Walking multiple dogs on multiple leashes can be disastrous. You grip a fist full of leash spaghetti and can't tell which leash goes to which dog. Then someone moves and you and the dogs get tangled up into one big knot. Using a multi-lead leash can solve these problems.
Multi-lead Leashes
The best solution to walking multiple dogs on multiple leashes is to combine several dogs onto one leash. In sporting and hunting dog circles, this is often called a brace lead. Many pet companies prefer the term multi-lead. They are available in many materials, including nylon webbing, poly cord and leather. Most have clips or snaps that attach each dog to a central point on the main lead.
How to Attach
With most of the multi-lead leashes, one line clips to each dog's collar and then to a ring at the end of a central leash that you hold. This allows you to have only one leash in hand while restraining multiple dogs. Turn each dog's collar attachment point to a natural orientation to provide the most direct and comfortable contact, straight up on the closest dog and more to the side on the furthest one.
Preparation
Since it is very tricky to manage multiple dogs on one leash, you should train each dog separately on a single leash prior to asking him to work in a multiple situation. Utilize verbal commands since the dogs will not be able to receive clear leash signals and can't all see hand signals. Time you spend preparing the dogs will pay handsomely once you get them all together.
Practice
Begin by combining two dogs of similar size and stride. After they become accustomed to working together, you can add a third dog. Place the newest or most unreliable dog in the closest, innermost position. After all three dogs are working well together, you can add another multi-lead leash in the other hand. Group your dogs according to temperament and size of stride to keep peace in the pack.
Cautions
Although a multi-lead leash can relieve you of a fist full of individual leashes and lessen entanglements, it also decreases your ability to control each dog. This is not a safe choice for aggressive or untrained dogs. Keep in mind that the forward pulling power of multiple dogs can put a tremendous amount of power on the end of your leash. Keep a sharp eye out for distractions that might cause all the dogs to bolt at the same time.
