Leash help! - YorkieTalk.com Forums

MyDearSam · 02-12-2013, 06:50 PM

I've been trying to put Sam's harness and leash on him for a few minutes at a time to get him used to them. I want to start taking him out for potty after his shots on Friday. The problem is he wants absolutely nothing to do with them. The harness is big enough on him that he can get the front of it in his mouth. If he doesn't have the harness wrapped over his lower jaw, he's clamped down on the leash, or hopping around frantically trying to get it off.

Obviously giving in to him is not an option - AT ALL. But I don't want it to be a traumatic fight every day. How do I get him used to the leash without both of us melting down in frustration?

And can anyone recommend a good but inexpensive harness that might actually fit him? I don't want to buy a Buddy Belt or Choke Free until he is fully grown. It's just not in the budget for one of those that he will outgrow in just a few months.

LilAnnCamp · 02-12-2013, 07:12 PM

I would try the cat section. How much does he weigh?

I know some other people have given me suggestions but I haven't used any of them. My Crimson still hates hers when we are somewhere she isn't used to.

MyDearSam · 02-12-2013, 07:17 PM

He's 15 weeks today and weighs between 2.5 -3 lbs (I don't have a good scale.) I tried a ferret harness, which fits his neck perfectly, but it was too small around his waist. I still need to take it back, so I'll check the cat section. I've got to do something. I'll never get him potty trained if he's having a tizzy about the leash.

Princess keke · 02-12-2013, 07:30 PM

I had the same problem I went and got one from Petsmarts from the martha stewart line and you can make it as tight as you need. I got one that was on clearance so I only paid $4 for it.

MyDearSam · 02-12-2013, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Princess keke

I had the same problem I went and got one from Petsmarts from the martha stewart line and you can make it as tight as you need. I got one that was on clearance so I only paid $4 for it.

Well that definitely fits the budget friendly part! I bought 2 harnesses before I got him and they are both too big. Did you have the same problem with fighting the leash? I think that drives him bonkers worse than the harness itself.

Princess keke · 02-12-2013, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyDearSam

Well that definitely fits the budget friendly part! I bought 2 harnesses before I got him and they are both too big. Did you have the same problem with fighting the leash? I think that drives him bonkers worse than the harness itself.

Yes!!! I just started her off with the harness and would put it on her twice a day. When she didnt worry about it anymore I would take it off. When she statred doing good with that I put the leash on. From that day forward I kept the leash on the harness so she would know what the harness was for. I started small and would walk her around the house because most of the time she would just lay down lol. After she mastered it in the house I then took her outside twice a day so she could get use to it and know what it was for. Now she loves it and I dont have any problem. I hope this works. Im a college student so I had a little time over the summer to do it when I wasnt working.

LilAnnCamp · 02-13-2013, 12:38 AM

Someone suggested me just leaving the leash attached in the house. I am a worry wart. It should be fine as long as your watch them very closely. I got a small one at publix for under 4 bucks that's fits Crimson great. When she was smaller I got a lil' pals one that was perfect.

Marhcarter · 02-13-2013, 02:04 AM

I have read lot about potty training by using "tethering" inside the house where the pup is tethered to you at all times to prevent accidents. I would think that would help with getting him used to the leash, too. I didn't use this method and not only do I have a pup that will sneak off and do his business where he shouldn't at times, whenever he sees his harness and leash, the chase is on! He loves going out to walk and to take trips in the car, but he always runs from getting his harness on despite his excitement. He will run downstairs and stand by the door, but still hop out of the harness as I try to put it on him. I will think he is securely fastened and then realize he has one leg out of the neck hole...

I have found the step-in kind is the easiest, once yours is big enough to wear one.

Wallee · 02-13-2013, 02:54 AM

When I first brought Wallee home I bought a soft harness. That harness stayed on him all day from the moment he got up till he went to bed at night. That way all I had to do was fasten the leash every time we went out. To this day (he is 10 months old), he still hates having his harness put on and taken off even though it means he gets to go for a walk.Also try using treats when you put tge harness on.

Maximo · 02-13-2013, 05:08 AM

Max hated the concept of a harness and leash, so I gave up on working in the house with him. I waited until we went outside. Getting him to walk was another challenge, but once he started, he didn't want to stop.

Once Sam is outside and preoccupied with all of the wonders of the outdoors, he will forget about his leash and harness.

Definitely find a harness that fits properly. If he can get it in his mouth, there is a good chance he can wiggle out of it too.

ritapatt · 02-13-2013, 06:13 AM

We use 'lil pals harnesses(by coastal pet)- they are soft and adjustable and inexpensive. I hold a treat in front while they stick their heads thru the first loop. It takes a little practice, maybe try on a rolled towel til you get the hang of it.

MyDearSam · 02-13-2013, 06:58 AM

Thanks for all the suggestions! I've been looking at the Lil Pals and wondering if one would be small enough for him. I would prefer a step in, because I really don't have any problem getting it on him - a bite of cheese or apple helps immensely! It's keeping it on that's the kicker.

ritapatt · 02-13-2013, 07:49 AM

The silk step ins by foxypups(Chatties mom) are the best- I have one for Ziva and have to order Abby's now that she is finished growing. The step- ins are easier!
Abby doesn't love the harness but she does love the walk, so she puts up with it. I used to put it on before we played and she forgot about it in a hurry. Ziva did fight it a little more...

LilAnnCamp · 02-13-2013, 11:21 AM

The lil pals will def work. If you can't fine something let me know. I can pick one up from publix and mail it to you.

