Double Dog Leashes May Cause More Harm Than Good

Walking two dogs at once can be daunting, especially if one or both dogs like to pull on leash. Many pet owners attach a coupler at the end of one leash, which then forms a prong, so two dogs can be walked on the same leash. While double dog leashes seem like a fabulous idea, they do have some drawbacks.

Cons of Using a Double Dog Leash

Not Enough Space Between Dogs

Most dog leash couplers provide 1-2 feet of space between two dogs during walks, which can be a bit tight for some dogs. That’s a pretty small space for dogs during long or even short walks, and some dogs can get a bit anxious having to walk that close to another dog even if they live together. As a human example, walking two dogs on a coupler is equivalent to asking two children to walk arm-in-arm. It can get a bit too close for them. 🙂 Sometimes, I witness redirected aggression between two dogs on a coupler, especially when something scary or exciting happens.

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Couplers are Inconvenient for Dogs

Remembering the small space between dogs on a coupler during walks, it’s almost impossible for a large and small dog to walk comfortably together. Large dogs have longer strides, and it’s exhausting for smaller dogs to keep up during walks. Plus, the height gap will cause a constant tugging on the larger dog’s collar, which can make him uncomfortable too.

Not Much Control When Using a Coupler

Controlling two pulling dogs on a coupler, even when they’re attached to one leash, is nearly impossible. It’s downright dangerous and difficult to prevent propulsion. While it seems having both dogs attached to one leash would give the pet owner a bit more control, it has the opposite effect. Applying simple physics principles can quickly explain how two dogs pulling forward or in opposite directions can force a single pet owner to move forward uncontrollably.

What to Use to Walk Two Dogs

While it’s so tempting to try out a dog leash coupler, I would recommend walking both dogs on separate leashes. Fumbling and untangling two leashes is a bit cumbersome, but you will have more control, especially if you’re holding one leash in each hand. I highly recommend holding the larger dog’s leash in your dominant (most used) hand. This will give you the most control.

If both dogs pull on their leashes, teach each dog to walk politely on leash before walking both dogs at once. Adding leash training behaviors during a short walk for one dog will not only physically exhaust him, but mentally too. For details on teaching two dogs to walk politely and safely together, check out that article.

Now, I’m not saying dog leash couplers don’t work. I’m just saying there are drawbacks all pet owners should be aware of before using them.

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