Have you ever tried to walk two dogs at once? The leashes often tangle as the dogs cross paths, you have two handles to juggle, and you can feel like you’re being pulled all over the place. Perhaps a double dog leash is the answer for you.
Although there’s no substitute for teaching your dogs to walk politely on leash, under the right circumstances, a double dog leash can simplify the situation. Read on to learn about double dog leashes and whether they’re right for your dogs.
Double dog leashes, also known as couplers, are devices that allow you to walk two dogs at once. Although you only hold one handle, the leash splits into two at the bottom so each dog has their own section. Double leashes can make walking two dogs at once more accessible, since you don’t have two entirely separate leashes tangling, or have to hold two separate leash handles.
There are many types of double leashes on the market, and they feature different options like reflective tape, swiveling connectors, and bungee cord ends to minimize strain on your arm. Some allow the length to be adjusted on each side in case your dogs are of different heights. Plus, there are thick, heavy-duty versions for larger breeds as well as lighter ones for small dogs. Consider which features are most important for your dogs’ size and walking style.
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While there are a wide variety of double leashes, this doesn’t mean the tool is the right choice for walking your pets. According to Rachel Lane, dog trainer, certified behavior consultant, and owner of Leash & Learn, double leashes are not a good fit for all dogs. “Double leashes are most appropriate for dogs who are already well-trained, can walk on a loose leash, do not react aggressively to anything in their environment, and get along with each other without any history of conflict between them,” she says.
Consider each of your dog’s walking styles. Every dog has a unique personality and they don’t all behave the same on walks. For example, do you have one dog who likes to zip around and another who meanders? Lane says these two dogs wouldn’t be good candidates for a coupler. She recommends only walking two dogs together if they enjoy the same walking activities. For example, two dogs who like to take their time and sniff every blade of grass would be a good match.
Trying to walk two mismatched dogs can be frustrating and won’t be made any less so by the double leash. It’s also frustrating for the dogs. Lane says dogs have goals for their walks, and if those goals are in opposition to one another, neither dog is getting their needs met. “They would not benefit from a double leash because their behavior is incompatible with one another in terms of how they like to spend their time on a walk,” she explains.
Double leashes aren’t appropriate for dogs who haven’t learned leash manners. Until your dogs understand polite walking behavior, you’re better walking them individually and making each walk a training session. Lane says double leashes should also be used with extreme caution with dogs who pull on leash, even if they’re small in size. It’s a safety issue that could result in you getting hurt. Just consider if one dog pulls in one direction and the other dog pulls in the other direction.
©Nastya - stock.adobe.com
Lane points out that dog walking injuries aren’t uncommon and frequently involve the dog’s handler tripping on the dog, tripping on the leash, or getting tangled in the leash. In fact, a recent study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that the most common cause of injuries is dog-pulling behavior. Although it appears that the level of training, the dog’s behavior, and the handler’s skill level are more important than the leash and attachment used, Lane advises that even more precautions for handler safety should be considered when two dogs are walked with a double leash.
The relationship between the two dogs is another factor to consider. It can be challenging to walk two dogs on a coupler when they try to play with each other for the entire walk. Plus, one dog can rile the other up. For example, if one dog gets overexcited or overstimulated, that can cause the other dog to join in. The same is true if one dog reacts aggressively to something in the environment. Or worse, the overstimulated dog can redirect their frustration or discomfort on the second dog. If either of your dogs shows any reactive behavior while out on walks, such as barking, lunging, growling, staring, or snarling, avoid the use of double leashes.
It’s also important to avoid double leashes with dogs who don’t get along or only tolerate each other. Lane emphasizes that space plays an important role in dog behavior, particularly in instances of conflict. “When on a double leash, the two dogs have no way to move themselves away from the other dog. This can cause the dogs to fight when they normally would not, because their option to move away is no longer available,” she notes.
©Tatiana Katsai - stock.adobe.com
Before using a double leash, Lane urges people to teach each dog a strong foundation in loose leash walking. “They should walk cooperatively in any direction the handler chooses, respond to their owner’s cues the first time they are asked, focus on their handler in any situation or environment, and they should be able to walk on a loose leash at a variety of paces/pace changes,” she explains.
Even if you have two dogs who enjoy walking on a double leash, Lane suggests you don’t forget to take them for one-on-one walks on a regular basis. These individual walks can help you notice any changes in each dog’s posture, movement, or behavior, which is an important part of monitoring their health, especially as they age. You can also use those one-on-one walks to brush up on training. Plus, you can give your dog undivided attention and quality interactions to help strengthen your relationship.
The post Double Dog Leashes: When and How to Use Them Safely appeared first on American Kennel Club.
