Leash walking
How do I safely walk two dogs of very different sizes together?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Hold each leash in a separate hand rather than combining them on a coupler, since a size mismatch, such as a 5 kg terrier and a 35 kg retriever, means very different amounts of force if either dog lunges, and a shared coupler transfers that force straight to whichever dog is smaller. Walk the smaller dog on the side away from traffic and slightly closer to you, where it is easier to protect and less likely to be stepped on if the larger dog moves suddenly. Practice walking them separately first if either dog pulls, before attempting both together.
Why separate leashes work better than a coupler
A coupler joins two dogs to one handle, which means a sudden lunge from the larger dog yanks the smaller one along with it, a risk that holding two independent leashes avoids by letting you control each dog's movement on its own terms.
Positioning for safety
Keeping the smaller dog on the inside, nearer to you and away from the road or busier side of the path, reduces the chance of it being trodden on or caught between the larger dog and a passing distraction.
Key takeaways
- Hold two leashes separately rather than using a coupler for very different sized dogs.
- Position the smaller dog on the side nearer to you and away from traffic.
- Make sure both dogs walk reasonably well individually before combining them on one walk.