Having multiple dogs is all the rage these days but it comes with a fair share of responsibilities too. Now, if you have more than one dog, at some point, you must have wondered like should I walk my dogs separately or together?
Well, there are reasons that you should walk dogs separately and there are reasons that you shouldn’t walk your dogs together. In short, it depends; as both choices have their pros and cons.
So, let me explain both sides in detail!
But the short answer is just below…
Should I Walk My Dogs Separately?
Walking your dogs together is like a group outing, they can socialize and it’s efficient. But separate walks are like one-on-one time, less competition, and more attention. Different Studies show that around 78% of dog owners prefer to walk their dogs together while others prefer separate walks for their dogs.
Consider energy-levels and compatibility of your dogs. If they have similar paces and get along well, walking them together promotes socialization – Save time. However, if one is vigorous or has behavioral issues, separate walks allow tailored attention – Quality Time. So, it depends on you and your dog.
But because I love to spend quality time with my dogs; I would say, walking your dogs separately will be the better decision.
Dogs tend to have different energy levels as explained above and if one of your pups loves the freedom of exploring at his own pace while the other prefers a relaxed approach, it is best to consider walking them separately.
This one-on-one time allows you to get time to strengthen the bond you share with each dog separately and ensure they get their deserved attention. Walking them individually also enables you to make the duration and intensity of the walk match each dog’s needs.
But again, the decision to walk your dogs individually or together depends on their personalities, needs, and your preferences as a loving owner. Observe their behaviors and consider what works best for them.
You might be interested in: Do Multiple Dogs Need Multiple Crates?
Reasons You Should Walk Your Dogs Separately
Walking your dogs separately comes with its benefits. It is important to consider each reason carefully to ensure the best walking experience for your dog.
Let’s discuss some of the most important reasons why you should walk them separately!
1# Allow More Training Focus
Walking dogs separately enables you to focus more on each dog’s specific training needs and preferences. It is much easier to reinforce commands, work on leash manners, and address specific behavioral issues when you are not managing multiple dogs at once.
2# You Can Give Appropriate Time To Each Dog
Dogs have different energy levels and exercise requirements. Walking them individually enables you to give each dog the appropriate time and amount of exercise without overexerting them or making them feel left behind.
3# You Can Accommodate Their Specific Needs
If one of your dogs has health concerns or a different range of motion, walking them separately allows you to accommodate their specific needs. You can easily adjust space, distance, and terrain to cater to their limitations and ensure their comfort.
4# You Can Handle Their Behavioral Issues:
Some dogs can have behavioral issues that you need to address and deal with carefully on a separate walk. Behavioral issues such as leash aggression or reactivity can benefit from an individual walk.
It reduces the risk of potential confrontations or triggers and allows you to focus on behavioral modification techniques without added distractions.
5# You Can Socialize Your Dog More Effectively
Walking dogs separately provides enough time and opportunities for individual socialization. You can introduce each dog to new surroundings, people, and other dogs easily at a pace that suits their specific comfort level, promoting positive social experiences.
Dogs are social animals who generally love interacting with new dogs and people so it is important to let them do it the way it is suitable for them. For that, you should consider walking your dogs separately.
6# You Can Strengthen The Bond Between You & Each Dog
Walking each dog individually strengthens the bond between you and your canine companion. It allows you to have one quality time, where you can give them all your attention and encourage the bond of trust and companionship.
While it may not seem so important to you, your attention means the most to your pet dogs. They love spending time with their owners, it inevitably makes them happy and healthy.
7# It Reduces The Chances of Unwanted Behaviors
Walking dogs individually reduces the chances of encouraging unwanted behaviors, such as leash pulling or excessive barking. It allows you to address and correct these behaviors at the right time and effectively without the influence of other dogs.
8# Allow You To Monitor Their Responses To New Situations
Walking dogs separately gives you more control over each dog’s behavior and ensures their safety. You can easily manage their interactions with other dogs the way you want, monitor their responses to new situations and people, and prevent any potential conflicts or accidents.
Remember, these reasons may not apply to every dog or each situation. It is important to consider your dogs’ specific needs but generally, this is what are actual reasons that one should walk with dogs separately.
But please also note that the reasons above are according to my perspective. There are again 78% of dog owners in the US who prefer to walk two or more dogs together to save time because of busy schedules and if you’re among those who then this is how you can walk two or more dogs together.
How To Walk Two Dogs Together
Walking two dogs together can be a fun and effective experience, but it does require some preparation and descriptive know-how about it. Managing two dogs at once is a hard challenge for many. Having the right leash, the right location, and enough space is required for a safer walk.
Let’s dive into each point and explore how you can make your walks with two dogs a breeze!
Leash and Equipment:
Having the right leash and gear for walking your two dogs is highly crucial. You need to choose from several options. However, it is suggested to go for equipment with a double leash or a leash splitter to keep them both securely attached and close to you.
Training:
It is recommended to train each dog before taking them on their first walk together. Make sure that they learn basic commands like “heel” or “stay” so you can get a calm and obedient walk with both of them.
