I've walked my two labs separately thus far, Luke is now 15 months and Maggie his mum 2 1/2. Maggie walks well now 95% of the time, but Luke is still inclined to pull and is very strong - a big boy!
My new year resolution was to start walking them together, even if only for 5 minutes. So, this afternoon, I decided to have a go. They were very excited at first, but we didn't go out till they'd calmed down. We went 3 minutes up a nearby country path, then turned round to come home, and they were walking nicely, one either side. Then - disaster! they saw another dog coming and both started to lunge - I got on to the leafy area to the side of the path, but I couldn't hold them, and I didn't so much fall as crumple, first to my knees and then flat out on my tummy, holding on to the two leads while the poor owner of the other dog was saying, "Are you alright?" " Yes, I'm fine, please take your dog on!" We then beat a hasty retreat home. I'm pleased to be uninjured but I feel very shocked and upset, and I suppose questioning whether at 61 I can cope with Luke. Was I unwise in succumbing to the temptation to keep a puppy? Would he be better off with a younger family? I persuaded OH against his better judgement to keep Luke. He won't walk them together 'cos he's scared of being pulled over. Also he's younger than me therefore works full-time, so I have them on my own during the week. Help!

Chill, most of the walk went fine and if its any consolation to you, the first time I walked my friends beautifully trained 2 senior dogs it was like knitting and I had the same issues when we met another dog in a little vennel between houses :D Also 61 is not old now and if you are healthy, why not keep Luke? Id seriously think about getting him a headcollar or harness to increase control, and also about walking in a field or park if you can for a bit. This isnt about your age, carene, its about pulling and practising walking the 2 dogs together. Have a nice cuppa (with some fortification) and take it easy.

Thanks! Luke has a "walk-eezie" harness, he wouldn't tolerate a head collar, I did persevere for some time. I actually enjoy walking them separately, they enjoy the individual attention, and Luke loves chasing his ball in the park - Maggie isn't interested in toys at all when she's out. It just would be nice to be able to walk them together some of the time. However if they do both pull it's 60+ kilo of dog, so there's no way I can cope with that. We're going to the "Walk with me" seminar in 2 week's time, so hopefully will get some more help there. However, you can't "click and treat" with a lead in each hand - can you??

I walk all five of my dogs together (that is 100kg) but I always walk them on the ame side of me with leads held in both hands across my body.  I use comfy woven rope leads of same type but different colour.

All my dogs are at between 2 and 4 years apart in age (they are 16mnths, 5yrs, 7yrs, 10yrs, and 13yrs) and that does help. 

If I read your post correctly your bitch was awfully young to ahve a litter at just over a year of age?  So neither is verymature.

I would try the headcollars again on one or both of them and also maybe a 'couple' attached to one lead would be easier than two seperate leads.

Don't panic.  They are learning something compeletely new to them, and while 1 dog on a lead can be relatively calm, having two can be also.  It was unfortunate that while one pulls the other assumes this is a game and pulls as well.  Take it very gently, even just a couple on mins at a time and they will get used to walking together. It was also something which you never expected and at that instant you were completely off balance.  I have 6 Labs of differing ages but 3 are under a year old. Last week I decided to take an older one with the pups 4 months and 6 months, pups chased a leaf and the older who is a complete plodder and very well trained decided the chase was on, I landed in a heap on the ground, and I should know better :D.  Although I am not 61 I am approaching it fast and furious, but now that I know what to expect it just turns the walk into another training excersise.  Your dogs are quite young and still immature, so please dont give up yet.

I do hope you fall hasnt shaken you too badly.  Can you find someone who will come with you on your walks until they settle into that routine? It might help, and maybe boost your confidence a little

Kay

Don't panic! THis certainly isn't to do with your age. I am struggling to walk my two and i am in my early 20's. I have a 3 year old border collie and a nearly 2 year old goldie and they pull like a train. My collie wears a headcollar which is the only way i could walk her. I actually worked out that their combined weight is about the same as me so it isn't surprising that i can't hold them sometimes. I am perservering with stop and starting, and also chaning direction regularly, and it does seem to be helping. But i think it is going to be a long haul. But i certainly don't think you are alone!

Thanks that's very reassuring! Yes it had occurred to me too that their combined weight is the same as mine,so no wonder it's so hard if they do decide to take off!