Walking 2 dogs

[Bigeye74]

What are the pro's and cons of the different methods of walking 2 dogs at once. i.e. 1 lead 2 ends or 2 leads etc.
I will have 2 x 40kg + dogs (one is still a pup). The older dog will not stand for aggression from other dogs so needs to be controlled.

Bigeye

[woofgang]

mmm do you have to walk them together? The young one could pick up the old ones behaviour then you'll have real fun on your hands!
Do you meet lots of aggressive dogs?

[paraffin]

We had our older dog(a bitch) for 3 years before adding a pup(dog), and since then, 4 years ago, I have always walked both dogs together, it's natural to do so, given that not only does it "kill 2 birds with one stone" but I simply couldn't just take one but not the other, if you follow?

I believe in letting both my dogs off the lead once we are safely in the fields we visit. I keep them in sight and whistle to them if I want them to get back to me. Usually works! Dogs will naturally become defensive if still on a lead when encountering other dogs because they feel threatened.

Perhaps that could be the problem why the older dog, you say, is aggressive to other mutts? If and when that happens, you must let them see that you are firmly in charge, in other words that you are the alpha dog in their pack, because if you allow the dogs to rule you, they will take full advantage. You cannot allow your dogs to sense that you are weak, you must always be in control, and they must know that.

Firm but fair, never strike your dog, a firm tone of voice should do the trick, even if you feel slightly guilty at the time it has to be done. They need to have a pecking order and you must be at the top, and in your case, as mine, the older dog should be second and the sprog third. End of story.

The best of luck. Remember, spare the rod to spoil the child etc etc. Prepare and be ready for them to meet other mutts, but don't be afraid of it - dogs usually get on alright (most of the time) - a bit like humans!

[divegirl]

I walk my two Great Danes [combined weight of 130 kg!!!] in one hand easily...well most days...lol.
Sam, my rescue boy can be a little lead aggressive, but with lots of training....just me and him on out on our own, I've got it down to a fine art :O]

I was told to be my behaviourist [supplied by rescue] to walk MY dominant dog on the outside....leaving Sam 'sandwhiched' [sp] in between Lola and I.....and I use my free hand to carry a squirty water bottle....Sams deterrent!!!!! This advice obviously specific to my dogs....but works wonderfully for us and they are a joy to walk.....unless Lola sees a squirrel!!!

Always seek professional advice though.....you got two big dogs there!!!!!
What breed are they?

Lisa x

[Bigeye74]

All,
thanks for the answers. I'm happy with how to handle my dogs, I'm more interested in the actual mechanics of the walk. Do you have recommendations for types of lead, one or two leads etc.
At present I'm on 2 leads. Puppy with a rope chocker and big dog with a pinz collar. The big dog has actually improved and now walks at my heal when with the pup. Unless of coarse we meet unruly dogs. I'm quite happy with how I deal with this though (a stout NO, about turn, few paces then treat once I have their attention),

[Banali]

I found it easier to walk them on a joint lead. If you are using two leads they tend to keep getting tangled. The dogs also get used to walking together as a pair. I now have three, but the first two still walk together as though on the same lead.

[paraffin]

Personally I walk my two on separate leads as opposed to the one, reason being that if one dog pulls+one doesn't when on the one lead, you have problems. Even halties can't always solve that if a mutt's determined to try to pull your arms out of their sockets.

Also, meeting other doggies with yours on one lead can create problems if one plays up and the other doesn't.

I'm not being critical, it's just my opinion, i.e. "horses for courses".

[lellel]

i have 2 german shepards both of witch dont like other dogs i walk them both 2gether on a halti or a gentle leader there both the same thing just different names an i swear by them u have conplete control over them this is not a harness it goes over the head a bit like wot u use on a horse its the best thing an i always tell people that an every one ive showed has got 1 an they swear by them 2 it dont hurt them it just pulls on the back of the head a witch stops them pulling they dont like it but persist with it an leave it on 4 a little while

[lellel]

i use 2 leads because its easyer then 1 ive always had 2 dogs an there both been on a difernt lead there good dogs they love kids but as soon as they c another dog all hell brakes loose lol but with a halti or gentle leader there differnt dogsmy advise 2 leads