I start just having my pup following me...no lead. He gets a "come on let's go", inside the house and outside. Gets a treat when I stop and he has followed.
Then, you can put a leash on them and go where they go and they in turn can "come on let's go" with you. Be sure to stop and treat. (If you pull a dog up....he will move downward. If you pull them toward you on a leash the dog will backwards and this can be frightening) I never put any pressure on the lead at first. I equate it more like riding a horse and using the reigns, or driving a car down a straight road, gently, meaning gentle corrections. Before long when you get the lead your dog will know he is "GOING FOR A WALK"!
If you get one that really balks.....try throwing tid bits treats along in front of him also when he is on leash.
I trained a Yorkie for someone who said she could not get him to walk on a lead...by the time she flew home and arrived home from the airport, the dog was lead trained....my husband had to take a short movie before she would believe it.....BUT sometimes you have to work with them a little longer and have patience, treats and a lot of talking and encouragement for the dog. |