We're just beginning to get Harvey used to having a lead on. (Have been doing some off-lead heel work in advance). At the moment he does the classic chew his lead or plant his bum on the ground, or even walk backwards. Enticing him with treats is gradually working but sometimes he will pull on the lead going forwards. At what point do I stop tolerating this (I don't want to put him off when he is beginning to make progress)? Thanks.
Re: Lead training Hi, if you have already got off lead heel work underway, you can set off with the puppy off lead, do a couple of steps, then slip a lead (sliplead) over his head, couple more steps, then whisk the lead off and continue off lead. Have the sliplead in your hand with a loop ready to pop over his head before you start. Gradually introduce more steps with the lead on as he gets used to it. When the lead is on, hold it so that it makes a vertical line down to his neck at right angles to the ground. This keeps it out of his vision and reduces pawing or chewing. This is harder to do with a clip-on lead and collar as it is a 'big deal' attaching the lead and the pup tries to play. Once the puppy is used to the feel of the slip lead, you can revert to a clip on lead if you want to.
Re: Lead training Just wanted to provide a quick update and say that the slip-lead suggestion worked brilliantly - no more lead biting, minimal pulling (which we are working on), and moments of loose-lead perfection 8) Thanks Pippa.
