Walking with 2 dogs on a leash: 5 behaviors you can adopt to stop pulling on the leash

Exercise is key to human health. It is also of the utmost importance to a dog’s health and behavior. Most dogs put up for adoption are victims of misbehavior. Misconduct in most cases can be resolved with something simple called exercise.

Dogs that pull incessantly on the leash don’t end up being walked very often. The behavior can be so irritating to the dog owner that the dog ends up exercising alone in the backyard. Exercise in the backyard, in most cases, does not happen either. Unless there is a structured interaction, the dog usually spends little time digging a fabulous hole or smashing the screen door to get back inside. After getting bored with destruction, a big nap is in order.

Many people end up having another dog with the idea that it will keep the first dog entertained and therefore the exercise will occur naturally. The initial idea is a good one, but when the owner discovers that there are now two misbehaving dogs due to a lack of structured exercise and a lack of training, the disappointment and guilt can become overwhelming.

The best way to solve these behavior problems is to walk with the dogs. Walking two dogs on leashes at the same time can be quite a challenge. With a little diligence, the project can end not only in great success for dog training and behavior issues, but you’ll also have fun and much-needed exercise.

Here are 5 things you can do to teach your dogs to walk well on a leash.

1. Start by walking one dog at a time.

We usually put the cart before the horse when we try to acquire a new habit. If one of your dogs can’t walk on the leash without pulling, hoping that two dogs won’t pull at the same time is next to impossible.

2. Just stop when your dog starts pulling.

Dogs do what works. If you continue to let your dog pull on the leash, the behavior clearly works for your dog. If you stop every time your dog starts pulling, your dog will quickly realize that forward motion only occurs when you walk alongside him. Moving only when your dog is by your side will train him to do what works.

3. Use 90 and 180 degree twisting motions to keep your dog’s attention.

Walking the dog on a leash generally means moving from one destination to another. Your dog is anticipating forward movement. Keep your dog aware of his paws by changing his direction several times at the beginning of the walk. Stop canine anticipation by mixing 90 degree turns and 180 degree turns in the training exercise.

4. Be patient.

This is the hardest of all when adopting the new behaviors to teach your dogs to walk on a leash without pulling. A destination is at the forefront of our minds. Put that thought behind you and start focusing on being calm and taking as long as it takes to get your dogs to pay attention. The distance you travel may not be very great, but the energy used in the teaching process will make up for the lack of distance traveled.

5. Keep the leash short.

This dog training tip may be the most helpful of all when trying to get your dogs to stop pulling on the leash. It goes with the old adage, if you give up an inch, they’ll take you a mile. By giving your dog the full six foot leash, you are encouraging your dog to go out all the way. Give your dog only the 3 feet he needs to walk close to you.

Commit to taking each dog for a 15-minute walk for the next 7 days in a row. You will find that it gets easier as the day goes on. It is a question of coherence. Make a game out of it. If you add a fun factor to it, you can walk both dogs on a loose leash in less than 30 days.