How to train a dog to walk with a leash?

Question

My puppy is 3 months old and a German Shephard/Alaskan Malamute(sp?) mix. He is afraid of the leash and every time I try to put it on him, he howls and yelps like he is being killed or tortured and fights it with all his might. Once I get it on, he fights it SO hard that he chokes himself and he refuses to even try to let me lead him around with it or anything. How can I get him to stop being afraid of it and start to teach him how to be led properly?

Answer 1

I have two chocolate labs. When they were puppies all they wanted to do was play. They hated the leash. They did not mind their collars. So I saw on PBS a dog training special. The trainer said tie a string around the collar so it hangs. This way they get used something hanging off of their collar. I did it and it worked. Then I took them out for a walk. They pulled the whole way. The vet said get a choke chain. Put it on so it looks like a P(so it will tighten and release right away) not a 9 or a b(if put on this way the will not release when pulled). If they act up pull the leash it will tighten and release give the dog the command you want for me it was walk. Part of the problem is the dogs are excited about being in unfamiliar territory. Once they got used to walking up the street and the combination of the collar they calmed down. Then you don't need the choke collar anymore. I didn't want to use it but the vet said it was OK. I didn't have to use it long at all. then we went back to a regular leash. Now they go get their leash and bring it to me when it is time for their walk. They really know what time to get the leash. Just be patient.

Answer 2

Put the leash on the pup in the house and let him walk around with it on. Do not hold the leash. Do this for a few days. Then start picking up the leash and let the pup lead you around the house. Then you can start taking the pup outside again letting him take the lead. Once he is comfortable you can pull him back a little and get him to walk where you want him to. If the pup pulls you STOP don't walk the pup will stop then you can start walking. Each time he pulls STOP. He will learn that when he pulls the walk stops.

Answer 3

At 3 months old, your puppy probably is going to want to play a lot.

I'm not going to say this is the best way, but try hooking the leash to his collar and let him run around with it for a while each day. Once he sees that it's not going to bite him, start gently leading him about 5 minutes or so a day. After a week or two, increase it to 10 minutes.

But keep in mind that this is a young puppy.

Good luck!

Answer 4

what has worked for me to "leash train" my dogs is to put the leash on your puppy in your home and let him walk around inside with the leash on. It will take some time but, he will then get used to having the leash on, once he's used to the leash being on him, take him outside and walk him around in your yard. Eventually, when he's used to it in your yard, start slowly by taking him short distances away from your house. Work up to getting farther away from your home. It will all depend on your dog on how fast or slow to work on this, just give it time and before you know it, your dog will be just fine with the leash.

Answer 5

A lot of hunting dogs do this also. What i do is put the leash on them and leave it on for a whole day. Dont try to lead him around or anything just put it on him and walk away. If hes in a pen make sure he cant get it caught on anything or choke himself with it.

Answer 6

The reason for taking your dog to an obedience class is so that they can teach YOU how to train YOUR dog.
But,,, first put just a normal flat buckle collar on the pup. Then when it has become accustom to the collar attach a lead with no loop in the other end (rope works well) and let the pup drag it around. Only after the pup is use to the drag line should you attempt to hold the other end. Then tie the end to a door knob or something and allow the dog to become accustom to the restraint.

Answer 7

I use a gentle leader with my dogs. They fit on their nose, but does not prevent them from barking or eating, etc. This keeps them from pulling. It takes some getting used to, but once they associate it with walks, they'll love it. Start doing all of your training on lead. As long as the training is positive and he's getting treats he'll adjust. Ignore the whining and rolling around and praise him really enthusiastically when he stops.

I start by teaching them that "heal" means to stand closely to my left side by giving the command and placing him where he's supposed to be. Once he gets that I start working on a walking heal.

I give the heal command and start walking with the dog. The minute he gets ahead of me I turn around and start walking the other way. I'll keep doing this until the dog is walking right beside me and tell them "good heal" in a very excited voice and give them a treat. He'll get the idea that the only way to get somewhere is to walk beside you.

Answer 8

This works for dogs and horses. Attach the leash to your pets halter or collar and allow the animal to drag it around. Please supervise your pet at all times so there is no chance that he will get tangled. Continue this until you see the animal is no longer fighting the leash, then start holding the leash.

Answer 9

In case you didn't know, Cesar Millan is known as the Dog Whisperer. He has a show on the National Geographic Channel on Monday nights. I find myself watching his show and I don't even have a dog! He says that he "trains people and rehabilitates dogs." It's phenomenal, what he accomplishes.
Check out this website...

http://blogs5.nationalgeographic.com/channel/blog/dogwhisperer/

Answer 10

you have to let him walk around a secured are with the leash on. But dont hold it let him see that there is nothing to be afraid of... do that for 3 days, then try to walk him...