How to train two dogs – separately or together? #GreenBarkGummies

[frame src=”http://www.thatmutt.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/How-to-train-two-dogs-together-Copy.jpg” target=”_self” width=”673″ height=”378″ alt=”Ace and Lana with Green  Bark Gummies” align=”center” prettyphoto=”false”]

Tips for keeping both dogs challenged and happy

Note: This is a sponsored post that contains affiliate links. Read more to learn how you can win treats from Green Bark Gummies!

Dog training is something I enjoy.

It’s not a “chore.” I look forward to it.

Luckily, I have two very eager dogs at home who love training just as much as I do. They love the attention and the treats, and they seem to feel satisfied when they learn something new.

But having two dogs to train can be difficult, especially when they’re at two very different levels of obedience training. One has 8 years of experience – hours and hours with me and many classes. The other learned “sit” and “down” last week. 🙂

Training two dogs at the same time

When we first got our foster dog Lana (left) two weeks ago, I was thinking my dog Ace (right) could be a great teacher for her.

[quote_right]they can only train together if we’re working on simple stuff.[/quote_right]What I quickly learned is they can only train together if we’re working on simple stuff like “sit” or “stay” for about 30 seconds, like they’re doing above.

That’s all Lana can handle without some sort of correction, like me moving towards her and saying “uh-uh.”

Even a simple “correction” like that is stressful for Ace. He feels like he has done something wrong if Lana has done something “wrong.”

So, if I’m training them together I have to be really fun and up-beat, and I keep it easy for both dogs. Otherwise, Lana gets too distracted and my old guy gets stressed.

We’ve been training with treats from Green Bark Gummies, and you can see both dogs are very focused on these treats!

Training two dogs using one dog as a distraction

Another option is to put one dog in a down/stay on a mat while you work with the other dog.

Of course, this only works if you have a dog with a lot of experience, like Ace.

I can put him in a stay on his blanket, and he will remain there while I work with Lana.

This is not hard for Ace because he’s been around so many dogs, and he’s used to being the “demo dog” at obedience classes. If he’s told to stay, he pretty much always does, especially in our own living room.

While I’m working with Lana (look at that stupid grin on her face! Such focus!), I make sure to drop Green Bark Gummies treats to Ace every 30 seconds or so to reward him. I tear the treats in half or I use the “small bites” size so they both get lots of small pieces.

This method really works well for them, but of course there’s no way Lana would stay on a blanket while I work with Ace. That would be way too hard for her.

Which leads me to …

Training two dogs by rotating

This is the method that works best for Ace and Lana since their skill levels are so different and they get jealous of each other.

It’s just easier to separate them and work with each for about five minutes at a time. They both do a lot better this way, and I can tell they love to have my full attention. They just light up when we’re working individually! (Honestly, it’s probably because I’m happier too!)

When I work with Lana, I just put Ace in my bedroom where he sulks. 🙂

When I train Ace, I put Lana in her kennel with something to chew on. This is another area where Green Bark Gummies come in handy. I use the large-bite treats to stuff into her puzzle-type toys and she’s entertained. I’m grateful for that!

How you can win treats from Green Bark Gummies – 10 winners!

Green Bark Gummies is giving away a bag of treats to 10 lucky readers of That Mutt.

To enter, just leave a comment that states why your dog could use some additional training treats.

I’ll choose the winners at random on Thursday Feb. 26. Must have a U.S. mailing address to win. If you won last time, you can still enter! I would just encourage you to consider having the treats sent to a friend as a surprise gift!

*Congrats Lisa, Elizabeth, Rachel, Tiffany, Amelia, Anna, Jennifer, April, Kim and Stacey! I’ll be emailing you.

You can also order the treats here or visit GreenBarkGummies.com for more information.

Now I want to hear from you!

How do you train two dogs? Or is training your one dog hard enough?!

Also, sign up for That Mutt’s newsletter here.

Note: I received compensation and free treats in exchange for writing about Green Bark Gummies. This post contains affiliate links.