Walking one dog can be relaxing and joyful. But walking two dogs? That’s a whole different story — tangled leashes, pulling in opposite directions, and one sniffing everything while the other wants to run. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone!
The good news is that with the right gear, techniques, and mindset, you can master the art of walking two dogs at once — without chaos. Here's how to do it step by step.
1. Make Sure Both Dogs Are Leash Trained First
Before walking both dogs together, ensure each one is leash trained individually. If one or both dogs are still learning not to pull on the leash, it's best to train them separately before attempting double walks. For a complete guide on solving this common issue, check out our article: How to Train Your Dog Not to Pull on the Leash: Tips and Tricks. A solid “heel,” “sit,” and “leave it” command is essential for smooth walks.
2. Use the Right Equipment
The tools you choose matter — a lot. Here are some items that make walking two dogs easier:
- Double dog leash coupler: This connects to a single leash and keeps both dogs close together, reducing tangling.
- No-pull harnesses: For dogs that tend to pull, a front-clip harness gives you more control.
- Waist leash or hands-free leash: Great for keeping your hands free and your body centered.
3. Match the Dogs by Energy and Size
If you’re walking two dogs of very different sizes or energy levels, consider how it affects the walk. A high-energy dog may tire out or frustrate a calmer one. Try to sync their pace and walking needs. If necessary, give each dog a solo walk a few times a week.
4. Walk in a Quiet, Familiar Environment
Choose a route that’s low on distractions at first. Busy parks with lots of dogs or children can make training harder. Start in a familiar neighborhood or quiet park to build your confidence.
New places can overstimulate your dogs. Try calm, low-traffic areas at first. If your dog reacts strongly to new environments or other dogs, this guide can help: How to Calm Down an Overexcited Dog.
5. Keep the Dogs on the Same Side
It might look cute to have one dog on each side, but it's hard to control. Keep both dogs on the same side of your body and hold the leash in the opposite hand. This gives you better control and balance.
6. Stay Calm and Confident
Dogs feed off your energy. If you’re anxious or frustrated, they’ll mirror that. Practice calm, confident body language, and reward calm behavior with praise or small treats. If chaos starts, stop walking and reset calmly.
7. Start with Short Walks
Don’t expect to walk miles together on day one. Begin with short walks of 10–15 minutes and build from there. Over time, the dogs will adapt to walking as a team.
8. Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Leash tangling? Use a double leash with a swivel to prevent twisting.
- One dog pulls more? Reinforce individual training, use a no-pull harness, and consider walking separately until progress improves.
- Dogs react to other dogs? Practice distance training and positive reinforcement for calm behavior when passing triggers.
Still struggling with behavior during walks? Learn how to manage difficult walks in this helpful read: Walking a Reactive Dog Without Stress.
9. Reward Good Behavior
Always carry treats to reward walking nicely beside you. Praise them often. Positive reinforcement helps dogs associate the walk with teamwork and fun.
10. Know When to Call It
If walking two dogs becomes too stressful, that’s okay. You can walk one in the morning and the other in the evening, or enlist help. Safety and control come first.
Final Thoughts
Walking two dogs at the same time can feel like a juggling act at first — but with a little patience, proper training, and smart tools, it becomes second nature. The goal is a calm, enjoyable walk for both you and your furry companions.