I'm having my 50 lb lab spayed tomorrow and the vet wants her brought in on a leash. But she's scared to death of her leash. She yanks, yikes, rolls, and eventually starts gagging or coughing and I take it off. I've tried just letting her keep it on and walk around with it by herself. She's fine with that until I pick up the other end. Then she's crazy again. I know I've waited a little late to ask for help, but I'd appreciate any tips you could give me.
2007-07-04 05:01:38 · 8 answers · asked by teach 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
to further explain for people who like to criticize.....I rescued her recently. I have a large back yard so she gets plenty of exercise playing with my JR terriers and fetching her toys for me. I will try the tips you've given me....thanks to all of you who honestly tried to help w/o preaching to the choir.
2007-07-04 05:35:07 · update #1
Your dog may to better with a harness attached to a leash, rather than a collar. Some dogs just really really hate being pulled around by their neck (seems understandable to me..) So maybe you could try a harness, like a Halti or Easy Walk, or a Gentle Leader. Beware though, you may have to try several different brands of harnesses to find one she likes, since not all of them fit the same. A Gentle Leader can be a lifesaver as well for a dog that pulls and yanks a lot. Whatever you do, do NOT get a choke chain or anything like that, it will just teach her that being leashed is an awful experience to be avoided at all costs. Ask your vet about it tomorrow, i'm sure she will have some good tips for you. Just keep at it until you find something that works, because it's so important you can leash your dog, especially if there is an emergency and you need to take her out of the house ASAP (like a fire or something) not to mention its illegal in many places to walk a dog without a leash, and dangerous for your dog if she runs off. Well, good luck to you! keep at it and i'm sure you'll find something that works!
2007-07-04 05:16:19 · answer #1 · answered by ready to go 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Positive reinforcement is the key-
I have Germen Shepherds and have never trained with treats because I always found that thats what they look for anytime they do what I want. I like to give praise throughout the training only and then when we're done and taking a break for the day giving a treat or something.
But I do think there is good advice on here, what I would do is put the leash on her with a choke collar- so that it only gets tight when she tries to pull away or fight yo and as soon as she relaxes it will. And you can give her all kinds of loving when she does relax.
Don't do anything for too much amount of time or she'll get bored with it and mess with you and make games and you'll both get frustrated so as soon as she starts doing what you want, STop and reward her and try again later.
And may I say thanks for people like you that rescue dogs and bring them to the vet.
P.S.
Baby steps I would but the leash on her and just sit down with her that way she understands that it's okay to be calm with you on the other end of her leash.
Then stand up and tell her to come to you. (best with a looooong leash)
you can help bring her in and when she gets to you----
Lots of praise
2007-07-04 12:51:04 · answer #2 · answered by Katrina 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No way are you going to get her ok on the leash by tomorrow when she's been allowed to get away with misbehaving for so long. But at least you can make a start.
Put the leash on her, out in the back yard, keep her close to your left side, have a pocket full of treats. Take a step telling her "let's go!!" in a very upbeat voice, pat your leg, offer her a treat when she takes a couple of steps. Keep on going, encouraging her all the way. (She's not scared of her leash, she just didn't come leash trained and you've allowed her to get away with this!) Don't molly-coddle her, but don't pull her either. Keep encouraging her, and reward for every bit of progress - lots and lots of praise and treats. Keep calm, patient, use an upbeat voice and persist.
If you can get a couple of sessions in while she's in the yard, you really need to get her out in the open and actually walking. How in the world do you exercise this poor dog??
She's going to fight it when you try to take her into the vet's office, so you'll likely need help getting her in. But while she's recovering, please work on her leash training - this dog needs exercise!!
2007-07-04 12:08:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
Yes you have waited too long and you've also set up a bad history of reinforcing her for her temper tantrums. For this you'll need some chopped hot dog or boiled chicken. Put her lead on and drop it, just let her walk around with it on and randomly give her a cookie with it on. After doing this for a bit (10-15min), next time pick up the lead and immediately give her a cookie, then drop it. You will gradually increase the time that you are holding the lead without her having a fit. If she so chooses to have a fit, wait it out and cookie her when she calms down again.
To start walking with her on the lead you will use the cookies as a lure. Hold the lead in your right hand, your cookies in the left, lure her to your left side and begin to let her nibble on the cookies in your hand as you walk. Keep it short and fun. Avoid popping or pulling the lead because you are wanting a positive association with the lead and both those things are uncomfortable. From here on out you should use a lead more often and get her fully comfotrable with walking on it.
Use the lure method to get her into the vet's. A lot of young dogs throw fits when put on lead for the first time, you just can't give in to it. Best this is to stop and wait for her to calm down before going forward.
2007-07-04 12:16:11 · answer #4 · answered by crzycat3 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
try a harness and first let her just have it on in the house and walk around with it.
slowly take hold and if she is good give her a treat at first try to let her walk where she wants while you are holding it. then try to coax her as you give very slight tugs when she comes give her a treat if seh pulls try to let her go her way but only for a little distance then try to coax her again.
I hate to say it but you usually need more than one day for this but Good Luck
2007-07-04 12:11:12 · answer #5 · answered by Kit_kat 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
ive never heard of this... how old if the dog???? have you been using the leash since she was a puppy... try bringing her for walks before you take her to the vet... if you only use a leash when she goes to the vet she may get that feeling everytime she sees it... so try taking her for walks bring her to a park and stuff like that is may help
2007-07-04 12:15:39 · answer #6 · answered by rua_88 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
start with having a trail of treats for her to follow while on the leash... remember.. let her lead you, not you lead her...then have treats in your hand.. and every-so-often when they are good.. and not pulling away.. give them a treat... then just start walking her back and forth and every other lap or whatever you want, give her a treat
2007-07-04 12:19:33 · answer #7 · answered by alainakaye 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
get a harness for her. the harness gives you more control and will stop her choking herself.
2007-07-04 12:05:20 · answer #8 · answered by clydey626 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