walking on a leash...?????

[josef]

my puppy is 8 weeks old and i am trying to get him used to walking on a leash i haven't got him potty trained on the leash but he just about always does his business outside. every once in awhile he pees in side he never poops he really has surprised me on how good he does inside. but when i put the leash on him he trys to lay down. or sit down and fight and plant his feet in the ground when i start to walk. i have been told to just keep walking any way and pull him until he starts walking. but sometimes its sounds like i am choking him by doing that. i dont want to hurt him. but i want him to know that i am the leader and he has to follow me. anyway, i walk somewhat dragging him behind me. and every so often he will get up and walk along side me but then he goes right back to the same thing. laying down and planting his feet. trying everything he can to get off the leash. if some one has any insight or can give me some advice i would apprieciate it. thanks

[Dobs4ever]

OMG - I don't know who the heck has given you that advise but they should be shot at high noon. That method will frighten a small puppy. I put a puppy on the leash and go where the puppy goes. When he is truly comfortable with that then I will stop and just watch to see what his reaction is. If he does not freak and pull then I just start to walk with him again and maybe change the direction just a step to see if he can handle it. If not I follow along with him again and try again. Stop and let him get used to the pressure of the leash. If he handles it well then we walk again and then I try a small turn and really encourage him to come with me. NEVER pulling or dragging the puppy. I just stand my ground until he comes to me with lots of encouragement then I praise and treat. PRAISE and TREAT - the secret to great motivation and a willing dog.

[Big Dogs]

Dobes4ever is right never pull a puppy when getting them used to the leash. They will usually put up a fuss when you put it on them at first after all it's new and they are used to going where they want to just stand still and they will quit fussing and then let him go where he wants to for a while as long as he is safe. If you have to redirect him do it with as little effort as possible and call his name while offering him something he likes a toy or treat he will get the idea soon enough.

[Dravens]

You might also try tying a cord, string or light leash to the collar (no loop on the end to catch on things) when he is supervised and let him drag it around with him in the house. Let him get comfortable with the leash dragging behind him. When he will follow you from room to room dragging the leash, pick up the leash and let him. The idea is to get the pup used to the leash as a drag line with no pressure at all. As dobes4ever said you follow him as he starts to explore after he is comfortable with your holding the leash. Use food or a toy to lure him with you on direction changes until he is following you instead of you following him.

Never leave anything attached to his collar while crated or when you are not watching him as he could become tangled in it.

If he tries pulling you 'be a tree'. Don't let him pull or you teach him that if he pulls you follow and starts a cycle of pulling.

[Gryphon57]

I remember that age! I found that the best way was to find a friend with a dog...go for a walk! The pup will most likely want to follow the other dog! As a bonus..you socialize! It worked well for my last pup that was not interested in being on a leash at all. I also agree with dobes4ever...follow the pup around a bit at first. I used to put the leash on for a bit in the house as well and lead the dog to food etc. Anyways, its a bit confusing for pups at first to have a line and collar on them..heheh...but once they get the point of it you can't even whisper walk or leash without an excited dog! :) Take it slow and make it fun...dobies love to be with you..once they get the point they happily come along...and of course...then the opposite happens and you get dragged...the next challenge! Don't baby them to much..high pitched voices that we use with children can often translate to dogs as weakness and unsure behavior inciting more fear and confusion in a case where a pup is bulking at following...just be calm and relaxed...that will help to convince the pup that all is well. One of the best games I've ever played with a dog to get them to respond is the in house game or in yard game of having friends and or family spread out and excitedly call the pup..running backwards a bit to inspire investigation(one at a time please) and when the dog comes he gets a treat. Do this for a few minutes a couple times a week and there is nothing more pleasing then to see a dog rush to you when they are called. My dogs have the freedom of romping in a fenced in yard...I rarely do more then whistle to get them to come indoors , even if they are in the middle of a bark and chase session. The few times I've used the word come...they fly to me...i always make sure they get a treat...its a sacred word. I have a bedlington...and I've been told they are very head strong and will do their thing when off leash...but he is as good as gold even with minimal training. Dobes...well, if it works on a pair of terriers..it will work like a charm on a dobie. Sorry, got a little ahead of myself...but I love to watch pups learn and grow..ah...i want a dobe again but will wait another year til we are ready to invest in a new beastie.