Training a dog is hard, but what's harder? Training multiple dogs. Here are tips, tricks, and tools for training multiple dogs.

What’s better than having a dog? Having more than one dog, duh! 

While having multiple dogs means more love and fun, it also brings its own set of challenges. For example, a lot of pup parents can struggle with training multiple dogs.

When your dogs are of different ages, have different personalities, and show different skill levels for behaviors, it can seem impossible to train them all effectively.

But managing your pack isn’t impossible. You just need the right tips, tricks, and tools to do it – which is what we’re here for! 

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR TRAINING MULTIPLE DOGS

We won’t lie to you – training more than one dog takes some technique and a lot of practice. 

But here are a few things you can do to make it a little easier:

Did you know that dogs mimic your energy? While it’s easy to get overwhelmed when training any amount of dogs, staying positive and calm is key for getting your dog to do the same. This will help your dog form positive, happy associations with training sessions, which will keep them engaged and focused.

Before getting your dogs together for group training sessions, work with them individually first. Make sure they know basic behaviors (sit, look at me, stay, recall etc.) and safety behaviors (impulse control, leash walking, etc.) down individually first, to make group training safer and more effective. You may need to put your other dog in a crate or separate room to help the dog you are training focus on you, and not what the other dog is doing.

3. ENLIST THE HELP OF A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER

This is super helpful when you need to focus on one dog at a time, when you’re working on behaviors that require a second person (like desensitization training or impulse control), or simply when you need another set of hands. 

Just because it’s not one dog’s “turn” doesn’t mean you can’t reward them. In fact, you should. Any time they are waiting calmly while you work with the other dog, showing target behaviors, or working well with their fur siblings, be sure to mark and reward.

Just as it’s important for your dog to know their individual name, it’s just as important for your group of dogs to respond collectively. This makes it a lot easier for you to address all of your dogs instead of one at a time, which can get a little complicated when you are looking for them to do things together, like come when they are called. Whether it be “boys,” “pups,” “The Smith Dogs,” or anything else you choose, pick a short and sweet name and mix that into training commands. 

You may have one dog that needs a little extra help in one skill or one who pays attention a little better during training. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to make eye contact with, talk to, and work with all of your dogs equally. Keep them engaged and on their toes (paws?) so they know that at any time, you could be asking something of them – they’ll pay much better attention when they know a treat could be theirs at any moment!

If this sounds like a lot of work… well, it is. But that’s not a bad thing! Training multiple dogs can definitely take some practice and getting used to, but persistence pays off when you have all of your dogs succeeding.

TOOLS YOU’LL NEED TO TRAIN INDIVIDUAL DOGS

While training multiple dogs takes time and practice, there are some tools you can utilize to make sessions easier and more effective.

Basic training tools. Start with the basics like appropriately sized crates, potty training products, a treat pouch, a clicker, and a portable water bowl for outdoor training sessions. And remember it’s better to have something and not use it right away, than wish you had something in the moment.

Safety training tools. Having a short and a long lead will keep your dog safe while working on a variety of skills. It’s also helpful to have flashlights and reflective patches if your training will last into the evening.

Training treats. A high-value reward is the foundation of positive reinforcement training. Be sure to choose low-calorie treats with natural ingredients so your dog can enjoy their reward while staying healthy. Shop training treats here. 

Pupford Academy. Get access to a library of training courses, videos, and resources to guide you through training a variety of behaviors – all led by expert dog trainers and professionals. 

At the end of the day, the most effective tools you can have for training multiple dogs are patience and a positive mindset. It sounds cliche, but it’s true! Embrace all the challenges that come with training multiple dogs and you’ll find that it can be extremely rewarding – and even a lot of fun! 

If you’ve been through the process of training multiple dogs, how was your experience? Share with other pup parents in the comments below! 

Training Multiple Dogs: Tips, Tricks, and Tools | Pupford