Training one dog can be a challenge. Training two or more? That’s a whole different kind of circus. If you’ve ever tried to wrangle attention from multiple dogs while also holding a treat pouch, clicker, and your sanity, you’re not alone. The good news is, with a little planning and a whole lot of patience, you can train multiple dogs at once and actually enjoy the process.
Here’s how to do it without turning your living room into a barking, tail-chasing frenzy.
Start with One-on-One Sessions
Before trying to train your dogs together, make sure each dog understands the basics on their own. Sit, stay, down, and come should already be part of their vocabulary. This way, you’re not trying to teach multiple dogs from scratch all at once. It’s not just easier on you, it’s fairer to them.
Try short, separate sessions (even 5–10 minutes) in a quiet space where there are no other dogs to distract them. Reinforce their foundation skills before introducing the chaos of the pack.
Use Their Names as a Cue
Each dog needs to learn that their name means “this command is for you.” Say the name, pause for a beat, and then give the cue. This way, your dog learns to focus when their name is called, while the others wait their turn.
It’s like saying, “Okay, now it’s your move,” and it helps avoid confusion (and jealousy) when treats are being handed out.
Practice “Wait Your Turn”
Patience doesn’t come naturally to every dog, especially when treats are involved. Teach your dogs to wait while the others work. Start with one dog on a leash and another performing a command. Reward both dogs, the working one for doing the task, and the waiting one for staying calm and still.
Over time, they’ll understand that being patient gets them rewarded too.
Keep It Short and Sweet
Don’t expect a group training marathon to go well. Dogs, just like people, get tired and distracted. Keep group sessions short, around 5–10 minutes and quit while you’re ahead. Ending on a good note keeps your dogs excited for next time.
Use Space to Your Advantage
If your dogs get too excited around each other, give them physical space. You can use baby gates, crates, or separate rooms while rotating them through training sessions. If you do work together in one room, position them far enough apart so they can focus without being tempted to wrestle.
Be Fair, Be Consistent
Dogs notice everything. If one gets a treat and the other doesn’t, you better have a good reason. Make sure rewards are handed out fairly and consistently. This keeps trust strong and competition low.
Also, try to keep your training tone and expectations steady across dogs. If one dog gets away with sloppiness while another gets corrected, they’ll notice and it can cause tension.
Celebrate Small Wins
Don’t wait until your dogs are perfectly synced like Olympic dancers to feel proud. Celebrate the small moments: two dogs sitting calmly side by side, one waiting while the other heels. These are the building blocks of calm, confident, multi-dog behavior.
It’s Not About Perfection
Training multiple dogs isn’t a straight path. There will be barking, flubs, and likely a few chewed-up clickers along the way. That’s okay. Progress, not perfection, is the goal. If your dogs are learning, listening, and having fun, you’re doing it right.
And really, the moments of chaos? They’ll make for the best stories later.
Whether you live in a multi-dog household by design or fate, training them together doesn’t have to feel like herding cats. With a little structure and a lot of heart, you’ll build a team that knows how to listen, learn, and live together peacefully.