02-12-2013, 06:50 PM	#1
MyDearSam YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Tennessee Posts: 646	Leash help! I've been trying to put Sam's harness and leash on him for a few minutes at a time to get him used to them. I want to start taking him out for potty after his shots on Friday. The problem is he wants absolutely nothing to do with them. The harness is big enough on him that he can get the front of it in his mouth. If he doesn't have the harness wrapped over his lower jaw, he's clamped down on the leash, or hopping around frantically trying to get it off. Obviously giving in to him is not an option - AT ALL. But I don't want it to be a traumatic fight every day. How do I get him used to the leash without both of us melting down in frustration? And can anyone recommend a good but inexpensive harness that might actually fit him? I don't want to buy a Buddy Belt or Choke Free until he is fully grown. It's just not in the budget for one of those that he will outgrow in just a few months. __________________ All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. - JRR Tolkien

02-12-2013, 07:12 PM	#2
LilAnnCamp LovingLifeWithAnimals Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Pinson, AL Posts: 2,048	I would try the cat section. How much does he weigh? I know some other people have given me suggestions but I haven't used any of them. My Crimson still hates hers when we are somewhere she isn't used to. __________________ Ann & Milo, Buttons, Dooley, Mr. Bigglesworth, & Crimson The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel. Proverbs 12:10

02-12-2013, 07:17 PM	#3
MyDearSam YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Tennessee Posts: 646	He's 15 weeks today and weighs between 2.5 -3 lbs (I don't have a good scale.) I tried a ferret harness, which fits his neck perfectly, but it was too small around his waist. I still need to take it back, so I'll check the cat section. I've got to do something. I'll never get him potty trained if he's having a tizzy about the leash. __________________ All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. - JRR Tolkien

02-13-2013, 12:38 AM	#7
LilAnnCamp LovingLifeWithAnimals Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Pinson, AL Posts: 2,048	Someone suggested me just leaving the leash attached in the house. I am a worry wart. It should be fine as long as your watch them very closely. I got a small one at publix for under 4 bucks that's fits Crimson great. When she was smaller I got a lil' pals one that was perfect. __________________ Ann & Milo, Buttons, Dooley, Mr. Bigglesworth, & Crimson The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel. Proverbs 12:10

02-13-2013, 02:04 AM	#8
Marhcarter ♡Huey's Human♡ Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Ringgold, Ga Posts: 3,333	I have read lot about potty training by using "tethering" inside the house where the pup is tethered to you at all times to prevent accidents. I would think that would help with getting him used to the leash, too. I didn't use this method and not only do I have a pup that will sneak off and do his business where he shouldn't at times, whenever he sees his harness and leash, the chase is on! He loves going out to walk and to take trips in the car, but he always runs from getting his harness on despite his excitement. He will run downstairs and stand by the door, but still hop out of the harness as I try to put it on him. I will think he is securely fastened and then realize he has one leg out of the neck hole... I have found the step-in kind is the easiest, once yours is big enough to wear one. __________________ Huey's mom, Marilyn :When a day starts & ends with puppy kisses, I can handle anything that comes in between!

02-12-2013, 07:30 PM	#4
Princess keke YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Dallas Posts: 536 Blog Entries: 1	I had the same problem I went and got one from Petsmarts from the martha stewart line and you can make it as tight as you need. I got one that was on clearance so I only paid $4 for it.

02-13-2013, 02:54 AM	#9
Wallee Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: whitby, On, Canada Posts: 1,129	When I first brought Wallee home I bought a soft harness. That harness stayed on him all day from the moment he got up till he went to bed at night. That way all I had to do was fasten the leash every time we went out. To this day (he is 10 months old), he still hates having his harness put on and taken off even though it means he gets to go for a walk.Also try using treats when you put tge harness on. __________________ Cindy, Walleeand Summer https://www.facebook.com/5TailsBoutique?ref=tn_tnmn

02-13-2013, 05:08 AM	#10
Maximo ♥ Maximo and Teddy Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 25,041	Max hated the concept of a harness and leash, so I gave up on working in the house with him. I waited until we went outside. Getting him to walk was another challenge, but once he started, he didn't want to stop. Once Sam is outside and preoccupied with all of the wonders of the outdoors, he will forget about his leash and harness. Definitely find a harness that fits properly. If he can get it in his mouth, there is a good chance he can wiggle out of it too. __________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy

02-13-2013, 06:13 AM	#11
ritapatt YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Merritt Island,FL Posts: 1,400	We use 'lil pals harnesses(by coastal pet)- they are soft and adjustable and inexpensive. I hold a treat in front while they stick their heads thru the first loop. It takes a little practice, maybe try on a rolled towel til you get the hang of it.

02-13-2013, 06:58 AM	#12
MyDearSam YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Tennessee Posts: 646	Thanks for all the suggestions! I've been looking at the Lil Pals and wondering if one would be small enough for him. I would prefer a step in, because I really don't have any problem getting it on him - a bite of cheese or apple helps immensely! It's keeping it on that's the kicker. __________________ All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. - JRR Tolkien

02-13-2013, 07:49 AM	#13
ritapatt YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Merritt Island,FL Posts: 1,400	The silk step ins by foxypups(Chatties mom) are the best- I have one for Ziva and have to order Abby's now that she is finished growing. The step- ins are easier! Abby doesn't love the harness but she does love the walk, so she puts up with it. I used to put it on before we played and she forgot about it in a hurry. Ziva did fight it a little more...

02-13-2013, 11:21 AM	#14
LilAnnCamp LovingLifeWithAnimals Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Pinson, AL Posts: 2,048	The lil pals will def work. If you can't fine something let me know. I can pick one up from publix and mail it to you. __________________ Ann & Milo, Buttons, Dooley, Mr. Bigglesworth, & Crimson The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel. Proverbs 12:10