I originally posted this on the training page but I meant to put it here. Whoops! Good morning! Thanks to everyone so much for taking the time to answer my earlier questions. Argo has been doing pretty well and we are adjusting a little more each day. We are starting to use the leash and struggling a little. He always has a collar on so that hasn't been a problem but when we try to use the leash he tries to bite it and will sit down after a few steps. From what I read, it is suggested to let the dog walk around with the leash in the home so he gets used to it. I haven't tried this yet because I think he'll just try to chew on it. Generally I take him outside without a leash but with him getting bigger and wandering at times, it will be needed. What has worked for you all?
Hi! My Ella was crazy the first few times we put a lead on her. We just did super short sessions a few times a day (literally 1-2 minutes each time) and rewarded every single time she settled and let go of the lead (she would bite and hold onto it as soon as we clipped it on) even if only for a split second. Within a week (I think that was about the timeframe) she'd made a huge improvement and no longer reacted to it.
Try teaching to walk alongside you without the lead attached to start with, using treats to shape the heel position, left hand side. Turn into the pup by doing left turns, with the occassional sit. Only give the treat when in the desired postion, this can only be done in an enclosed area, yard or garden without too many distractions. This will take quite a few sessions, but will greatly help when the lead is finally attached.
I didn't put a lead on Jake until he was 12 weeks. From 8 weeks we were out in the garden teaching him to stick close using this method: http://www.thelabradorsite.com/clicker-training-heel
Yes - I used the clicker heel method too - really good for puppies in the garden - no lead pulling - making the most of their follow instinct
