I have 2 - 8 month old Cocker spaniel puppies. I walk them together every morning and am having difficulty with them pulling. I can walk one by herself with much more control -- however, the other is still quite skittish (I've written about her before!) and I have to walk them together for the moment. I walk them on short leashes and try to keep them tight by my side -- but they are constantly tugging. I have seen a leash that looks like a muzzle but is not - it is supposed to keep them from pulling. I have not tried it yet as my husband is not crazy about the idea. I am writing to the "experts" hoping you might have insight. I call my walks with them my "resistance training" because I walk holding myself tight and trying not to fall down (which almost happened the other day!) These dogs do not weigh more than 17 lbs each but they feel like they weigh 100 lbs each when I am walking them. Any ideas!!?? thanks in advance for your help. I should also state that we are looking into hiring a trainer to help us with them. I am sure he would have advice but for the moment, I am really in need of help! Thanks to all -- Kristen Ryan

Not an expert by any means, but this is what I would do...

1. Get Ed's Basic Obedience DVD http://leerburg.com/302.htm

2. Along with the other obedience - Teach each dogs to heel, independent of the other.

3. Then begin training them to walk together.

I don't believe a leash of one type or another will make any difference in the way they walk. You might want to try prong collars, but I'm not sure since I've never used them on dogs that are that small/young. I believe the "muzzle" like collar you mention is probably a halti or gentle leader. Those can be effective in cutting down pulling, but they don't teach the dogs anything. I personally do not like them, as dogs may be injured when pulling to fast and snapping back.

Since my second GSD came home at 5 months, I have been walking two dogs every morning just like you. It can be done, so have faith...proper training will be essential. With my pair, it was a bit easier because my older dog already knew how to heel and the pup picked it up quickly.

Anywho, my guess is that you will be amazed at the change in your dogs if you begin using this DVD. I'd put money on your skittish pup coming out of her shell, your happiness increasing, and you'll begin to enjoy these dogs even more!

You might want to try playing some ball with them first - or whatever game they like - before walking them just to get rid of some of that extra energy. Tire them out if you can before the walk so they are content just to "stroll" by your side.

If you can't do this or don't have time, try walking faster or jog if you have to. Instead of them pulling you, make them keep up to you. From their size, I don't think you'll have to run a marathon to wear them out a little bit, but if you can get rid of that initial energy at the beginning, you can just go back to walking at a regular pace.

Hope this helps!