Leashes for Walking Multiple Dogs

In families with multiple dogs, exercising or walking the animals can be overwhelming. Investing in a leash that multiple dogs can be walked with can help make the walking process easier. Most multiple dog leashes have a single lead for the walker to hold, with multiple leashes attached at a single point. This allows the dogs to move freely without their leads getting tangled.

  1. Leash Size

    • The length of the leash is important when walking multiple dogs. Most multiple-dog leashes will have three-foot lengths that attach to a single lead held by the walker. This allows the dogs to have enough room to walk comfortably near other dogs, while also letting the walker control the speed and direction of the dogs.

    Number of Dogs

    • Most multiple dog leashes are designed for three to four dogs. The critical factor is the combined weight of the dogs. Leashes like the DoggStarr Multiple Dog lead can withstand up to 500 pounds of pressure safely. To determine the number of dogs that are safe to walk together on a multi-dog lead, also consider the dogs' behavior and how much pulling will occur during the walk.

    Walking Technique

    • When walking dogs, be aware of the dog behavior. Dogs that pull and are consistently ahead of their walker may see themselves as an "alpha" dog. A dog that is constantly leading the pack may experience stress, since they are unable to relax and walk with the pack. Ideally, a dog should be in a heeling position during a walk, so it perceives itself as a follower, and the walker as the leader.

    Walking Injuries

    • One benefit of using a multiple dog lead is reducing the stress placed on a dog's neck and spine. According to the Larz Petgear site, their multiple dog leash is designed to reduce the pressure on the dogs neck, and prevent any sharp jerking motions on the leash. A study showed that 78 percent of dogs deemed "over active" or "aggressive" and exhibited behaviors like pulling on a leash, had spinal anomalies. A multiple dog leash can reduce this risk, especially in dogs that tend to pull on leashes.