Training Multiple Dogs: Why One at a Time Works Best
Updated: 4 days ago
Training two dogs at once sounds efficient. In practice, it usually means two dogs watching each other instead of you, one dog doing all the work and the other getting the treats, and an awful lot of noise. Dogs learn best one at a time, especially at the start, so that's where I'd always start. That doesn't mean you'll never train them together, it means building each dog's skills on their own first, then bringing them together step by step. Here's why individual training matters in a multi-dog home, and how to make it work without doubling your time.
THE SHORT ANSWER
When you have more than one dog, train each dog on their own first. Dogs together tend to focus on each other, copy each other's habits, compete for rewards and learn at different speeds, which slows progress for both. Keep sessions short, around three to five minutes, while the other dog is busy behind a gate with a chew or puzzle toy. Use each dog's name before a cue, so they know who you're talking to, and choose rewards that suit each dog. Once a skill is solid alone, practise with the other dog nearby but busy, then side by side, and finally together. If one dog is reactive or worried, work on that individually, as their stress can spread to the other.
Why one at a time works better
Dogs are very tuned in to each other. With two in the room, your dog is watching their friend, the treat pouch and you, in roughly that order.
On their own, each dog can concentrate. You can see exactly what they're doing, reward at the right moment and go at their pace. Read why individual attention matters with multiple dogs.
The problems with training together too soon
Training two dogs at once before they're ready creates problems that are easy to miss. Some are about attention, and some are about timing. These come up most often:
divided focus: they watch each other, not you
wrong rewards: one dog sits, both get a treat, and the slower dog learns nothing
competition: some dogs get pushy or guard treats and toys
different speeds: one dog races ahead while the other gets confused
copied habits: a barky dog can teach a quiet one to bark
Setting up separate sessions
Pop one dog behind a baby gate or in another room with a long-lasting chew, a stuffed Kong or a lick mat. That dog learns that waiting is calm and rewarding too.
Train the other dog for three to five minutes, then swap. Short, frequent sessions fit easily into a day, before meals or during the ad break.
Use names and personal rewards
Say your dog's name before the cue, like "Bella, sit". Each dog learns to listen for their own name.
Find what each dog loves most. One may work for cheese, another for a quick game of tug. Training separately lets you use the right reward for each. Read what motivates your dog.
Bringing them back together
Once a skill is solid alone, add the other dog slowly. Go at the pace of the dog who finds it hardest. Build up in steps:
train one dog with the other nearby, behind a gate and busy
then with the other dog loose but on their bed with a chew
then ask both for a known skill, using names, one after the other
reward each dog individually, never by throwing treats between them
Reactive or worried dogs
If one dog is reactive, their stress can rub off on the other. Two dogs barking at the window together can quickly become a team habit.
Work on reactivity with each dog on their own, and walk them separately while you train. Read littermate syndrome if you have two puppies of a similar age.
RENEE'S TIP
Teach a "wait your turn" mat for each dog. Reward the waiting dog with a treat every few seconds while you train the other. Before long, both dogs think the waiting part is a great job too.
QUICK CHECK
ā Train each dog on their own first
ā Keep sessions short and give the other dog a chew
ā Use names before cues and rewards each dog loves
ā Bring dogs together slowly, one step at a time
ā Work on reactivity one dog at a time
ONE-TO-ONE HELP
Help with a multi-dog home
If your dogs set each other off, compete over things or you can't get either to listen when they're together, I can help in an online Dog Behaviour Consultation from wherever you are.
Online on Teams, wherever you are. 30 or 60 minutes.
FAQs
Should I train my dogs together or separately?
Separately at first. Bring them together once each dog knows the skill on their own.
How do I train one dog while the other waits?
Put the waiting dog behind a gate or on a mat with a chew, and reward calm waiting.
How do I get both dogs to listen?
Use each dog's name before the cue and reward each one individually.
Can my dogs learn bad habits from each other?
Yes. Barking, pulling and reactivity can spread from one dog to another.
How long should training sessions be with multiple dogs?
Three to five minutes per dog, a few times a day, works well.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Renee Patience Ā· National Dog Trainer of the Year 2025
Founder and head trainer of Paws Academy, with more than 30 years training dogs and a Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour. Renee has competed in agility, obedience and heelwork to music across the UK, including at Crufts and Olympia, has appeared on CBBC, and is the author of the Modern Training Guides and the Modern Breed Handbook series. Pictured with her boxer, Kookie.
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