Getting My 6 Month Old Puppy To Walk With A Leash?
September 18, 2009 by admin
Filed under Care & Training Q&As
I’ve had my 6-month old Papillon for a month now, and she’s making all the right strides when it comes to potty training, socializing, etc. The one big problem I am having is with a leash – whenever I put it on her she freezes, shakes a little and looks at me like I have a monster mask on. I’d love to take her for walks and get her out and about in the world, how do I get her to see that the leash is her friend and won’t harm her?
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Never force the leash on the dog. Let her come to the leash, let her make the choice to allow you to put it on her. Use praise and treats when she starts to come towards the leash. Never pet her or offer affection when she looks scared or starts panting. You are conditioning your dog to think it’s ok and acceptable to be in this state of mind. It’s not ok.
Once you get the leash on your dog, let her wander around, going about her usual business, trailing the leash behind her, don’t hold it or anything, just let her get used to having it on. When she’s calm you can pick up the leash and start leading her places, eventually outside, though it’s best to let her bring herself to you at the front door to be let outside.
I had the same problem with my papillon…
There are two things I had to do to make her more comfortable…
1) Walk her around the yard or have her wear the leash around the house without you holding it. You can just roll it up into a ball so she doesn’t get stuck.
2) As funny as it may sound, to train them sometimes you have to get to their height. This means getting down on all fours and crawling along with her. Don’t put your face to close to her or she may get more nervous. Also when you’re down there talk in a pleasant voice.
She may also just be too young and not feel comfortable with anything… nothing to worry about there, it will pass.
Hope I’ve Helped!
-Emmm :]
well you could try slowly getting her used to the leash because at such a young age it is important for her to feel comfortable with it, sometimes you can slip it on and take her around the house in it, and others you can offer her food if she goes outside.
You can gently caress and stroke her when she is scared.
There are many ways, and your puppy is still young so make her more familiar with the outdoors and the leash
Best of luck
Take her around the backyard first to get her used to it. When walking, always set off with the dog at your left side and start with your left foot. Short sessions are the key. Also, when starting, say heel in a pleasant voice. That is the command to walk. When you stop, say sit in a firm voice to let her know that is a command and you’re in charge. Don’t growl though unless she does the wrong thing. When she does the right thing, praise her in a pleasant voice immediately by giving her a pat and saying ‘good girl’. She may not do it at first so just repeat until she does. If she doesn’t sit the first time, repeat the command while pushing her into the position so she associates the word with the action. Put one hand under her bum where her hind legs curve and the other hand on her chest, then gently push her downward into the sit position. Good luck. Also, I recommend a good trainer. She’s a great age for it and she should learn fairly quickly.
Put it on for the dog gently.
My dog hated it at first. Sometimes I would put on the leash and let him walk around the house with it on without me holding it. That seemed to help. Until he started chewing on it. It just takes time.