help with trainging to a leash/harness
 

Today is only the second time I have tried to put my puppy Krystal on a leash. Her gig is to just sit or lay down. She doesn't move. She becomes a statue. It's almost funny. I could drag her, but that's not an option. Are there any tricks that you have used to get your yorkie to accept a leash and actually walk with you. I'm not going to just carry her everywhere. No fat little yorkie for me. *grin*

Check the National Geographic channel on the website they have Dog Whisper Cesar Milan in one episode were the dog wouldn’t walk he playes dead quite funny, what he did is picked up the back legs and make the Maltese walk on his front legs, I do this to Chelsea, it’s quite confusing for them but she goes. Dog Whisperer | National Geographic Channel

Start by just attaching the leash while inside and let her get used to having it on.

I, too would start very slowly and most importantly let Krystal that there is an end. First make sure she is comfortable wearing the harness by putting it on, let her wear it for a few and then take it off. Do this several times a day. Only when she is completely comfortable wearing the harness and with you putting it on and taking it off attach the leash, leave it on for just a few minutes then take it off - do this several times a day until she is very comfortable with the harness and leash. Then encourage her to take a few steps with the leash attached to the harness - :D she has probably already done this but this time praise her big time. From there YOU hold the leash and call her to you - praise and treat - teaching two things - come - and the harness/leash is a good thing.

The problem with most training is that we try to start at the GOAL. What we need to be doing is to start at a point where you can ask something of your dog and he does it -- even if it just calling his name and he looks at you. Work from there in baby steps making a game out of training. You want your dog to THINK and figure things out with your prompting rather than force him into submission.


Good Luck - have fun with your training!!!!!

[QUOTE=chattiesmom;2581976]I, too would start very slowly and most importantly let Krystal that there is an end. First make sure she is comfortable wearing the harness by putting it on, let her wear it for a few and then take it off. Do this several times a day. Only when she is completely comfortable wearing the harness and with you putting it on and taking it off attach the leash, leave it on for just a few minutes then take it off - do this several times a day until she is very comfortable with the harness and leash. Then encourage her to take a few steps with the leash attached to the harness - :D she has probably already done this but this time praise her big time. From there YOU hold the leash and call her to you - praise and treat - teaching two things - come - and the harness/leash is a good thing.

The problem with most training is that we try to start at the GOAL. What we need to be doing is to start at a point where you can ask something of your dog and he does it -- even if it just calling his name and he looks at you. Work from there in baby steps making a game out of training. You want your dog to THINK and figure things out with your prompting rather than force him into submission.


Good Luck - have fun with your training!!!!![/QUOTE

Fantastick!!!! I sometimes think we all believe at first the come wanting to walk on a leash, not realizing that is not in there nature that is a learned behavior. Could not have said it better myself. :)

I did this before we left and my cat thought this was a hoot. He chased her and it around to play. But I know that the little steps are best and I try turning her into a wheel barrow when we are inside. I can just imagine what that would look like out in front of the hotel. :D Thanks all!