Leash training with harness?

[wonderwife12]

I'm obviously starting from scratch. Comba has lived in a cage all his tiny life, and hasn't ever been in a harness or on a leash. When we tried them on at the store he didn't seem to mind them. He walked a wee bit but not really.

My question is:

How do I begin leash training? Where does one start. We are going for a fitted harness this week, and a leash.
Do I buy retractable leashes? Or just the regular leash?

Also, what treats would be best for encouraging him to work and walk on his leash. He's currently 6kg and I don't want to get him any treats that will make him sick or over weight.

There are lots of dehydrated meat treats. Have those worked in the past or are they any good for frenchies?

Im sorry for all the questions, I want to do things the right way instead of guessing my way through things and creating bad habits.

Thanks!!!

 

[TeresaW]

When I had Pierce on his beginner class, one thing we used use a smooth stick or long wooden spoon. We put a small amount of peanut butter on the end of it. Then when walking held it right in front of him. He wanted to het to the peanut butter. Pierce's on,y problem was he could not lick the PB and walk at the same time! He had to stop! Some dogs could do both so the stick could be right in front of them when they first started. the trainer we had was awesome. I will see her this evening sometime and can ask her for some tips or see if she has a beginner class soon where I can video her doing this with the stick. It is easier to see it done than read about it.


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[Jakeyjake]

I would first place the collar on the pup and let him get used to it. He will most likely scratch at it or walk funny but he will get used to it. Some people like to use a harness and some like a collar. Stella is in a harness because she is highly reactive to noises like trucks, etc and will pull and she would choke in a collar. I am not a fan of retractable leashes. It offers the dog too much freedom and the dog cannot be controlled as easily. Once you are ready to walk the pup, give lots of encouragement and lure him with a treat in front of his nose and begin to walk. Always give lots of praise when he does what you want. You can always use bits of his food as treats to train. Just deduct the training treats from his total daily food consumption if you are concerned about weight gain.You can also try freeze dried proteins that are in his food. Just don't over feed him or he could get diahrrea. Good luck.