Chis

Question
Hi Karen.,
My problem is this, I have two chis (sisters) now 1yr old, I have had them since 6 months. Although they had been brought up with other dogs in their previous home, they bark ferociously if we meet any dogs when we are out, they are on one lead with a divider(not ideal I know, but we get in a tangle with seperate leads as one is a very scatty walker) one is much more afraid than the other.  If taken out seperately they are not so bad, one  does not take too much notice of other dogs, but they are constantly wondering where the other one is. They were also very nervous of traffic, loud noises etc. which I had managed to improve quit a bit, but now they seem to have taken a step backwards and are afraid of everything.  I really hope you can help as I would so like them (and me) to enjoy our walks and not have to constantly worry about who or what we may meet!
Thanking you,
Pam8

Answer
Part of your problem is that there are two of them, and they play off of each other, back each other up, react to whatever the other reacts to; yours is a good example why one should never bring home two littermates at the same time, but instead wait until one is well-trained before bringing in the second one.

If they are afraid of something, just ignore it and keep moving... do don't any of that "it's okay" stuff, as a dog hears that as praise. Just treat everything matter-of-factly and keep moving, and since you are the Alpha (I hope), the dogs should realize that if it doesn't bother you, there is nothing to be afraid of.

The problem with a brace lead is that it is practically impossible to correct one dog without correcting the other. The advantage is that you have one free hand. Try carrying a spray bottle (set to stream) that is filled with water, and when they start barking, shoot them in the face as you tell them to "BE QUIET!" in a firm voice. When they are looking at you and not the other dog, and are being quiet, tell them "Good Quiet" in an upbeat, pleasant voice. Allow plenty of space when meeting other dogs on your walks if you can, particularly when starting this new training methodology.