Training two puppies?

[MMORO]

Hi, this is my first post. I have a question about how to train two puppies at the same time. I appoligize before hand if this gets rather long. First a few details about the puppies. Both are 9 weeks old, male, and Tibetan Mastiff/Alaskan Malamute cross. As of now both weigh 25 pounds each, names are Koda and Titan. I have already begun crate training with much success, I'm amazed at how quick they learn, now to my question. How should I go about training them? Do I train them both at once, or should I get a friend to help me? They're brothers so they've been together since birth, they often get distracted though being puppies I can't blame them. If I take one at a time, should I first start with one in the crate while I have a training session with one and then switch them out? Or would it be better to have one outside with us on a tie down? I want to do this right and I don't want to take any short cuts, I have more than enough time in my schedule to take care of both their needs. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance!

[Teresa]

Welcome to the forums!

I would recommend training the puppies seperately when teaching something new. For example if neither puppies know sit, you can either have them both on a leash and work with them simultaneously with one person for each puppy. or seperate them by crating one and working with the other in another area. Once they both know the command then you can work with them together. When you work with them both at the same time make sure you are using highly motivational treats so that the dogs will be most interested in you.

Working each dog seperately (whether with two people or seperate sessions for each dog) helps them to build a relationship with you. When two puppies are raised together, they can have a tendency to bond more closely with one another than with the owner. They also tend to distract each other easily.
Keep us posted on your progress!

Happy Training!
~Teresa

[MMORO]

Thank you so much for your response. I did as you suggested and I began putting one in the crate and working on the sit command with the other. In no time at all I had them both sitting, laying down, shaking hands, and staying. Even without treats in hand they follow the commands. It was difficult at first when I began working with them both at the same time, but after 3 attempts they figured out what was going on. I downloaded the training checklist from here and am gradually checking off the boxes as we go, but I really don't want to go too fast for them. We have a daily routine with training implemented into our schedule in an attempt to solidify their already achieved commands while adding new ones. I'm no expert in this area, what would be a suggested rate of progression for teaching new commands? Thanks again for your response!

[Teresa]

Glad to hear that things are going well for you. Raising 2 puppies at once is no easy task.

The rate of progression will vary, and so there is no standard . It depends on many factors, such as how often you do training sessions, and on the individuality of each dog and owner combination. What I would suggest is that you progress through the checklist in numerical order. Only working on the next numbered command when the current command is solid, and reliable. Some commands are numbered the same, and can therefore be worked on simultaneously. This will ensure that you are allowing each dog to learn at their own rate.

Keep us updated on your progress! Happy Training!!