Leash Training

Ralphysmom · Feb 25, 2015

Hi Everyone

I am looking for some tips on how to get Ralphy walking on a leash. He has a collar on 24/7 and it doesn't even faze him; however, as soon as I clip the leash in he freezes and digs in, if he does move its because I have bribed him with a treat and even then he walks a couple of feet and then freezes again. We are excited to walk with Ralphy and show him all the wonderful trails and parks in our neighborhood, but he wants nothing to do with it. Do you think a harness would be more sucessful? What worked for you?

Thank you so much! Photos to follow soon

The site doesn't work so well with my iPhone.

shortstuff · Feb 25, 2015

I've never had to train a dog that doesn't walk on a leash, but I can recommend a harness. I don't know that it would change the situation, but I know that Bisou would have popped her own head off with a collar! We're working on her pulling her lead, and she's so headstrong that a collar would most definitely choke her. Some dogs do fine on collars, but personally I would recommend a harness. Hope the others here can provide more help on getting Ralphy to walk!

eeturk · Feb 25, 2015

shortstuff said:
I've never had to train a dog that doesn't walk on a leash, but I can recommend a harness. I don't know that it would change the situation, but I know that Bisou would have popped her own head off with a collar! We're working on her pulling her lead, and she's so headstrong that a collar would most definitely choke her. Some dogs do fine on collars, but personally I would recommend a harness. Hope the others here can provide more help on getting Ralphy to walk!

Just what I was going to suggest!

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davidh · Feb 25, 2015

It does take some time and others take long than some. Just keep bribing with treats and just take short walks at first. Just be patient and you will get there. Sometimes let them go at their own pace at first till they get used to the idea and then you can set the pace. We use slip collars because that's what we use in the ring, so we get them used to that type of collar. Once we are done with the walk or training, we take the collar off.

Alice Kable · Feb 26, 2015

Harnesses actually enable a dog to pull. If you have a neighbor or friend that walks their dog, pair up and walk together. Ralphy will want to keep up with the other dog!

winginit66 · Feb 27, 2015

Alice Kable said:
Harnesses actually enable a dog to pull. If you have a neighbor or friend that walks their dog, pair up and walk together. Ralphy will want to keep up with the other dog!

I suggest walking with a friend too. I use harnesses because I don't want to put so much stress on their neck. Not sure if there is 'right' answer.

mmclean · Feb 27, 2015

From my experience, and I realize all dogs are different, walking with a friend might not be the answer. That's when Radar digs in his heels and refuses to budge. Maybe put in the leash while he is at home and let him drag it around the house just so he get accustomed to the weight.

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Chan Kai Cheong · Mar 3, 2015

mmclean said:
From my experience, and I realize all dogs are different, walking with a friend might not be the answer. That's when Radar digs in his heels and refuses to budge. Maybe put in the leash while he is at home and let him drag it around the house just so he get accustomed to the weight.

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totally agree
for my frenchie, the only problem for it to follow me without a leash when I take him out is that it is too curious to all the stuffs that is moving or creating sound
however, when i put it on leash to avoid it running into the road, it move in a extremely slow speed, then freeze
as i know some frenchie is stubborn and its hard to get it do the things it does not want to

what I am doing now is put it on leash when it is having a good time, make it feel comfortable, also walk in with leash at home (less distract) and with command (like stop, go)

anns4boys · Mar 3, 2015

When I was first getting her used to a leash, I used a retractable lead ( which I hate and don't recommend long term) and let her set the pace. She wouldn't budge with a regular lead, but didn't mind the retractable. I would walk her in a safe area where I was able to let a lot of the lead out so she didn't feel so constricted. She quickly became used to it and we were able to switch to a regular 6 ft. lead. Ok, shameless brag here, but after her basic obedience training, I now have a dog who walks in a perfect heel position! I have to check to make sure she is still there, lol because she is a bit of a thing and I can't see her when I am walking.

Ralphysmom · Mar 3, 2015

Thank you everyone for the advise. We went for a short walk down the street and it was 50/50 walk/drag LOL anyways it is a work in progress

Here is a picture from todays lunch break! I love this little man to pieces <3

Tgirl · Mar 3, 2015

Yay! That's great news!

Squishy Walnuts · Mar 4, 2015

Ralphysmom said:
Thank you everyone for the advise. We went for a short walk down the street and it was 50/50 walk/drag LOL anyways it is a work in progress Here is a picture from todays lunch break! I love this little man to pieces <3

View attachment 5576

WTG Ralphy!! He's such a gorgeous boy!

Wally is almost 3 and I still call him little man even though he's definitely not little anymore.

Jakeyjake · Mar 7, 2015

Ralphysmom said:
Thank you everyone for the advise. We went for a short walk down the street and it was 50/50 walk/drag LOL anyways it is a work in progress Here is a picture from todays lunch break! I love this little man to pieces <3

View attachment 5576

What a total cutie pie. That face would melt my heart and I would probably pick him up and carry him!!! Is he food driven? You could take a pocket of treats along, or if he has a high prey drive you could take a favorite toy on the walk perhaps. Lots of encouragement on his walks is important and when he does what you want you need to give lots of praise. He may not want to walk if there's nothing in it for him. My Jake is kinda lazy and would pass up a walk if he had the choice. You can also let him get used to the leash by letting him wear it around the house when you are home. Just let him drag it behind him and he will get used to it. Just be patient and consistent.