[Nicole]

I would recommend lots and lots of practice with the dogs on leash in your yard or another low distraction environment. I have 4 dogs. The 4th was a last minute rescue with behavior issues and easily treatable worm and intestinal infection. My dogs are a retired service dog Chihuahua, a working service dog Doberman, a 7 almost 8 month old Black Mouth Cur, and the recent rescue. I found that the biggest hurdle is simply me learning to handle multiple dogs on leashes at the same time. The Chihuahua goes on a longer line which is the most awkward with three dogs ranging from 41 pounds up. I have them all walk on the left. I try to keep 100 percent of my focus on them. As soon as one charges forward we turn and we practice turning in both directions and making sudden changes in direction often before anyone charges ahead. The handles of the leashes are in my right hand and separated a bit with my left hand fingers ready to drop some from my left temporarily if I need to in order to give one a correction. It is a bit of awkward puppeteering at times. I also have good verbal control and communication with the dogs. I am also paying very close attention should they decide to show the slightest sign of unwanted behavior and ready to address that quickly. The Doberman and Black Mouth Cur are worked on opposite sides for public access and again my focus is on them ready to correct via mostly verbally for not behaving according to service dog standards. Frequently verbally praising the dogs for good behavior. With the rescue dog in non public access settings with everyone else along I am currently not able to use food off property or on property as he has food resource guarding issues that are being addressed. Walking multiple dogs on leash, in my opinion and experience, is a skill that takes lots and lots of just getting out there and practicing as it is not something that is just about the dogs learning to walk together but much more the handler getting the practice of learning to handle and manage multiple dogs at once which takes lots and lots of practice and focus on the part of the handler and the more dogs added the harder it is (I personally would not walk more than 6 together and would not recommend most people walk more than two). I know this is a long post but maybe you can find something that might help you. There is no easy answer other than practice, practice, practice and practice and keep all your focus on the dogs…it is not easy and walking multiple dogs together is not for everyone. Good luck.