Border Collie Pup Wont Go On Lead

[bc puppy]

hi all.

ive tried putting my new dog on a lead but the second there is any resistance on the lead he either freezes or jumps around going psyco! he does the same thing when you pull or even just hold his collar.

im wondering if anyone could give me some tips or tricks to get him to relax on a lead.

if this has come up before then point me to the right post rather than go through it again.

Thanks

[Tassie]

How old is the pup? Not that it really matters I would do the same thing anyway.

IMHO, the best way is to have a very light collar and lead to start with, and put it on, maybe at meal time, and thenjust let the dog wander around with it on - under supervision so it doesn't snag. Once the pup accepts that, you can tyr picking up the lead, maybe playing with the pup with a toy, or giving a treat, walk a few steps, treat/game/praise, then let the lead drag again, then rinse and repeat as often as necessary.

You could also get the pup's meal ready, then some distance away, pick up the lead and 'walk' the pup to the meal.

Pups will vary in their responses - most get over their concerns pretty quickly, if you take it steady and remain totally matter of fact about it - but lots of reinforcement for nice walking. I basically ignore the collar scratching and lead chewing which is a natural response - it usually goes away pretty quickly.

I've been lucky with my BC pup - I had to start him on a collar and leash at the airport when I picked him up, so he could wee safely. He pretty much took it in his stride, thankfully.

Oops - just noticed the bit about reacting when you touch his collar. You need to make 'grab the collar' a very reinforcing game for him. Very high value reinforcement - treats and/or tug or toy game - whatever he really likes. Then you touch the collar, and immediately reinforce - gradually you make it into a 'gotcha' game, where to get the reinforcement he has to tolerate having his collar handled. They usually learn quite quickly - my revious boy was reactive to collar holds, but after playing this game, if I hed out my hands and said "Gotcha", he would come and virtually put his neck in my hands to play the game. Don't play the game for too long at any one time - leave him wanting more - but play it often.

Hope that makes sense.

[ness]

I would also try it in the yard somewhere where the dog is safe, and like Tassie mentioned on a nice light line. If the dog is into playing fetch or something get the dog involved in a game and then casually pick up the lead.

With our first BC I remember mum use to give her the lead to carry while she walked and didn't try and hold onto it for ages.

I was lucky with my second pup. I just clipped the lead on and walked my older girl with her and no problems at all.

[jinkispirit]

hi all.

ive tried putting my new dog on a lead but the second there is any resistance on the lead he either freezes or jumps around going psyco! he does the same thing when you pull or even just hold his collar.

im wondering if anyone could give me some tips or tricks to get him to relax on a lead.

if this has come up before then point me to the right post rather than go through it again.

Thanks

I saw a trainer in the states, put a lead on his pupy and then ran around and played with her. The lead just trailed behind her. But they felt that this was the best way for a puppy to get use to having the lead there, and they associate 'fun' when the lead goes on.

My puppy also did the jump up and down when the lead went tight. It took a lot of treats and fun time, to associate the lead. Just have lots of treats, when she/he is walking properly - reward with treats and lots of praise. they'll learn but it will take time.