Walking two dogs at the same time

[clopez]

Any one out there have suggestions? I recently (one week ago) adopted a second boxer (Sundance an adult male). Now the walks are very challenging. I have just purchased a coupler and will try that tonight. Sundance has a tendancy to pull. Lulu is good. There isn't enough time in the day during the week to walk them separately as I have a full time job. I'm hoping walking them on this coupler using one leash will be easier for me and help them to walk side by side at my side.

 

[caruse]

I too am having the same problem...we have two and Frazier is the newest at 6 months old...I live in Boston area where we have already exceeded the normal amount of snow for the whole season...making walking difficult for one dog alone! I have a prong collar for Laila and will get one for Frazier as I notice it does help alot...I will follow your post for advice and let me know how the new leash works as I have thought of that too.....Laila likes to go quickly and Frazier is either at my side or behind me....I get the best workout of the three of us as I feel I am constantly dodging them as they crisscross!!
Barbara lovicon

 

[Poetic_thing]

I have 2 boxers and walk them both at the same time. I have a coupler which works well, but I tend to use separate leashes for them. I keep them both on my (L) side and practiced both in turn and out turn with them. I also do stops, sits and so on. It does take a bit for them to get it together, but they do - just be patient. Same rules apply as with one dog. Stop when they forge and wait for them to get beside you again or for some they simply turn and walk the other way. For the first little bit I did use treats to keep them focused and more beside me, now we just walk. Every so often (weekends) when I have more time I take them each on a walk by themselves as they really enjoy that quality time with me. Good luck.

 

[TwoDogs]

Ideally you would be able to take the time to train them individually to walk on a loose leash before you try walking them together.

Reality check!!--alot of people don't have the time for that, so you are not alone. I would invest in a couple of head halters. Halti and Gentle Leader both make a head halter. It stops the dog from pulling because every time they try, the halter causes their head to turn to the side.

I would actually not walk them on a coupler. Think about it, you will have two very strong dogs (and all their weight) on one arm and leash. The odds of them pulling you off your feet, or the leash slipping out of your grip or breaking double. Also, if one dog decides to walk nicely, he may be pulled along by the other. Couplers are great for dogs that behave on leash, but not a good idea for pullers.

 

[dbetz]

I dream to walk both dogs at once, but I can't. Rudy is turbo charged and has a extremely high prey drive while Duke is mellow and a great walker. I don't have the time at all to walk both separately - but I do - everyday. I walk Rudy first as hers is mostly a training session and I can't leave without a pocket full of chicken - her walk is 40 minutes of hard work (progress is being made - and she is a dream of a dog inside the house). I walk Duke after and it's pure pleasure, we work on commands and stuff, but he is so much easier.

My hope is that Rudy will mature and mellow with time making a walk with both dogs at once possible.

Good Luck with your dogs.

 

[Mama's Boys]

I would actually not walk them on a coupler. Think about it, you will have two very strong dogs (and all their weight) on one arm and leash. The odds of them pulling you off your feet, or the leash slipping out of your grip or breaking double. Also, if one dog decides to walk nicely, he may be pulled along by the other. Couplers are great for dogs that behave on leash, but not a good idea for pullers.

I completely agree. From my experience, a coupler can be a good option for 2 dogs who already know how to behave on leash, but will not be helpful in training the untrained dog. First, you need to teach the dog how to behave on a normal leash. Instead, I would invest in 2 shorter leashes (4ft instead of 6ft) for the walks. With 2 dogs, you'll have much better control with short leads. Both of my dogs (a boxer and a 120lb lab) are trained to behave on walks, but I still find that the 4ft leads are the best option for our walks around the neighborhood.

Even if you don't have the time to walk them separately, you should still make the time to train Sundance how to walk on a leash. You can do this at home or sign up for an obedience class. You will get the best results if you work with him alone, instead of with the other dog there distracting him. If you just set aside 10-15 minutes a day to work with him on leash walking (while the other dog is isolated), I'm sure you'll see results.

Good luck, and a warm welcome to Sundance!!!

 

[chrystel]

yeap - i walk my two boxer with no coupler.
the coupler makes them stronger.

i walk them either both in one hand (either one) or one leash in each hand.

i did have to train them a bit. each time they pull, hop, i made a u-turn.... they soon learn that pulling wouldn't take them anywhere.....

 

[clopez]

Thanks to all - head halter works great!

Ideally you would be able to take the time to train them individually to walk on a loose leash before you try walking them together.

Reality check!!--alot of people don't have the time for that, so you are not alone. I would invest in a couple of head halters. Halti and Gentle Leader both make a head halter. It stops the dog from pulling because every time they try, the halter causes their head to turn to the side.

I would actually not walk them on a coupler. Think about it, you will have two very strong dogs (and all their weight) on one arm and leash. The odds of them pulling you off your feet, or the leash slipping out of your grip or breaking double. Also, if one dog decides to walk nicely, he may be pulled along by the other. Couplers are great for dogs that behave on leash, but not a good idea for pullers.

Many, many thanks for your suggestion of the head halter. I used it on Sundance only and it's made the walks 100% more manageable. My Lulu walks fine with just a regular collar. The coupler was not a good idea for my dog(s).

 

[TwoDogs]

Many, many thanks for your suggestion of the head halter. I used it on Sundance only and it's made the walks 100% more manageable. My Lulu walks fine with just a regular collar. The coupler was not a good idea for my dog(s).

Glad to hear your walks are more enjoyable now.