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Puppy refusing to walk on a lead

4 replies

theodorakis · 16/05/2012 17:11

I have a very happy and bouncy little foster puppy. I am used to pups initially hating the lead and usually introduce it with treats and training just around the house but this guy will not budge if he has a lead on. He is fine when it is on and he is wandering around the house but he absolutely flatly refuses to move in a walk situation. I have left it for a while because although he wasn't showing any signs of stress, it just wasn't happening. Now I want to overcome this before it becomes an issue. Open to all advice and, no, I don't use a choke chain! The thing is, I rarely use leads, dogs leap in and out of car and only walk on beach (Muslim country so not out in public) but I am preparing him for rehoming and I expect most people will expect their dog to be able to walk on a lead!

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SnoopyKnine · 16/05/2012 18:20

Put on his lead and then get some one to hold the lead and put down his food bowl about two steps in front of him. He will have to walk to the food with his lead on. If this is too much for him let him drag the lead behind him to his food bowl, then gradually over days hold the lead.

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RedwingWinter · 16/05/2012 20:20

Leaping around and waving your arms about might also persuade him to budge because he'll think something exciting is happening and come to join in. Of course this can be embarrassing when done in public ... (speaking from experience).

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MuddyDogs · 16/05/2012 22:43

Try walking with another dog owner? Our pup is always eager to walk if following our older dog.

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theodorakis · 17/05/2012 06:42

Thanks for the advice, unfortunately even following the big dogs who he copies everything else from has not worked. A combination of dried cat food (his passion) and leaping did help, he was distracted and as he responds very well to praise (pees to order now!) has made him excited to see the lead.

The dinner time trick has been brilliant, in a kitchen with 3 dogs and 3 cats all eating together, you have to eat fast or it goes. He has allowed himself to be led into the room on both feed times since I posted.

I will keep you posted, thanks for the tips.