Training 2 dogs at the same time

[KipL]

We have a 3 year old Irish Setter and a 1 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. I can’t decide what is best - train together or separate? Until we get things under control, it’s a little nuts. They do need more stimulation, I’ll admit. The little one will bark constantly if I put him up while training. They get in each other’s way training together. The Irish Setter seems to catch on quick, but she is older and had a little training early on. However, we are only at sit so maybe the little buddy will get faster. Lol! He didn’t do too bad though. I know leash training must be done separate simply due to big one’s strength unless my husband does one and I do the other. I’d love some advice. Train separate or together?

[Adrienne Farricelli]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

To answer your question, I would start training one dog at a time at first just because in the initial stages of training, you want one-on-one attention without too many distractions going on. The great news is that once each dog is getting more and more fluent in performing the desired behaviors, you can get them to perform the behaviors they were taught individually, now together which works great as part of the proofing process.

 

Let me know if you need any further assistance.

 

Happy training!

Adrienne