HE SEEMS TO GET VERY SAD WHEN I PUT IT ON HIM. HE'S 3 MONTHS AND I THINK THAT THE BREEDER WAS HITTING ON HIM HE ACTS SO SAD ALL THE TIME. NO MATTER HOW MUCH I TRY TO TEACH HIM HE DOESNT EVEN LIKE TO LOOK IN MY FACE. HE DOESNT DO GOOD FOR THE TREATS BUT TO MAKE HIM HAPPY I STILL GIVE HIM A PIECE.
2006-09-06 16:23:42 · 2 answers · asked by Darnell S 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Your best bet is to take him to puppy classes. If he was abused with his leash on (or by a leash) it may require special training to help him get over it. Puppies are very impressionable between 6 and 20 weeks and it's a good idea to start working with him before 6 months old. It's actually a bad idea to give him treats when he isn't behaving and especially if he refuses to do something. You are reinforcing the bad behavior if he refuses to walk on lead and you give him a treat... that teaches him to not want to walk on leash.
A good idea is to just put the least on him for 5 - 10 minutes at a time and let him walk around (inside or in the yard) with it on. This was he gets used to having it on without it restricting or controlling him. If he behaves with the lead on, and isn't biting it but paying no attention to it, give him a treat. Any time he makes progess you can treat him, but avoid it when he is misbehaving or refusing. It will make him more confortable when you start walking with it on. Do it several times a day for a few days until he isn't as 'sad' with it on. Then try walking him again, most pups will want to follow you and go out but some an be stubborn and sit or refuse to walk. Either way it is best to have someone show you how to train your dog in person. Puppy classes will also help out with socialization, which is very important for a pitt. You don't want to perpetuate the breed's bad name do you? Earely socialization with other dogs and people is important for any dog to get along well in society. Pitts do great when socialized young and when tought proper obedience.
Otherwise there are a lot of websites and books which will give you a good idea of how to begin training him, but IMO they are no substitute for one-on-one training with someone actually showing you what to do and how to do it.
2006-09-06 17:11:00 · answer #1 · answered by tripforyou 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The only way to get a previously mistreated animal to do a new behavior is with lots of love and patience, and plenty of rewards. Keep trying, and make the leash "fun" by always taking him somewhere he enjoys even if at first it's just for a ride in the car. He will slowly begin to associate the leash with fun, and he will soon get excited to see it because he will learn it means a treat. You are doing right by treating him even when he doesn't get it exactly right because until your dog learns to trust you he will not behave for you either. Once you gain his trust he will want to please you and he will begin to look forward to your training sessions. Just remember to keep them brief and be consistent..every day, not just when you feel up to it. good luck!
2006-09-07 00:05:10 · answer #2 · answered by blondambition 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