Re: Introducing the lead I wholeheartedly agree with Julie, at this early stage in introducing the lead - little and often and fun. No need to make it a drama for her (or you) , if she's not doing so well, take it off and try again another day.
Re: Introducing the lead Hi everyone - just to let you know lead work is going well with Ruby - she barely pulls, so it's not too difficult! If she does, I simply stop and change direction and ask her to heel, with lots of praise and a few treats to keep it fun and rewarding for her. I live on a farm, so we have fields and a long private lane. I tend to put her on for short periods, and let her off again so that there is no negativity around being on the lead. I do tend to have her on the lead to go outside, as otherwise she is at risk of dashing off to a calf shed where she's rewarded by bits of splashed milk and milk poweder : Anyway - really appreciate all your help. I just also wondered about the slip lead, as my husband would prefer the use of this when Ruby goes out and about with him - do we just follow the same procedure as with the clipped lead? Anything we need to consider? Thanks again!!
Re: Introducing the lead Ahh that's really good news that it's going well And lucky you to have so much space to play with! This is really great and will help with recall too as she won't associate a recall or going on the lead as the end of her fun.
Re: Introducing the lead Emma, so glad it's all going well for you! We decided (again) to go straight to the slip lead (after considering collar & lead and a harness) but in the end our thinking was we've never had a problem before and it's what we're going to use anyway so why complicate things for ourselves so we started out with the slip lead. He only ever wears a collar if we're going into busy public places and we still use the slip lead. We've had no issues and used properly (the right way up etc) I can't see why your OH would have any problems.
Re: Introducing the lead We went with a harness and fixed lead when Riley was young so that any unexpected bursts of enthusiasm didn't end up with something tightening round his neck. Very much a slip lead user now but that lead is mine and my husbands, if anyone else walks Riley he goes on a fixed lead on a flat collar or harness. To me this helps differentiate between the cover teachers and the people who expect him to walk at heel I am very lucky with my parents and in-laws that they love and are happy to look after Riley but they don't hold him to the same standards we do so an alternate lead is my solution (which mostly works)
Re: Introducing the lead Thank you Barbara and Gordon - feedback on the slip lead much appreciated. Yes, getting it the right way around is key! Have fumbled a bit, but know the right way now! It is much easier out and about to just slip over without faffing with the clip, and I love the tip about still having a clip lead for friends and family that may have to occasionally mind her Thanks again!!
