Training Multiple Dogs: Why Individual Training is Key

Training a single dog can be challenging, but when you have two or more, the difficulties can multiply. It’s tempting to work with both dogs at the same time—after all, it might feel like you’re being efficient. However, this approach can often lead to slower progress, increased frustration, and even unintentional reinforcement of bad habits.

Whether you’re focusing on basic obedience or working through behavioural challenges such as reactivity, training each dog separately is essential. Dogs learn at their own pace, and training sessions tailored to their individual needs will yield far better results than trying to train them as a group.

If you’re struggling to manage training in a multi-dog household, this guide will help you understand why separation is key, how to structure sessions effectively, and when to bring your dogs back together for training.

Why Separate Training is Crucial for Success when Traning Multiple Dogs

Dogs are highly attuned to each other’s behaviour and emotions. If one dog struggles with impulse control or reacts negatively to certain situations, their behaviour can easily influence the other. This is particularly true in cases of reactivity, where one dog’s nervousness or excitement can escalate the other’s response.

By training your dogs separately, you allow each one to focus on you without the distraction of their companion. This makes learning easier and helps prevent them from picking up on any undesirable habits from each other.

Additionally, every dog has a unique personality and learning style. One might be eager and food-motivated, while the other could be more independent and require a different approach. Training them together can mean that one dog dominates the session, leaving the other left behind or confused.

The Challenges of Training Dogs Together Too Soon

Many people assume that if their dogs live together, they should automatically be trained together. However, training multiple dogs at the same time presents several issues, especially in the early stages:

• Divided Attention: When two dogs are together, their focus is often on each other rather than on you. Even if one dog is engaged, the other may be distracted, reducing the effectiveness of the training session.

• Reinforcing the Wrong Behaviour: If one dog is slower to pick up a command and you reward them both at the same time, the second dog may associate the reward with the wrong action.

• Competing for Rewards: Some dogs become competitive over treats, toys, or praise, leading to tension or even resource guarding.

• Different Learning Speeds: One dog may learn much faster than the other, leading to frustration for both you and the slower learner.

While training together is the long-term goal, starting separately ensures that both dogs understand what is being asked of them before they are expected to perform in a more distracting setting.

How to Structure Individual Training Sessions

Create a Quiet Training Environment

Find a space where your dog can focus without distractions. This could be a room inside your home, a fenced garden, or even a quiet field if working outdoors. If you have another person in the household, they can keep the second dog occupied while you train.

If you are alone, consider using baby gates, another room, or a chew toy to keep the second dog entertained while you work with the first.

Keep Sessions Short and Engaging

Dogs have short attention spans, and long training sessions can lead to boredom or frustration. Aim for 5–10 minute sessions multiple times a day rather than one long session.

During training, focus on one command or behaviour at a time. If you’re working on recall, don’t suddenly switch to loose lead walking—this can make things confusing. Keeping sessions focused ensures that your dog can absorb what they are learning.

Use High-Value Rewards

Every dog is motivated by something different. Some will do anything for food, while others respond better to play or praise. Find what works best for each dog and use that during training.

For example:

• Food-driven dogs may work well for small, tasty treats.

• Play-driven dogs may respond better to a quick game with their favourite toy.

• Affection-driven dogs may need verbal praise and petting as a reward.

If one dog has a high food drive but the other prefers toys, using the same reward for both could be ineffective. Training separately allows you to tailor the reward system to each individual dog.

Reinforce Calm and Focused Behaviour

If your dog gets too excited or loses interest, take a step back. Training should be enjoyable, not stressful. If frustration builds, end on a positive note and try again later.

Many behavioural issues, especially reactivity, stem from a lack of impulse control. Exercises like “wait” and “look at me” can help your dog focus and reduce over-excitement.

Addressing Reactivity and Behavioural Challenges

Reactivity is one of the most common reasons owners struggle with training multiple dogs. If one of your dogs barks at other dogs, pulls on the lead, or gets overexcited, training them together can make things worse.

Training a Reactive Dog Separately

Start by working with your reactive dog alone in a controlled environment. The goal is to help them remain calm and focused on you, rather than reacting to their surroundings. Techniques like desensitisation (gradually exposing them to their triggers at a low level) and counter-conditioning (associating triggers with positive experiences) are effective.

For example:

• If your dog reacts to other dogs, work at a distance where they remain calm and reward them for looking at you instead.

• If they react to noises, play recordings at a low volume and gradually increase it as they become more comfortable.

Once your reactive dog has shown improvement in a one-on-one setting, you can start working on introducing them to the other dog in a structured way.

Reintroducing Training With Both Dogs

Once both dogs have built up their skills individually, start incorporating joint training sessions. Begin in a low-distraction environment and work on simple commands they already know well.

• Keep sessions short and positive.

• Reward both dogs for calm behaviour.

• If one dog becomes overly distracted, go back to individual training and try again later.

If they start competing for attention or showing signs of stress, it’s a sign they need more time apart before progressing further.

Practical Tips for Training in a Multi-Dog Household

1. Rotate Training Times: While one dog is in training, keep the other occupied with a chew toy or puzzle feeder.

2. Avoid Comparisons: Dogs learn at different speeds. Just because one picks up a command quickly doesn’t mean the other is failing.

3. Use Their Names First: Before giving a command, say the dog’s name to ensure they know who you are speaking to.

4. Train in Different Locations: Once they are confident in one setting, gradually introduce new environments to solidify their skills.

5. Stay Consistent: Each dog needs to learn the same rules. If one is allowed on the sofa and the other isn’t, it can lead to confusion.

Final Thoughts: Patience and Persistence Pay Off

Training multiple dogs takes time, but by focusing on individual sessions first, you’ll set a strong foundation for future success. Dogs learn best when they are given the chance to develop skills without distraction, and training separately ensures each one gets the attention they need.

The process may feel slow at first, but with patience and consistency, you’ll see real progress. Over time, you’ll have two well-trained dogs who not only listen to you individually but also work well together when the time comes.

If you’ve been struggling to train multiple dogs at once, try taking a step back and focusing on one at a time. You might be surprised at how much quicker they progress when given the chance to learn at their own pace.

Are you ready to enhance your dog training experience? At Paws Academy Dog Training, we offer personalised dog training classes and programmes that incorporate proven & positive methods. Join us today and discover the best way to train your dog effectively. Visit our website now to get started!