How to Train Two Dogs at Once (Without Chaos)

Dogs are social, and the presence of another dog changes behavior. A dog who is calm alone may become excited when with a companion. Dogs imitate each other, so one dog's barking or pulling can trigger the other. They also compete for resources, such as treats, toys, attention, and space. And when one dog is being trained, the other may whine, interrupt, or steal treats.

On the plus side, a well-trained pair can learn to settle together, and a calm dog can help an anxious one. The way you introduce training makes a big difference.

Each dog needs one-on-one time to learn new skills, without the distraction of the other. Take one dog to a different room or area, or have another person occupy the second dog with a chew in a separate space. Train for five to ten minutes, then switch.

This is particularly important for puppies and new skills. A dog who is working on sit, down, name recognition, and recall will progress faster alone. It also lets you tailor your approach to each dog's personality and pace, and prevents the less confident dog from being overshadowed.

When each dog has a good grasp of the basics, bring them together for short, simple sessions. Begin with easy behaviors, and reward calm, correct responses from both. Use tiny treats, and deliver them quickly, so that neither dog feels left out.

1. Practice separate mats: each dog goes to their own mat and settles for treats.
2. Ask both dogs to sit, and reward them at the same time, or alternate quickly.
3. Practice waiting at doors, and releasing one dog at a time.
4. Work on recall, calling each dog by name, and rewarding the one who comes.
5. Practice loose-leash walking together, with one person per dog at first.
6. Build up to more distractions, and to one person handling both dogs.

Dogs can compete for your attention, and one may push the other away, steal treats, or bark when you are working with the other dog. Prevent problems by giving each dog their own space, bowl, bed, and toys, and by feeding separately. Avoid giving high-value items, such as bones or chews, when the dogs are close enough to fight.

Give attention fairly, and also individually. Spend a few minutes alone with each dog each day, for training, play, or cuddles. Do not scold one dog for the behavior of the other. If one dog is pushing the other around or guarding resources, take it seriously and seek help.

Note: If your dogs fight, or one dog is repeatedly hurt or terrorized, separate them and speak to a veterinarian and a qualified behavior professional. Do not try to sort out serious conflict alone.

Walking two dogs is a skill in itself. Start by walking each separately, and teach each to walk on a loose leash. Then practice together with two people, one per dog. When you feel ready, try two leashes in one hand or a double leash, but only if both dogs are reasonably calm. If one dog pulls, the other will often follow, so work on the more difficult dog separately.

Use harnesses for better control, and keep your hands and body relaxed. If the dogs tangle, stop, untangle calmly, and start again. Keep walks short at first, and increase the length as they improve.

A few errors come up again and again. Watch for them.

• Training both dogs only together, so that neither learns the skill well.
• Comparing the dogs, or expecting the younger one to behave like the older one.
• Letting one dog take all the treats or attention.
• Using the older dog to teach the puppy bad habits by accident.
• Ignoring signs of tension, stiffening, or guarding.
• Skipping rest: two dogs can wind each other up.