Puppy Leash Problems
- Thread starter DeuceBulldog
- Start date
- Tags aggression leash puppy training
What kind of collar is she wearing? (regular collar, type of "training" collar etc.) if she is wearing a choke collar, prong collar or head halter then that could be the cause of some of this, she associated walks with unpleasant feelings so she tries not to go. You might switch to a harness for at least a little while.
A a lot of puppies will do this sort of stuff, leashes and collar are new and threatening to them. Let the pup drag the leash around at home (if you are there to make sure he does not get tangled on anything). When on a walk NEVER try and pull her when she won't move, wait her out, let her throw her tantrums, if she wants to walk backwards then slowly walk towards her while she backs up so there is not tension on the leash and when she's done flipping out encourage her to go forward. Anytime she is walking normally toss her treats, talk to her, bend down and give her some petting (if she likes that) or bring a toy along and let her shake it around or stop for a short game of tug when she has been walking well. Treats might be your best bet though, IF she likes food a lot. Don't bribe the dog to walk with them by holding them out and wiggling them in front of her to start moving, give them WHEN she is already walking well at random times throughout the walk. To kill two birds with one stone make sure you give treats only when she is walking politely (no pulling!) unless she is an "extreme" walker and either holds back or pulls forward and nothing in between but hopefully that is not the case.
All in all just let her take her time, once she realizes that the collar and leash aren't horrible, evil devices and they are just there she'll get over it, so it's important that at this time (and preferably forever) she never sees the leash and collar as bad (so no collar pops (also called leash corrections), no "training collars" or trying to drag the dog along when she does not want to go (she is afraid remember) AT LEAST until she is well over this problem and better yet forever).
Good luck!
A a lot of puppies will do this sort of stuff, leashes and collar are new and threatening to them. Let the pup drag the leash around at home (if you are there to make sure he does not get tangled on anything). When on a walk NEVER try and pull her when she won't move, wait her out, let her throw her tantrums, if she wants to walk backwards then slowly walk towards her while she backs up so there is not tension on the leash and when she's done flipping out encourage her to go forward. Anytime she is walking normally toss her treats, talk to her, bend down and give her some petting (if she likes that) or bring a toy along and let her shake it around or stop for a short game of tug when she has been walking well. Treats might be your best bet though, IF she likes food a lot. Don't bribe the dog to walk with them by holding them out and wiggling them in front of her to start moving, give them WHEN she is already walking well at random times throughout the walk. To kill two birds with one stone make sure you give treats only when she is walking politely (no pulling!) unless she is an "extreme" walker and either holds back or pulls forward and nothing in between but hopefully that is not the case.
All in all just let her take her time, once she realizes that the collar and leash aren't horrible, evil devices and they are just there she'll get over it, so it's important that at this time (and preferably forever) she never sees the leash and collar as bad (so no collar pops (also called leash corrections), no "training collars" or trying to drag the dog along when she does not want to go (she is afraid remember) AT LEAST until she is well over this problem and better yet forever).
Good luck!
What I did when my guys were pups, was first let them get used to wearing a collar, and then let them used to walking around just dragging the leash.
Then out in the backyard.. I'd hold one end of the leash and C/T for the pup for following me. After they got used to that. I was apply pressure on the leash (like pulling gently for the pup to follow) and C/T when they walk towards me.
Then out in the backyard.. I'd hold one end of the leash and C/T for the pup for following me. After they got used to that. I was apply pressure on the leash (like pulling gently for the pup to follow) and C/T when they walk towards me.
Five Easy Steps to Leash Train Your Dog
* Begin by placing the collar and leash on your dog while he eats, letting the leash hang loosely by his side. This allows your dog to associate the leash with something pleasant (food) and helps him get used to having a collar around his neck.
* After two or three days, take the leash in your hand and follow him around the house for a few minutes after he's eaten. Do this for longer and longer periods, until your dog is used to both the leash and having you walk beside him.
* Next, go outside and let your dog drag the leash around, occasionally picking up the leash and following him. Offer a treat while showing the leash.
* While walking, hold the leash in your right hand and coax your dog along your left side by holding a treat in your left hand. As you walk, repeat the phrase, "Let's go!" Praise your dog when he does well.
* If your dog starts to pull forward, do a clockwise turn and walk in another direction; the leash will pull his head to the side so he'll have to hurry to catch up with you. Repeat this exercise until your dog learns that if he wants to walk beside you and receive your praise, he'll have to stay by your side.
Tips for Leash Training Your Dog
* Begin by placing the collar and leash on your dog while he eats, letting the leash hang loosely by his side. This allows your dog to associate the leash with something pleasant (food) and helps him get used to having a collar around his neck.
* After two or three days, take the leash in your hand and follow him around the house for a few minutes after he's eaten. Do this for longer and longer periods, until your dog is used to both the leash and having you walk beside him.
* Next, go outside and let your dog drag the leash around, occasionally picking up the leash and following him. Offer a treat while showing the leash.
* While walking, hold the leash in your right hand and coax your dog along your left side by holding a treat in your left hand. As you walk, repeat the phrase, "Let's go!" Praise your dog when he does well.
* If your dog starts to pull forward, do a clockwise turn and walk in another direction; the leash will pull his head to the side so he'll have to hurry to catch up with you. Repeat this exercise until your dog learns that if he wants to walk beside you and receive your praise, he'll have to stay by your side.
Tips for Leash Training Your Dog