Equipment for Walking Two Dogs at the Same Time
With so many options out there, let’s discuss the easiest and best equipment for walking two dogs at once. As you’re probably aware, equipment is a huge part of setting you and your dogs up for success.
Dog Leashes
Each dog should walk using his separate leash that attaches to a body harness, collar (with ID tags) or head halter. If walking different sized dogs, or senior dogs, I recommend choosing dog leashes of varied lengths.
For young or large dogs, choose a six- to 10-foot leash. This provides more room to move quicker than their slower counterparts. For smaller or older dogs, choose a four- to six-foot leash. Now, some small dogs keep up with the big dogs so it’s all relative to your dog’s needs.
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What Doesn’t Work
I don’t recommend two dog couplers, which attach to one leash and two dogs. This just doesn’t work. Dogs vary in size and bump into each other constantly. It’s equivalent to locking elbows with another person while walking. Give your dog some space to move about. 🙂
Keep your flexi leads at home. Walking one dog at a time is difficult, and walking two dogs on flexi leads is a nightmare. Flexi leashes should only be used for dogs, which have learned how to walk politely on leash already.
Dog Collars
For daily walks, I recommend body harnesses or head halters. This prevents constant neck pressure for pullers wearing a collar. Now, don’t forget your dogs’ regular collars, as they usually contain their ID tags.
What Doesn’t Work
Collars that tighten as dogs pull just don’t work. Dogs have learned to pull through the pain, which is counterintuitive to polite leash matters. Plus, constant tightening pressure around your dog’s neck will cause reddening of your dog’s eyes, neck pain and even strangulation.
Need More Hands?
Yes, please! Sometimes it’s easier to attach your dogs’ leashes to a waist belt instead of holding them, but I’ll provide a bit of advice. Both dogs should walk politely on leash before using this type of equipment. Strong pulling or startled dogs can lunge, propelling you forward. It’s hard to pull back using the truck of your body.
Now, you can attach leashes to a waist belt, yet still hold leashes. It just takes some pressure off your hands. This is my preferred way to walk two dogs at once, as my favorite waist belt contains clasps for holding a water bottle and poop bags.
My Favorite Waist Belt
Over the years, I have tried several different types and I always come back to my heavy duty High Sierra Walk-A-Belt. It’s made of wide and heavy duty webbing, yet lined with fleece inside to prevent it from riding up my waist during walks. Plus D-ring attachments are metal and sewn onto the belt for added strength.
When wearing this belt, it’s best to position it around your hips instead of your waist. By wearing it lower, you’re protecting your back. Let’s face it: our center of gravity is usually our hip area. Think about it, when holding your dogs pulling on their leashes, most of us bend our bodies forward for additional strength.
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