How to walk multiple dogs properly

By Sam Adebayo

Walking multiple dogs is a fun way to bond as a family with all your dogs, and it's good for your health, but it can be a hassle. There's a lot to consider, such as the breeds of dogs, how many dogs you're walking, the size differential, and your safety. And since dogs can be unpredictable, you need to ensure both your safety and the safety of other dogs.

When you ensure that all safety protocols for both your dog and you are kept, walking them will be no hassle. In this article, we'll delve into all you should know concerning your walking multiple dogs, the equipment to get, and more.

Let's get to it!

Preparing to walk multiple dogs

The first step you ought to take in walking multiple dogs at once is to assess the behaviour of the dogs you want to walk. You may not be a trained vet, but you can observe if the dog is aggressive. You should also check the temperament: is the dog extroverted or introverted? Is the dog curious? Does the dog socialize well with others?

Next, check if your dog has any health issues. With our Lifetime Protection Membership, you can access veterinary professionals anytime by phone, email, or live chat, if you have more questions about pet health or your pet’s weight.

This assessment is vital to know if you may need to walk each dog individually instead or leave some behind. You don't want a dog lagging or fighting each other.

Next, you should choose appropriate leashes for your dog. Make sure to select one with a good enough grip and strength. The type of leash for walking more than one dog you'll buy would depend on how many dogs you're walking. Also, bring enough water bottles for your dog and a poop scooper and doggy bag because it's really bad dog walking etiquette to have your pet poop around.

Next, ensure your dogs understand commands and respond to commands from you. It's important that your dogs respect and can listen to you. This would help you be able to control them.

Tips for Walking Multiple Dogs

Here are some tips for walking two dogs at once or more:

• Tailor walk of the slowest dog: It's always best to walk at the pace of the slowest dog. This doesn't necessarily mean that you walk as slow as the slowest dog but within the speed of that particular dog. When walking multiple dogs, it's a good idea to have a physical pet tag with your pet’s unique microchip #, and your contact details, such as our Lifetime Warranty ID tags.
• Create a pack leader: Always have a "pack leader" when walking multiple dogs. This helps with maintaining control and order. So, all you do is control the "leader," and others follow.
• Use the right equipment: To properly walk dogs, it's essential to have the right equipment, including a suitable collar or harness and a durable leash. The type of collar or harness should be chosen based on the dog's behaviour, such as a strong collar suitable for calm dogs and a harness for pullers.

Note: Retractable leashes should be avoided when handling multiple dogs.

• Leash train individual dogs: If a dog has behavioural issues during solo walks, these problems will likely worsen when walking them with a group of dogs. Poorly-behaved dogs can negatively influence other dogs during walks. So, to properly walk multiple dogs, each dog must undergo leash training to ensure they understand how to behave. Training two dogs to walk together is important.
• Carry treats: You cannot foresee all the possible scenarios that could happen during a walk with your dog. For instance, a leash might break. To be prepared, always bring a handful of treats when you take your dog outside, regardless of their size. These treats can help you regain control over your dog if one of them becomes overly excited or distracted. This is especially important when walking multiple large dogs.
• Your safety comes first: Your safety should be a top priority when walking dogs. Thus, only walk as many dogs as you can handle. Also, whenever possible, try to use only one hand to hold the leashes, leaving the other hand free in case of emergencies. This way, if a dog suddenly pulls and causes you to fall, you can use your free hand to protect your face from hitting the ground.
• Use positive reinforcements during walks: One of the most overlooked tips for leash-walking multiple dogs is to reward your dog's good behaviour during the walk. Whenever your dog makes eye contact with you, walks by your side, or refrains from reacting to other dogs, bikes, or skateboards, mark the behaviour and reward your dog. By rewarding all the positive moments, you will reinforce good behaviour and help your dogs learn what is expected of them during a walk

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Safety considerations for walking multiple dogs

Here are some special safety considerations for walking multiple dogs:

Walking with big and small dogs

When walking small and big dogs, it's crucial to prioritize safety for everyone involved.

Firstly, use suitable equipment for each dog. Smaller dogs may need a leash and collar or harness that are different from what a larger dog requires. You don't want a leash that's too tight or short for the big dog or a leash that's too loose or long for the small dog.

You should also consider the behaviour of both dogs. Smaller dogs are more vulnerable to larger dogs, and bigger dogs may pull or chase smaller ones. Keeping both dogs close can help avoid these potential problems, especially when passing other dogs, people, or vehicles.

Training and socializing both dogs can also help them behave appropriately during walks. Proper training and socialization can help your dogs feel more comfortable and confident during walks, making it easier for them to enjoy the experience.

Finally, being aware of your surroundings and anticipating potential hazards is also crucial. Avoid walking in busy areas or places with high traffic and be prepared to redirect your dogs' attention if needed.

Avoiding tangling of the leash

Tangling of leashes can be a frustrating experience when walking multiple dogs. To avoid tangling, there are several tips you can follow:

Firstly, consider using a leash coupler or leash splitter, which attaches multiple leashes to one handle. This can help keep the leashes together and prevent them from getting tangled. This is one of the best ways to walk multiple dogs at the same time.

Secondly, be aware of your dogs' movements and keep them close to you. Keeping your dogs close can help avoid tangling, especially when passing other dogs, people, or obstacles.

Thirdly, make sure each dog's leash is the appropriate length. If the leashes are too long, they can quickly become tangled. Adjusting the length of the leashes can help prevent tangling.

Finally, avoid walking in areas with too many obstacles or tight spaces. Walking in open areas can give your dogs enough space to move around without getting their leashes tangled.

Walking with the number of dogs you can control

Never walk with more dogs than you can control; doing so can be harmful, especially if your dogs get too excited or aggressive.

If you find it challenging to manage more than one dog at a time, you better limit the number of dogs you walk. When you walk with more dogs than you can handle, it results in safety issues, such as dogs pulling or running in different directions, causing you to lose control. These actions can harm you, harm the dogs, and harm others in the surroundings too.

Conclusion

Walking multiple dogs can be a fun experience, but it's always good to prepare beforehand. Be sure to tailor the walk of the slowest dogs, use the right equipment, bring treats, and have a doggy bag to clean up after the dogs.

Also, take safety considerations like walking with only the number of dogs you can control at a time, avoiding tangling of leashes by using a leash coupler, and training small and big dogs to walk together. Remember not to overthink when you walk multiple dogs, and always take the safest route.

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FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about walking multiple dogs at once.

How do you walk two dogs at once?

You walk two dogs at once by first ensuring you use a leash coupler or splitter so leashes don't get tangled. Then, train the dogs to walk together, making sure not to use leashes that are weak, loose, or unsuitable for each dog. Remember to always consider the speed of the slower dog and be alert and aware of movements.

How do you walk two dogs without getting tangled?

You can walk two dogs without getting tangled by using a leash coupler or a leash splitter. Also, avoid walking the two dogs in tight spaces, and make sure the leashes aren't too long.

Should I walk my dogs separately?

Walking your dogs separately depends on you and your dogs. Factors such as the size and strength of your dogs, walking preferences of the dogs, the training level of your dog, and the time constraints of walking two dogs vs. one dog at a time.

How to walk two dogs at once that pull?

To walk two dogs at once that pull, you need to train them. When they are walking calmly, reward the behaviour and correct troublesome behaviour. Also, walk with purpose so your dog feels led and not the other way around.