Trading two dogs at the same time

[EAndrewsbooth]

I have a min pin adult and chi poodle puppy and want to train them at the same time. Any tips? Can't really separate them for individual training.

 

Thank you and excited to get started!

Missy

 

[EAndrewsbooth]

I meant Training in the title:)

 

[Adrienne]

Hello, and welcome to the forums!

It would be difficult to train them at the same time, especially if they haven't received any training as of yet. This is because training requires giving each dog lots of individual attention, especially initially. You will need to pay attention to what the dog does, concentrate on his/her progress and possibly carry several items in your hands (treats for luring and then rewarding, a clicker -if you use it). On top of this, you need to focus on the dog's body language for signs of motivation, eagerness or tiring or stress and two dogs may sometimes compete and get in the middle or even fight when there are treats involved. 

I know you said that you can't separate from training, but can any of these options be possible? Being small dogs, some options may be easier. 

-Can you have a helper hold one dog/keep it busy while you train the other dog?

-Take turns crating one dog leaving him/her with a chew toy or long-lasting edible chew to keep him/her busy?

-Take turns putting on dog in a x-pen or indoor play pen leaving him/her with a chew toy or long-lasting edible chew to keep him/her busy?

-Tethering one dog (a tether is a short nylon-coated cable with sturdy snaps at both ends one end that can be attached to wall-mounted hooks) and giving something to chew on  while you train the other? Make sure to always supervise a dog when tethered and give your dog something to keep occupied. 

-Attaching the leash to a heavy sturdy object, like the leg of a kitchen table, coffee table or heavy chair? This may work with smaller dogs. Simply wrap the leash around the leg, and thread the clip end through the handle loop and clip the leash to the dog. Avoid doing this if your dog is prone to pulling away or panics. Always monitor closely of course and give your dog something to keep busy (chew toy, edible chew). Never leave dog unsupervised. 

-Keeping one dog in a dog carrying bag/ dog sling carrier on your lap while you sit down and train the other? Make sure to occasionally reward the dog in the carrier every now and then. 

-Erecting a baby gate to keep one pup busy in one area while your train the other?

-Since your dogs are small, placing some boxes or tall furniture to create a separated area?

-Can you train one dog in a small room like the bathroom while the other stays out?

-You can try keeping one dog leashed to your belt, but you may find that the non-trained dog may try to repeatedly get attention, so you may have to find a way to keep him/her busy and/or use some type of visual barrier. If you sit on a couch, you can sit at the end and use your legs to block some visual, but if you find yourself being repeatedly interrupted by the other dog, you may need to find some other solution. 

Whatever option you use,  make sure to provide the non-working dog with a safe chew toy or food-dispensing toy to keep him busy while he waits his turn for training. And always keep on eye on the non-working dog if tied up/tethered for safety reasons. 

Hope this helps,

Happy Training!

Best, Adrienne