Leash walking
How do I teach two dogs to walk together calmly on a leash?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Start by walking each dog separately with a helper handling the second dog a short distance away, gradually decreasing that distance over several sessions as both dogs stay calm. Only combine both leashes into your own hands once each dog can walk politely near the other without pulling toward it or reacting.
Building up gradually with a helper
Having a second person walk one dog while you walk the other, starting 5 to 10 metres apart, lets both dogs get used to each other's presence without the complication of one handler managing both leashes at once. Reward calm behavior generously during these early joint walks.
Narrowing the gap over time
As both dogs settle, close the distance between the two walking pairs by a metre or two every few sessions, watching for signs of tension such as stiffening or staring rather than pushing ahead on a fixed schedule regardless of how the dogs are doing.
Taking over both leashes yourself
Once the dogs walk calmly side by side with two handlers, try taking both leashes yourself for short, easy stretches first, building up walk length gradually rather than jumping straight into a full length walk solo with two dogs on day one.
Key takeaways
- Start with two separate handlers walking the dogs a distance apart before combining them.
- Reward calm behavior generously during early joint sessions to build positive associations.
- Narrow the gap between the two dogs gradually, watching body language rather than a fixed timeline.
- Take over both leashes yourself only once the dogs already walk calmly together with two handlers.