We took thor on his first walk tonight and he was really scared. I don't know if it's because it's the first time he's really had the lead on or if it was just overwhelming for him going out for the first time but we only got to the end of the road and back (probably 30ish metres). He was really reluctant to walk on the pavement and when he did he was pulling on the lead. Don't know if he just didn't realise that the lead was to keep him by us. I tried offering him treats when he walked and was calm by the grass but he wasn't interested. When he saw kids or adults getting out of cars his tail was wagging like mad. Does anyone have any advice? Feel like we've failed in preparing for it properly!
Fear not - this is very normal. Mollie doesn't know what the lead is for yet either. Take it in short bursts, try carrying him 50 yards or so then walking home - two or three times a day. It really is a slow process at this stage. Of course you haven't failed, it's a learning process for all. I am on puppy number five and each one is different so I can never say I know how it's done! ...
Clip the lead on your puppy whilst he's indoors a few times a day, let him get used to his collar and lead, let it trail and he will soon get used to it. Feed him little treats too whilst wearing it and give lots of praise, then progress to the garden. Just take it slowly as it's quite a new sensation to have something put round his neck and be walked as he's just a baby. You haven't failed just try a different way. x
Rory cried I used to just sit on the garden wall and then just walk a tiny bit. It took a while it just do a tiny bit then back in. They don't need a walk really its just little peek at the big wide world . Honestly it normal its a big world when you're tiny. Rory didn't like it much at first.
Teller had ZERO lead training when I adopted him and honestly he's not great with it now, lol. Rigby (our Pointer pup) is also a complete idiot on lead. He either dashes like mad, has to be dragged, stops randomly, or winds himself around whatever he can find. It's a puppy thing, lol. If you suspect the lead is the problem, you could introduce it by keeping on him while he's in the house (and being supervised) and walking him around the house/yard with it. Just be patient with it and he should eventually get used to it, as long as he is being properly socialized and is a confident pup. He could just be unsure about the different textures under his paws, I know lots of puppies who were unsure about pavement or cobblestones but eventually grew out of it.
Thanks for all of your replies, i think i just felt like id failed to prepare him and the guilt came on! His dog walker came round for the first time last night and i told her he had struggled so shes going to take it easy with him and focus on training him up a bit when she sees him. Im hoping that might build his confidence, she certainly seemed to know what she was doing Would you recommend trying again this evening? Wary of overwhelming him, or shall i leave it a day or so and just build it up in the garden?
I would definitely keep at it. Corona was exactly the same way. Sometimes, we only made it 5 houses and back. I just kept trying 2-3 a day and made it no big deal. Lots of praise and treats helped. Now at 4 1/2 months, other than having a dislike for putting on her harness, she walks on lead very well.
Fast forward two days and he is quite content on his walks which we've been making slightly farther each time. He now goes past the end of the road and onto the top of the nature reserve which is maybe 50 yards further. We saw the kids from a couple doors up earlier and the little girl was screaming but he still lay on his back and let them fuss him. Have to say I'm a very proud momma tonight
Pleased you are seeing him enjoy his outside time more.It's a big world out there ...once he realises all the fun there is to be had ,your posts on here will change and you will be asking for help with pulling !
This. Definitely this. I think you should copy and archive this thread to look back on in a few weeks time, because we are all going to be reminding you of it and you will be going "nope, nope, I don't remember that, no that can't possibly be my little monster who is now dragging me all over the neighbourhood...."
Haha i actually have had it printed and put it on my desk at work. When im having a stressful day i look at it and it never fails to make me laugh! Definitely my favourite picture
