mhvonalmen8908

I walk the dogs during the day while my husband is at work. He works a 12 hour shift and it's dark when he leave and dark when he gets back. Not to mention cold. So I walk the dogs during the day at the warmest time of day for winter which isn't very high at all. But they need to be walked. My question is what would be the best way to walk both dogs at the same time? I've got a coupler so I only have to deal with one leash. Two leashes would just get completely ridiculous. The walk took forever because Virga kept trying to run under Doppler like she does when they're playing. I had to keep untangling them. I feel like they just need to figure out what's going on and how this thing works. But I just wanted to post and see if any of you guys had any ideas. I've searched the forum and couldn't find anything relating specifically to my issue. If there is one and I missed it just point me towards it and I'd appreciate it! Thanks for any and all advice!

Scully

Good question! I am interested in hearing what others have to say about this as well.

My hubby just started a new job that has him out of the house for 12+ hours, and I now have to walk the hounds on my own much of the time. It's been interesting! I've been doing it with them each on their own leash, Larsen in one hand and Ninja in the other. I keep them both on a short leash, walking close to me. I thought it would be a total gong show, but so far, it works for me, although picking up turds is a challenge. I guess I'm pretty lucky though, because Larsen walks like a dream, so that helps a lot. Actually, Ninja is quite good on the leash too, with the exception of the fact that she wants to chase everything that moves.

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Mom to Larsen, Ninja, and Scully (ATB ~ forever in my heart)
www.countercruiser.com

bklantz

I walk mine with two leashes, one on each side. I tried a coupler but it didn't work out for us, it's easier for me to just keep them completely separated. Neither of mine are great walkers and they love to stop and smell and pull so I wrap one leash around each hand and keep them close to my side, too much slack and they stop and smell to much and once they stop to smell it's hard to get them going again, which is also why I only walk them on the street if I walk them alone

Kirska

I do the same thing, one dog in each hand on their own leash. Harley walks very fast and pulls a little bit while Anabelle likes to stop and sniff everything so I don't think they'd do well being so close with a coupler. I find the greatest challenge is when their collars fall off. They both have such large necks and little heads their collars pop right off when they pull backwards and I can't tighten them any further.

Turning around is also a bit of a challenge with one on each side. It's not too bad overall though.

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Mom to Anabelle and Lila, rescued ladies and Harley, Corgi/Beagle/Basset/?? mutt

"Saving just one dog won't change the world, but it surely will change the world for that one dog." - Richard C. Call

gsally

God bless all you double duty hound walkers!

Mikey T

First you need to teach each dog individual to walk on a leash until that is done all is futile. There is nothing wrong with walking each dog seperately rather than trying to walk both at the same time.

That said I prefer two leashes to a coupler and the leash should be short ie 4 ft not six feet which gives you more control and less room for the dogs to tangle.

vonny01

I walk my three together all the time,
I have Rupert and Patience in my left hand on separate leads and Dudley in my right hand
I use nylon leads with padded handles and we get along fine.

Kirska

That's a good point I also use a leash with a padded handle. It is much more comfortable. This is the one I use specifically: Dog Whisperer by Cesar Millan Large Leash in Instinctual Red at PETCO It is large and round kind of like a horse lead and even has a little keyring to attach a key so you don't have to worry about your house key.

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Mom to Anabelle and Lila, rescued ladies and Harley, Corgi/Beagle/Basset/?? mutt

"Saving just one dog won't change the world, but it surely will change the world for that one dog." - Richard C. Call

mhvonalmen8908

Thanks for the responses. I figured most people just used both leashes. I've decided to work with both dogs and get them better leash manners and when Virga is older and is closer to Doppler in weight and size I'll try the coupler again. If that doesn't work then I guess it's back to two leashes!

Midge n Hazley

I have both my girls in harnesses, and frequently walk them by myself. For our night walks (when I'm alone) I'll use my 6 ft nylon leashes, during the day I use the two retractable leashes so they can run about a bit. Occasionally I used a coupler, but they each like a bit of "alone" space to do their business, and having 120lbs of hound hooked together was a bit of a problem when the occasional stray c@t would wander by! If nothing else, I've got some great upper body strength! I'd stay with two short leashes, if I were you. Happy walking!