Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Okay - yes, I've been a lazy mom this past few years. My huskies have a doggy door so they do not require potty walks and they get more than enough exercise playing in the backyard. We daily play "catch em" in the yard and they love it. Sooo....now that I've finally graduated from college and am not juggling school and work I want to start walking the kids. Well.....how in the world do you only get one dog out the door at a time? Any suggestions? Right now I'm trying to get one dog out in the garage while keeping the other two in the house. Yeah...that's insane!!! There's all kinds of barking, jumping, howling, "talking". It's hilarious!! I've tried walking all three at one time - I think I was on drugs for trying that!! LOL!! HELP!!!

Becky

Can you distract 2 with food?

If I need to go somewhere with one I distract the other by filling a kong ball with food and launching it across the house. When the other dog realises we're leaving, we've already gotten out the door.

You just adjust the amout of food you feed in a day according to how much your using to distract while going in and out.

It's not perfect but I've found it works.

Sounds like they need to learn some obedience! If they see you as the pack leader, they should not act like maniacs. It makes for a much calmer household.
I have 3 as well, and if I'm taking one for a walk and not the others, they may whine a bit, but they accept it. They will not charge past me.
Also, as a result of being a respected pack leader, I'm able to walk all 3 with one hand.
I'd say start taking baby steps as far as becoming the pack leader. Never let a dog tell you what to do--You're the boss! Little things like never letting them through a door ahead of you, not letting them on the furniture, not letting them harrass you as you eat, et cetera. I recommend checking out the NILIF (NothingInLifeIsFree) method...Make them work for everything, whether it be treats or affection. (We make ours sit or down-stay for everything.)
Also, I'd recommend practicing walking and heeling one at a time. Also, doyou crate train?
This will help make your pack more managable, trust me!

-bcm

Mr. TimV - I love your idea. I need to see if I can find their Kongs!!! They love those filled with peanut butter!! Usually with their typical "scoobies" it is not enough to distract them, but the Kong idea may work.

They know I'm the boss. But this walking thing is new to them and they all want to go. No, I do not crate them. I do not like that idea personally. They have free reign of the house (minus bedrooms) and they have a doggy door. They do not beg for food nor are they naughty. This is just a new problem that we have to get through. I play with them a lot and I wear them out. Plus since I have 3 they play with each other all the time.

Becky