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Although there’s no substitute for teaching your dogs to walk politely on leash, under the right circumstances, a double dog leash can simplify the situation. Read on to learn about double dog leashes and whether they’re right for your dogs.
What Is a Double Dog Leash?
Double dog leashes, also known as couplers, are devices that allow you to walk two dogs at once. Although you only hold one handle, the leash splits into two at the bottom so each dog has their own section. Double leashes can make walking two dogs at once more accessible, since you don’t have two entirely separate leashes tangling, or have to hold two separate leash handles.
There are many types of double leashes on the market, and they feature different options like reflective tape, swiveling connectors, and bungee cord ends to minimize strain on your arm. Some allow the length to be adjusted on each side in case your dogs are of different heights. Plus, there are thick, heavy-duty versions for larger breeds as well as lighter ones for small dogs. Consider which features are most important for your dogs’ size and walking style.
©vivienstock - stock.adobe.com
Which Dogs Are Good Candidates for a Double Dog Leash?
While there are a wide variety of double leashes, this doesn’t mean the tool is the right choice for walking your pets. According to Rachel Lane, dog trainer, certified behavior consultant, and owner of Leash & Learn, double leashes are not a good fit for all dogs. “Double leashes are most appropriate for dogs who are already well-trained, can walk on a loose leash, do not react aggressively to anything in their environment, and get along with each other without any history of conflict between them,” she says.
Consider each of your dog’s walking styles. Every dog has a unique personality and they don’t all behave the same on walks. For example, do you have one dog who likes to zip around and another who meanders? Lane says these two dogs wouldn’t be good candidates for a coupler. She recommends only walking two dogs together if they enjoy the same walking activities. For example, two dogs who like to take their time and sniff every blade of grass would be a good match.
Trying to walk two mismatched dogs can be frustrating and won’t be made any less so by the double leash. It’s also frustrating for the dogs. Lane says dogs have goals for their walks, and if those goals are in opposition to one another, neither dog is getting their needs met. “They would not benefit from a double leash because their behavior is incompatible with one another in terms of how they like to spend their time on a walk,” she explains.
Which Dogs Shouldn’t Use a Double Dog Leash?
Double leashes aren’t appropriate for dogs who haven’t learned leash manners. Until your dogs understand polite walking behavior, you’re better walking them individually and making each walk a training session. Lane says double leashes should also be used with extreme caution with dogs who pull on leash, even if they’re small in size. It’s a safety issue that could result in you getting hurt. Just consider if one dog pulls in one direction and the other dog pulls in the other direction.
©Nastya - stock.adobe.com
Lane points out that dog walking injuries aren’t uncommon and frequently involve the dog’s handler tripping on the dog, tripping on the leash, or getting tangled in the leash. In fact, a recent study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that the most common cause of injuries is dog-pulling behavior. Although it appears that the level of training, the dog’s behavior, and the handler’s skill level are more important than the leash and attachment used, Lane advises that even more precautions for handler safety should be considered when two dogs are walked with a double leash.
The relationship between the two dogs is another factor to consider. It can be challenging to walk two dogs on a coupler when they try to play with each other for the entire walk. Plus, one dog can rile the other up. For example, if one dog gets overexcited or overstimulated, that can cause the other dog to join in. The same is true if one dog reacts aggressively to something in the environment. Or worse, the overstimulated dog can redirect their frustration or discomfort on the second dog. If either of your dogs shows any reactive behavior while out on walks, such as barking, lunging, growling, staring, or snarling, avoid the use of double leashes.
It’s also important to avoid double leashes with dogs who don’t get along or only tolerate each other. Lane emphasizes that space plays an important role in dog behavior, particularly in instances of conflict. “When on a double leash, the two dogs have no way to move themselves away from the other dog. This can cause the dogs to fight when they normally would not, because their option to move away is no longer available,” she notes.
©Tatiana Katsai - stock.adobe.com
Training Tips for Using a Double Dog Leash
Before using a double leash, Lane urges people to teach each dog a strong foundation in loose leash walking. “They should walk cooperatively in any direction the handler chooses, respond to their owner’s cues the first time they are asked, focus on their handler in any situation or environment, and they should be able to walk on a loose leash at a variety of paces/pace changes,” she explains.
Even if you have two dogs who enjoy walking on a double leash, Lane suggests you don’t forget to take them for one-on-one walks on a regular basis. These individual walks can help you notice any changes in each dog’s posture, movement, or behavior, which is an important part of monitoring their health, especially as they age. You can also use those one-on-one walks to brush up on training. Plus, you can give your dog undivided attention and quality interactions to help strengthen your relationship.
The post Double Dog Leashes: When and How to Use Them Safely appeared first on American Kennel Club.
Read more...
