How is it best to introduce a lead? Our 9 week old pup is now used to her collar but when I have tried to add a lead the first thing she does is bite and play with it. I have offered a treat and the “drop” command and distracting with a toy but after the treat she immediately goes back to chewing it. So I then removed it. I fear I have rewarded her for chewing rather than releasing. Any suggestions please ?
Personally I wouldn’t bother with a lead at this stage unless she needs to be on one to go out to toilet in the garden. Get her to follow you round the garden with treats or a toy and just make yourself engaging so she wants to be near you. The lead chewing is just because it’s a novelty. When the time comes for walks maybe consider a harness instead. Enjoy!
Thank you. I Wanted to put a lead on in the garden as she seems to rather like dashing to the flower beds and I thought I could correct this action better with a lead.
In that case I would probably use a training line attached to a harness. She may still chew at it to start with but the novelty will wear off if you distract her.
Thank you - I will try that - I hope the novelty will wear off before it gets completely chewed through!!