Training to walk on a leash

[Lescoop77]

I'm baaack w/ another question. Bodie is now 9 weeks old and I want to start walking him, I put the leash on him and he went crazy trying to bite it. How can I teach him to walk on a leash? SHould i use my Halta leash?

[lv4dogs]

Is the halti leash the halti head collar? If so I would say not to use that... that would probably be worse for her.

You have to slowly get her used to it. Start off with a very light, thin leash or even a small piece of rope, something very lightweight. Leave it on just for a few minutes multiple times a day. At the same time you can teach her a leave-it command, tell her leave it in a firm voice & gently tug the leash away. BUT at the same time you want the leash to be a happy object so don't yell too loud or tug too hard. When she is not bugging at the leash make sure to PRAISE PRAISE PRAISE!

Slowly start to lengthen the lead & start to introduce a heavier lead if need be.

[Mazie]

I wouldn't use the halti collar on a pup that young. Get a clean paint stick and smear some peanutbutter or that squeeze cheese stuff in a can on the end of it. attach her leash to her collar and let her start licking at the stick. start walking slowly forward. She will be so interested in the stick she will forget about the leash. From time to time take the stick away and she if she still ignores the leash. If she does, give the stick back, if she messes with the leash give her a gentle tug on the collar and say leave it. As soon as she leaves the leash alone, let her lick the stick again.

You can also use the stick in a fenced in area (like your back yard - not a dog park) let her off leash and let her lick the stick. You start walking. When she catches up to you she gets to lick on the stick and lots of praise - she'll learn pretty quickly that it is much more rewarding to walk next to you than to wander away.

[Jessika]

Start with short walks, perhaps around your house or yard. Reward for desireable behavior. If he starts tugging on the leash or chewing on it, stop and say "NO", put him in a sit, and then continue on. The second he is walking nicely, praise and reward. The second he starts being "bad" on the leash, stop and wait until he is ready to walk nicely.

Once he learns he gets treats for doing it YOUR way, he'll become MUCH better!