, build their confidence, practice obedience skills, and even strengthen your bond.
However, there are times when walking multiple dogs at once may not be a good fit. Consider your own physical limitations and enjoyment. Can you walk more than one large dog and keep yourself safe? Are you comfortable walking around strange people or strange dogs who might trigger a reaction? Are you so focused on keeping the dogs untangled that you’re not able to enjoy the walk? It’s okay to ask a friend to go along or walk one dog at a time.
“Also, consider the enjoyment of your dogs,” says Citrin. “Dog walks are important. It’s the dog’s time to get out into the world, collect information, enjoy mental and physical stimulation, socialize, and spend quality time with their human.”