Walk Two Dogs with One Leash

Walking your doggie is a fun way to bond with and provide exercise for them. But what if you have two dogs? Walking your two dogs with two leashes can lead to tangled knots and confusion. Instead, try walking both dogs on one leash. You’ll soon see that walking two dogs on one leash gives you twice the opportunity for fun!

Steps

Planning to Walk Your Dogs

  1. Choose the dogs you want to walk together. The dogs you want to walk together on one leash should know each other already. If their temperaments are not compatible, they may fight each other or get into trouble. Only walk dogs who are relaxed when together and leash trained.[1] Dogs who do not stop when commanded to do so, or come when beckoned, should not be brought on walks with another dog.
  2. Attach the two dogs to one leash. You can buy double walker leashes which branch out at the end, allowing two dogs to be attached. Alternately, you could employ a coupler. A coupler is a small V-shaped leash extender which allows your leash to accommodate two dogs instead of one. It will save you money that you’d otherwise have to spend on an entirely new leash. Couplers and double walker leashes are equally good options for the individual looking to walk two dogs on one leash.
    • Attach each dog, one at a time, to one side of the V-shaped branch. You can place your dogs on either side of the leash coupler.
    • Whether you buy a coupler or a double walker leash, ensure it possesses appropriate level of tensile strength and will not break.
  3. Choose the right leash. A thin, lightweight leash is best for a smaller dog. A larger dog, by contrast, requires a more heavy-duty leash with a strong clip. The clip must be strong enough not to break under pressure when pulled against the metal ring on the dog’s collar.[2] If the leash clip breaks, your dogs might run off.
    • The basic leash is 6 feet long and is the standard leash with which people walk their dogs.
    • A retractable leash consists of a spring-loaded device within a a plastic case. When the dog runs out, the leash will, with slight resistance, extend in length (up to its limit). If you wish to keep the dog nearby, you can lock the leash so that the length does not extend at all. Be careful with these because a dog who takes off at a full run might be able to break the leash. The handle might be uncomfortable in your hands as well. Try one or several retractable leashes out before buying.
    • A bungee leash stretches and retracts. Made of rubber or elastic, bungee leashes are good for doggies who vigorously pull on their leashes.
    • Long line leashes are extra long for dogs who like to roam and explore. They vary in length from 10 to 60 feet. Be careful with these leashes; dogs who run too far afield might end up in traffic or encounter other dangers.
  4. Select the right collar for your doggie.[3] When picking a collar, choose a color which contrasts with his fur. For instance, do not get a brown collar for a brown dog. You’ll want people to see that he has a collar in case he or she runs off while unleashed. Pick a collar which accommodates the width of your dog’s neck. Collars should be adjusted so as to allow you to slip one finger between the collar and your dog’s neck. There are many varieties of collars available.
    • A standard flat collar is usually made of nylon or leather. You can purchase these at most stores. Some dogs whose necks are larger than their heads -- such as Greyhounds and Whippets -- might slip out of them.
    • Martingale collars are ideal for larger dogs like Greyhounds. These collars are looped around a dog’s neck just as normal collars are, but will tighten as a dog pulls away.[4] In this way, dogs are unable to escape or remove the collar on their own.
    • Back-clip harness collars fit over the dog’s chest and attach to the leash by a clip on the dog’s back.
    • Front-clip harness collar are similar to back-clip harness collars, but with the difference that the clip to which the leash attaches is located in the front of the harness, not on the back. These harness collars give you more control over the dog than a back-clip harness.
    • Head collars consist of one clip for the neck and one for the muzzle. Along with front-clip harnesses, head collars are favored by dog owners because they allow you to lead the dog in whatever direction you want, rather than pulling on its neck.
    • If you want your dogs to walk side-by side, try the short chain method. The short chain method involves clipping the two dogs’ collars together with a chain link so they are closer together. This will get them used to walking near each other. Later, extend the chain to full length.

Walking Your Dogs Together

  1. Begin walking your dogs together in a low-distraction area.[5] Your dogs are liable to forget their manners while walking alongside each other. They might become rambunctious in the presence of a canine companion, and forget all their training. The potential for misbehavior is compounded when there are other distractions about.
    • Do not walk your dogs on one leash around a public park or area where they are liable to encounter other dogs or other novel fauna. Walk your dogs instead, at first, around a quiet, relatively deserted space such as a woodland path or suburban neighborhood. Your back yard is also a good place to start practicing.
  2. Put a stop to any misbehavior.[1] Dogs who misbehave can lead other dogs to do the same. For instance, if you’re walking a dog who lunges or barks at passers-by, your other dog might pick up the bad behavior.
    • Walk each dog separately before walking them together.[6] This will ensure each dog is already familiar with your expectations and commands when being walked, and prevent potential misbehavior.
    • Be consistent when punishing or correcting misbehavior. Inconsistencies will confuse your dog and make training more difficult.
  3. Monitor your dogs’ behavior closely. Only allow your dogs to walk forward when there is some slack in the leash.[5] This “loose-leash training” will prevent pulling, which can restrict your dog’s breathing. Also, look for signs of aggression or tension in your dogs, such as an arched back, growling, biting (not friendly nipping), and bared teeth.[7] Remove one or the other of the two dogs if either starts showing signs of aggression.
  4. Walk your dogs on one leash together regularly.[8] Dogs which walk together on one leash can experience increased companionship and opportunity for socialization with one another. Let them get excited about going on walks together by announcing, for instance, “Walk time!” right before you attach their collars to the leash. Give them time to get used to walking together. Walk your dogs together regularly on one leash to afford them continued opportunities for mutual enjoyment.



Tips

  • If your dogs are bumping into each other, try a longer chain between them.
  • You may attach additional dogs in this method by simply adding another choke chain to the other side of the largest dog's collar and attaching the leash to the largest dog - but we suggest no more than three dogs this way, with the largest dog in the middle.
  • If your dogs are gaining too much distance on you, try a shorter leash, or restrict the amount of leash you mete out by wrapping excess around your hand.

Warnings

  • If using the short chain method to bind two dogs’ collars together, do not use a choke or martingale collar on either dog. If one dog moves away, the other dog will be hurt.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/how-do-i-walk-two-dogs-at-once
  2. ↑ http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/leashes.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/
  3. ↑ http://www.akc.org/learn/akc-training/best-collars-leashes-for-dogs/
  4. ↑ https://bigdogboutique.com/what-is-a-martingale-collar/
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/how-do-i-walk-two-dogs-at-once?page=2
  6. ↑ http://www.puppyinstitute.com/training/leash-training/how-to-walk-2-dogs
  7. ↑ http://www.austinhumanesociety.org/blog/2013/09/05/dos-and-donts-doggy-playdates
  8. ↑ https://books.google.com/books?id=r6pcCgAAQBAJ&lpg=PA40&pg=PA186#v=onepage&q&f=false
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