advance advice please

[thewizenedone]

We are potentially rehoming a dog through breed rescue. Hopefully meeting her tomorrow. She seems to fit all our criteria, in respect of age, etc has lived with kids etc. But doesnt like being on the lead. Our last dog also had lead issues, quite happy walking, running on the beach and in the fields but I suppose its the lack of flight or fight that scares them. Given that being moved is a big upheavel- do any of you have experience of dogs with lead "issues" and if so how did you alleviate/overcome these? any advice most gratefully recieved. TIA

I guess the main question would be, do you absolutely have to walk her on a lead, can you take her places where you can safely walk her off lead and have her under control when meeting other dogs and people. I woudnt tie myself up on knots about gettin her to walk on a lead if it wasnt essential. If it is, i don't know if she is the right dog for you. I would make a start but just leaving her with a lead on around the house then moving up from there

Depends on the lead issues. Is it the feeling on the body, it is the being pulled to walk, is it not being able to escape due to other fears. A big topic - but if you can find the cause then yes all behaviour can be helped.

I disagree with desperatenotstupid and feel that all dogs will need to be happy on a lead for your and their peace of mind - how are you going to go to the vets etc.

Speak in a lot of detail to the rescue, see what they have done, is she happier in a harness etc - What breed is she? I would be asking a lot of questions and demanding support from the rescue.

Hi guys sorry its taken a while to get back on as we have been to see her 325 miles round trip! shes a darling, spoke at lenght to her mum who says she is just a little nervous not a massive wobble each time. She is very good with other dogs, I think a little "woofy" to them if on lead, fine if off lead.We are collecting her saturday and will work with whatever issues she has. ONce again, thanks for the responses

Ah, so you will have her now, how exciting :-) Lots of dogs are aggressive on the lead, but mini is right, they do need to at least accept being on a lead for short periods. Doesn't sound like you will have too many problems with her though. Enjoy your new memeber of the family xx

thanks, I think I will stick to a harness as all my other dogs have liked those better. Last dog hated being on a lead but okay when you got to where you were going, also hated anyone behind her! made for some very long walks cant wait for saturday