Walking two dogs

[Staci Murto]

Anyone have any reccomendations for a double dog leash or coupler for walking two dogs together?

[1xar0x2rcx0li]

I have tried a coupler, and did not like it. They pulled each other around even though they know how to walk on a loose lead alone. This taught them to pull to get where they want, and their single leash manners went down hill. I prefer to have two leashes and play the quick-hands-leash-switcheroo game as they wander around in front of me.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

I walk my two dogs together in two different ways. First I walk them, one in each hand, that is Roo on the right and Tigger on the left. Both are decent, but far from perfect, about walking "close" , but without pulling. "Close" for me is their two tails are about a dog length ahead of me so I can walk without tripping and see them. This goes against the "I am dominant so they must follow" theory, but does not bother me much. I enjoy watching them in front of me and feel that I actually have better control of them as I can see their actions and postures.

I also walk them on a coupled leash. There are several systems out there to walk two dogs together. Several are also hands free ( buckle around your waist). The one I use is over ten years old and I no longer remember the make. I bought it at a dog show. The two features that are important to me is that the swivel on the coupler works well and there is a built in "bungee" (stretchy leash part) that gives me a little time to react if they both see a squirrel and forget their manners. I use Hermann Springer prong collars so I do not have worry about choking or pulling too much. Google "hands free leashes' and you will be able to check some good sites for yourself.

I have not had a problem with the double leash teaching them to pull, but I do not use it all the time. I don't really have set pattern to which I use, just sort of whatever I feel like that day. The double leash is very handy after they are use to it to use in situations where you aren't just out for a walk. It lets you have one hand free for opening doors, managing money, etc.

[Nancy - Opal, Meadow & Tariki]

I took my girls for training and this particular trainer recommended that I walk them on two leashes both on the left in a heal position. Once we got through some initial training for not pulling it has been smooth sailing. I operate each leash independently so only one dog is getting a correction if needed. It is all in the heal training. The more I walk my dogs in this controlled fashion the better control I have over them overall.... apparently it truly makes me alpha and that carries over to the rest of the day.

I used a basic body harness on occassion - this I made by looping around the dog with my own leash. I also used a splitter thingy and really didn't like it as it actually forced the 'good dog' to be dragged out of position by the 'bad dog'.

SO that is my two cents worth.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I use the Sporn coupler which I think is good. Using 2 leashes ends up with me all entangled sometimes. I also use Herm Sprenger prong collars with a special easy closure which I love. Walking 2 dogs for me still is far more complicated than walking one

[Leslie, Dexter & Kirby]

I also do not like the coupler. We walk them on 2 separate leashes and use 2 gentle leaders (one doodle on each side). It works really well for us - it allows us to correct one of them if they get out of line :)

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Seperate leashes, both on the left, in heel position. Tried the coupler and they fight. If we would stop to talk to someone, jealous little Sophie will actually jump overtop of Lucy to get to someone to let them pet her. This would cause Lucy to get mad at Sophie and the growling would be on. It was a mess. So I just use the two leashes, positioning in my hand almost like you would lead line on a harness for a team of horses. You can operate each leash independently. Now that they will loose leash walk, and heel on command, I will let them walk out ahead of me on occassion.

[Barbara Burrows]

I walk mine with 2 leashes, my husband uses an adjustable coupler. I walk them both on the left in a heel position.
Walks got much easier when my dogs level of training were about the same.

[Kathie and the gang]

I use both types of leashes, and they both work well for me. When I have them on 2 leashes I have then at heal one on either side. Winston seems to want to only be on the left, as where Freya will walk well on either side. I probably use the 2 dogs 2 leashes method the most.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I have three dogs and have used both separate and coupled leashes. When I have all three I put the Springer on the right because he is the most squirelly. I always put our old lab mix and Ned together on the left either on a coupled leash or separate ones. There are advantages and disadvantages to single and coupled leashes. I can correct much easier with separate leashes but when they are coupled they tend to keep their places better.

[Beverley S. LaLonde]

Good Morning Stacie! I hope your hailing from some place warm and toasty!
I use a coupler for walking two and leash for 3rd. dog as he is much smaller. We go from 90 lbs, 50 lbs. to 25 . I feel they are much easier to control when held closer together with coupler. But they both should be leash broke and know how to heel. That goes for anything as the further the dogs get out ahead of you the harder to handle. And that makes them the pack leader. The walk should be with there heads by your side not forging ahead. Do leach break each dog individually one at a time before coupler. Happy New Years to All!
Bev,Harlee,Miss Chloe & Li'l Buddy

[Staci Murto]

Wow! Thanks everyone! I guess we need to do a little trial and error to figure out what will work for my girls. Sunnie is great on a leash, but Gidget (4 months) is just finishing up her puppy shots and hadn't had much experience yet. Thank you again for all of your help!

[Susan, Zeke. Lily & Jasper]

We use a swivel, adjustable coupler to walk our two. Zeke (being MALE) assumes a dominant role and walks at least one step ahead of Lily whether he is on the outside or inside. I prefer to have Lily on the inside to control her lunging for other dogs but they sometimes switch during a walk. I mostly let them position themselves to start but try to maintain a heel position the duration of the walk. Most days are good, some are not. When it is good, the sense of satisfaction soars for all of us. One thing that helps in maintaining a heel position is as long as we (I) am moving, they are not permitted to explore, potty, or play. We will stop on several occasions to allow for all these depending on the time we have.