How to train one dog when you have multiple dogs?

If you have two dogs and plan on training them it’s best to separate them. Do this for a bit before you begin training. The reason is to get the dog to refocus on what we are about to do with him. A great way to do this is to isolate the dog for a while before you begin training. Forget about trying to train 2 dogs at once, in most situations it is a recipe for failure. I suggest having one dog trained before getting another one. The very first thing you need if you want to train your dog is his attention, if you don’t have that, don’t start training. When I train a dog it’s all about fun, it’s all about structure – but that structure comes through fun and games. Play games, get active and put the learning into that context and you’ll see much better results from your dog. Always set your dog up for success.

Separate the dogs, at least when they’re learning the fundamentals like sit, down, or stay. Work with only one dog at a time and place the other dog(s) in a different room or in their crates. While you focus on the working dog, give the other dogs something to do, so they don’t fuss or feel resentful. Keep your training session short by making it something you can accomplish in less than 10 minutes. Once you’re finished with the first dog, swap them out for another dog. Repeat until all of your dogs have received their one-on-one training time. Tailor each dog’s lesson plan to where they need the most help. You can also take your dogs on individual walks to train outside the house. Use a Leash or Tether if separating the dogs is not possible. It’s not always possible to separate your dogs, perhaps you live in a small apartment, or your dog becomes stressed when they’re alone. Either will prevent the dogs from interfering with each other or stealing each other’s treats. Tethers and leashes also allow you to control which dog is getting rewarded for a given behavior while training two dogs at once. Teach Name Recognition once your dogs have mastered the basics, it’s time to work with them together. Use your body language and make eye contact, and teach your dog to recognize their name, then use it before any cue. You can also give each dog a different release word, so you don’t accidentally end Buddy’s stay when you release Bella. Try Station Training, with this technique, you give each dog their own station or area to relax in while you work with one dog at a time. The station could be a dog bed, a platform, or even a couch. The dogs aren’t tethered or leashed, instead, they wait voluntarily at their station until you release them, which helps them learn patience and emotional self-control.

When I teach a dog a new behavior, I work with that dog alone. I take the dog out of his working environment, away from the sight of his partner, and use a clicker and treats so that it is easy for the dog to learn what I am trying to teach him. Once the new behavior is learned I can ask for it and reward for it in the company of the dog’s partner as long as both dogs are paid. When the noses of both dogs are together, I draw them away from each other using the lure of my closed fists with a treat inside. What am I rewarding the second dog for???? Well, if that dog is looking at me, or sitting near us, or standing quietly nearby, he is giving me behaviors I can reward for; these are behaviors I want to see more of! If you load your pockets with tasty things before you go out to do your daily chores it is easy to grab a few seconds here and there to reinforce good behavior. What you may not realize is that the other dog in the field with you is learning too, and he may not be learning what you think he is. Working with only one of the dogs in a pair can create stress and competition between them.

To train one dog when you have multiple dogs, teach new commands one dog at a time. Take Dog A and teach sit, or heel or insert whatever command here, and then Dog B separately. Once they both have got something down pat, then do tandem. Have special solo time with each dog, maybe you play a game of hide and seek or fetch and maybe you work on commands, it could be as short as 5 minutes. For highly trained dogs, you can do mat stays while working with the other dog. For beginners, you would utilize the crate or a pen. Crate train your dogs, it is of vital importance that your dogs have their own space and crates are a great way to rotate dogs for special solo time. Insist on obedience, with any dog, but more so with multiples, you should have a clear routine for feeding time, coming in the house, going outside etc. and insist on manners.