[gemy]

I loved all that Jeanie said, and also Kathy. Because you are an experienced dog owner, here in is what I say.

First take the dogs out separately for walks for at least two weeks. Train each one individually as you walk, with some basic obedience commands, come, sit, stay, heel, down. And yes shorten up that lead, it is way too long for a disciplined walk. You want each dog walking easy on their lead, by your side. And if you want eventually both dogs on lead want one to heel on your left, and one to heel on your right train each dog to this.

Your dogs had no focus at all on you, and that is not a great thing. Each dog needs to focus on you and not the other dog. individual training will help to establish this.

And as Jeanie said no dog gets to go out for a walk, unless they are calmly sitting at the door. It will take time and patience, but it is so very worth it!

You can expand this training to with-in the house. All dogs must sit and wait for their food, no dogs get to go up the stairs ahead of you. No dogs eat before you. These are simple things that gently establish just who the boss is here, and that is you!

On a further note, short leads when you walk your dog(s) will go a long wall to helping to at least not exacerbate your back pain.