Practice Individually:
Start by walking each dog separately to effectively make them learn good leash manners and walking behavior. This allows you to focus more on their individual needs and address any specific training issues or concerns they have.
Choose the Right Location:
It is essential to find the best possible route that is familiar to both your dogs and has fewer distractions, ensuring a calm walk without any potential conflicts. This will help them stay focused and avoid moving here and there.
Walk Them Individually:
Even when walking them together, it’s helpful to give each dog some individual attention whenever you can. This could mean walking them side by side and letting them follow their pace or alternating between walking them together and separately.
Leash Handling:
Handling the leash is the main part you will offer when walking them together. It is an important responsibility to learn proper leash handling techniques to have better control over both your dogs. You should keep the leash loose enough to prevent restricting their range of motion but short enough to maintain a balance.
Side-by-Side:
When on a walk, encourage your dogs to walk side by side. This will help them feel a sense of unity and cooperation which will boost their self-confidence. When they obey your commands, treat them with their favorite treats for walking calmly and staying in sync throughout.
Maintain a Relaxed Pace:
Walking at a relaxed and comfortable pace will keep the dogs calm and focused. Without rushing or pulling on the leash which can end up teaching them the wrong leash manners. Avoid rushing as this can create tension and make the walk less enjoyable for everyone, including you.
Anticipate and Manage Distractions:
Make sure you are aware of potential distractions along the way you choose, such as other dogs, squirrels, or loud noises. These noises can potentially make the walk a less enjoyable experience. Anticipate these distractions and redirect your dogs’ attention to maintain control and prevent any unwanted behavior whenever a sudden interaction occurs.
Give Space:
Allow some distance between the dogs to prevent them from feeling crowded or overwhelmed and prevent any accidents or tangling of the leash. This will also help you in reducing the chances of any tension or conflict between the dogs arising during the walk.
Shorten Walks Initially:
To make walks with two dogs easier to manage, start by shortening the duration of the walks at first. This allows them to adjust to walking together and prevents them from feeling uncomfortable or getting overwhelmed.
Watch Body Language:
Pay close attention to their body language during the walks. Watch for any signs of discomfort, stress, or excitement, and alter your approach accordingly. By being attentive to their cues, you can make sure you provide a more enjoyable and harmonious walking experience for both dogs and yourself.
How To Walk a Large and Small Dog (or Puppy) Together
When walking two, large and small dogs together, it is important to ensure the safety and comfort of both of them. Here are some tips to help you with that:
- Use a well-constructed and sturdy leash and harness for each dog. Avoid using retractable leashes, as they can make it much more arduous to maintain control.
- Before walking them together, train each dog individually to walk on a leash and respond to basic commands. This will help in establishing good walking behaviors.
- At the start, allow the dogs to sniff and get acquainted in a neutral space. Once they are comfortable enough with each other’s presence, you can begin walking them together.
- Consider the size and energy levels of both dogs carefully. Find and follow a pace that allows both your dogs to walk comfortably without overexerting or tiring them out too quickly.
- Walk in a position that allows you to have stable control over both dogs. You may need to walk in the middle or on one side, depending on their behavior and size.
- Remember that small dogs have shorter legs and get tired more easily. Take breaks if necessary and carry water for them during longer walks.
By putting some of these tips into practice, you can ensure a safe and comfortable walk for both your pup and senior dog.
What To Do When Dogs Won’t Walk Together
If your dogs don’t like or want to walk together then the best you can do is to walk your dogs separately to give quality time to each dog. If you’re short on time, then try to establish good bond between them in the beginning before taking them to walk together.
Is It Safe To Walk 2 Dogs On 1 Leash?
Walking two dogs on one leash is challenging, risky and it is unsafe. It can lead to tangling, pulling, and loss of control. It is generally recommended to use separate leashes for each dog to ensure better control and prevent accidents.
Doing this enables you to manage each dog individually and respond to their specific requirements during the walk. Using two leashes gives you much better control over their movements and reduces the risk of them pulling in different directions.
How Can I Safely Take Two Dogs On A Walk Without Being Pulled In Multiple Directions?
To safely walk two dogs without being pulled in multiple directions, consider using separate leashes for better control. Start with short walks so they can easily get used to walking together.
Make sure your dogs are trained individually to walk calmly on a leash before attempting to walk them together. Use positive reinforcement, like treats and praise, to reward them for walking calmly. Practice loose leash walking and keep treating them and being patiently consistent with your training efforts.
So, It Depends…
Whether you should walk your dogs together or separately, the decision depends on your dogs and you. If your dogs have specific medical concerns, it is best to consider taking them on separate walks. However, walking them together can be time-saving and effective.
If one pup is more energetic and the other is kind of laid back and slow during walks, separate walks can ensure that each gets to their favorite exercise without overexerting or understimulating the other one.
While it is mostly recommended to give them extra attention during walks by taking them separately, you can take them together but with the responsibility of catering to their individual needs and preferences calmly and carefully. Happy walking!
