i have a chihuahua shi-tzu mix, she is afraid of the leash too!?

Question

i am going to lake tahoe in 3 days and we are bringing her with us, she still cant and WONT walk on a leash! i let her run around in run and she is fine, but when i grab it she wont even budge! i need fast help!

Answer 1

Here is how to leash train your dog.

1) Get your dog used to it. Pet your dog and get it comfortable while a leash is nearby. Also let it wear the leash, with out your touching it, while being petted or while you are feeding it. Showing that wearing a leash is something positive and rewarding not a punishment.

2) Next hold the leash. Maybe follow her around always having the leash loose. Don't pull on the leash or anything that will make your dog think that the leash is an enemy. If your dog gets completely freaked out, after a few moments hold it and pet it or give it food going back to the step one.

3) Once you dog is somewhat comfortable with that take it out side. Just have the leash connected to he collar letting her drag it around. Occasionally pick the leash up and let your dog take you around. Also try giving her treats when ever it starts to look comfortable around the leash.

4) Hold the leash. Walk forward a ways and call the dog to you. Praising and encouraging the dog when it does well showing it that a leash is a way to get attention and treats. It also shows that a leash is a way of transportation, that you use it when you go for walks.

5) If your dog won't move at all when the leash is on her do something that the dog won't resist. Such as calling too it with open hands ready to pet it if it comes. Or throw a ball or toy if it can't resist the temptation to run after it.

Remember that you won't get far by forcing it to walk on a leash and it won't all happen in a day. This takes weeks sometimes not hours so also remember to be patient.

After you have taught the dog that a leash it it's friend and you can affectively take it on walks, teach it to heel. Hopefully this site will help.

http://www.goodpooch.com/MyGoodPooch/heelin1day.htm

Hope that this helped and good luck!

Answer 2

She won't budge because you don't MAKE her budge. You are not in charge here, she is, and you can't change this behavior until you are the boss of her. Three days is probably not enough time to turn this around, but you can get started.

Buy a training harness for her. These are similar to chokers in that they control the dog during the walk, but chokers are too harmful for small, stubborn dogs. Put the harness on her and walk her. If she refuses to walk, give a sharp tug to correct her and get moving. If she pulls, give a sharp tug and tell her "No pull!"

You have to establish that you are in control. Take her toys from her, hold them and tell her "Not now." When she stops trying to take the toy from you and calmly accepts your ownership of the toy, give it back to her, without praise. When it is feeding time. put your hand over her bowl and make her wait until she is calm before you let her eat. These are a few ways to demonstrate your dominance over her. Once she begins to accept it, she will follow you on the leash more readily.

One more thing: she's not afraid of the leash, she's refusing the leash. Big difference.

Answer 3

quick infor
1) she needs to come to the leash. Use treats to get her to come to you. then slip on the leash. Keep the leash up behind her ears, more control
2) Even use the treats to encourage her to walk. Don't drag her. use her nose, Carry a good smelling bag of goodies.
3) make the walk fun for her and don't let her lead.
4) be calm and don't raise your voice. Just assume she is going to be good.

luck