Lead joiner?

[Danni and Freya]

As I have said in previous posts I am a complete novice so looking for advice before the arrival of my second pup. I am wondering if a lead joiner is a good idea when the new pup is allowed out. Would it help him learn to walk nicely or just frustrate Freya? 

[Chedi]

I've never had experience with Dylan our cocker on it - but when my parents got their second dog (they were both springer spaniels - sadly Jesse's gone now) it was when Jesse was 3, they did try - but it didnt work whilst Dennis (the puppy at the time, he's now 6) was a little pup as he was so excited and bounced about. They walked them separately (as in one person had one, the other had the other) until Dennis would walk nicely, and tried again. Soon gave up though as having two springers on one lead is pretty strong for one arm, so they walked them on either arm.

[Helen]

I think it's a complete waste of time and will only end up causing one or other to have bad habits.  With them so close together in age you should be walking and training your pup's separately 

[vixen]

When you say a lead joiner, do you mean a coupling chain?
I tried one with my two girls (the same age) when they were younger and I got into a mess with it  
I had problems with it and my girls were the same height so I should imagine with two dogs of different sizes it would be even worse  
I just prefer to use two separate leads but in the same hand IYSWIM.
I have more control over each individual dog that way too.

[supergirl]

I got a lead coupler when I Roly arrived and it was a big mistake.  Misha just pulled him all over the place and in the end it made him a little reluctant to have his lead put on.  Would advise against it until the dog is a little older.

Also I have found that when I walk my dogs individually they're great on lead, but when I've got all four on lead together, they pull like crazy.

[Danni and Freya]

lol well that would be a resounding no then!  ok thanks for the advice as always guys

[6thSense]

Oh god I got one of them with the last pups. Thought what an excellent idea.  Not such a great idea when there twisted round each other and jumping around while your trying to detangle them. 

[bajoleth]

I find that if I walk Belle (15 mths) and Monty (5mths) in the same hand they walk better as they tend to fall into step with each other, one in each hand is a bit of a nightmare, they also sort of twist their leads up gradually which in effect is like a lead joiner they seem to like it like that?

[rwasinski]

I have also noticed that when walking ours together on lead anywhere, they pull like trains (it's like a race!) but alone, they are much more relaxed and it's a much more pleasurable experience 
Llewelyn especially lollops along whilst daydreaming!

[6thSense]

I find that if I walk Belle (15 mths) and Monty (5mths) in the same hand they walk better as they tend to fall into step with each other, one in each hand is a bit of a nightmare, they also sort of twist their leads up gradually which in effect is like a lead joiner they seem to like it like that?

I do find though that leads are much easier to untwist than the joiner. Even 5 or 6 of them. 

[Sarah1985]

I walk mine with seperate leads and have one either side. Its pretty difficult to co-ordinate at first. Particularly when one poos, theres dogs and bags and bending to co-ordinate. Before your new puppys arrival Id work on heel work with your exsisting dog and get him used to being on one side of you and staying there. No diving onto the other side, as with two you'll get into a knott. I found I didnt noticed Dexter was doing this untill I added a bouncing  pup into the mix.

It took me forever to get to the park the first time I tried it with them both but now they are both pretty good and I have been playing about with having them both on one side or getting them to switch from their usual.

 Might also be worth borrowing someone else dog to practice with. If you know what your doing the dogs will pick it up much quicker.

Good luck

[Danni and Freya]

Thanks everyone, you've certainly cleared that one up for me.
Sarah I have been trying to do this as soon as I confirmed I was definately getting another pup. I thought it would be a good idea to perfect Freyas heelwork before the little one arrived and I think we pretty close to managing that. The litter was due yesterday so shes overdue but it means I have eight weeks to work on Freya before he comes home