Fun Obedience - Training Two Dogs at the Same Time Using the Honour System

When you’re working with multiple dogs of different energy levels, balance is key. In the video, I demonstrate how I handle my high-drive dog, Matrix, and my more laid-back dog, Cole, using toys, an X Vest, and some strategic play. Managing these differences in energy and intensity requires thoughtful techniques, especially when one dog has significantly more drive than the other.

One of the most effective strategies is using toys and specific equipment like the X Vest to help control and manage the dog's energy. In Matrix's case, "I want to burn off her energy, high intensity." The X Vest is a tool that adds weight and resistance, making her work harder while playing fetch, which helps tire her out more effectively. Cole, on the other hand, doesn’t need this level of intensity, especially when it’s warm out, so I focus on using food and low-key play to keep him engaged without overstressing him.

The key here is honoring the differences between the dogs. When you’ve got one dog in a high-energy state, the other needs to stay calm and respect the space. It’s not just about playing fetch—it's about an honor system where each dog has to wait their turn. This builds impulse control and patience in both dogs, which is critical when managing a multi-dog household.

When it comes to toys, I always use two separate ones. "Especially when you have a very high drive dog that has the possible chance of guarding or going after or protecting or wanting the ball over the other guy." By providing each dog their own toy, you reduce the risk of competition or conflict, especially with a dog like Matrix, who has intense drive. If you allow one dog to always take the toy, you're setting up for potential problems in behavior down the road, such as resource guarding.

Cole, being less intense, responds better to food as a reward. This is another great way to handle lower drive dogs during play or training. Using food during play keeps Cole engaged but not overly stimulated, which suits his temperament. I’ll show how you can "play with your food"—something as simple as tossing food around can make it more exciting for the dog, stimulating both their mind and body without pushing them to the point of stress. This method also helps in calming a dog down, making the transition from play to rest smoother.

Another key aspect of managing dogs with different energy levels is learning how to use their natural instincts in training. Cole, for instance, has a “super soft mouth” due to his gundog breed, so building his confidence through tug games was a process. "Before, it took me about a month to really get him to tug at all." Tug games have been an essential part of boosting his confidence, and they’ve helped develop his grip strength—enough that he could retrieve a live duck if needed. This is proof that even a dog with less drive can learn to tap into their natural skills with the right encouragement and patience.

The lesson here is that every dog is different, and your approach needs to be flexible. Whether it's using an X Vest to burn off energy or playing with food to engage a calmer dog, your training methods should be adapted to each dog's needs and temperament. It’s about balancing high-energy activity with calm control and knowing how to switch gears between dogs.

Training more than one dog doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It comes down to understanding each dog's personality and using the right tools and techniques. For high-drive dogs, you need intensity and focus to channel that energy productively. For lower-drive dogs, it’s about finding the right balance of engagement without overexertion. As I demonstrated in the video, keeping things clear and structured ensures that each dog gets what they need while maintaining control and calm in your training sessions.

At the end of the day, it’s all about making the training fun for both you and your dogs, whether through active play, food games, or teaching them how to honor each other's space. If you’re training multiple dogs, always be aware of their differences and tailor your approach to make sure everyone succeeds.