I have two different leash management techniques when I'm walking a pair of dogs. They both start by sticking my right hand through the loops of both leashes, like so:
I then take hold of the leashes so they are flat together, thus:
I then slide my left hand about 2-3 feet down the leash and take firm hold, so the leashes pass in front of me and are pinched together by my left hand:
My left hand then becomes the steering, with the two dogs walking on my left side. By keeping the leashes flat and pinched together, my left hand basically acts as a coupler forcing the dogs to walk side by side. I move my left arm forward, back, and out to the side to control the position of the dogs next to me. I use my right hand to control the slack/leash length, feeding or pulling the leashes through my left hand as needed.
Of course, sometimes one of the dogs is feeling spunky and won't walk calmly next to his brother. I pass the calmer dog's leash over to my right hand, and I keep the spunky dog's leash in my left:
I shorten the leashes as much as possible and spread my arms as wide as I can. I then walk with one dog on either side of me.
Safety tips to remember:
- Never let the dog pass behind you with his leash. Getting clothes lined from behind can pull you down. Keep the leashes short if a dog is trying to zigzag behind you.
- Never wrap a leash around your fingers or hold the slack in a loop around your hand. You could break fingers or your hand if your dog lunges.