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.