Leash acceptance?

[cubfan4real]

Hi everyone,

Bear turned 14 weeks old today, and I was curious if anyone had tips on getting him to actually accept being on a leash. He comes to me on command (always has), so I've never really used a leash when we spend time in the yard. The few times that I have wanted to walk him around the block to "show him off," I quickly head back home because he simply refuses to do anything but bite, tug and get tangled in the leash. He fights it constantly.

Even though he always stays very close to me, I obviously do not want to venture around the neighborhood without having him on a leash.

Any ideas?

Craig

 

[gmacleod]

How about letting him get used to the leash inside initially, then graduating to your backyard, and only after that tackling walking in the street? With babies, it really does pay to take baby steps rather than trying to launch straight into the big-dog stuff Don't waste time on fighting him: teach him to follow along happily instead - before you try to walk him in the street.

Let him wear his collar and leash around the house for a bit. Once he's comfortable about that, you can pick up the other end. Still let him dictate where he does, but once he's relaxed about you following him around with the leash, then you can start to teach him to follow you... do that with lots of encouragement and rewards (if he won't walk, encourage then reward single steps in your direction) - never try to force him.

And so, once you've got a puppy who'll let you lead him round the house happily enough, it's time to tackle the yard. Same thing again - encourage him to follow you with lots of happy encouraging noises and hand clapping. Some peanut butter on a spoon can be a great enticer (just don't forget to let him have some peanut butter when he takes a few steps). It's all about encouragement and rewards. Once he finds how rewarding it is to follow you, he'll start to do so happily. And that's when you're ready to tackle the great outdoors beyond your gate Best to get the basics down first.