Afraid walk on a leash

[Izzycampers]

Our 18 month old pup has become resistant and actually terrified to go on walks.
Hubby and I walk for exercise each evening. Izzy used to love to go on a short walk but became resistant when it was dark, cold and car lights flashing by this winter. We worsened her fear by pulling on her leash.
This summer, we’ve worked with a trainer who suggested lots of praise and treats to walk to the mailbox, a couple of houses down and finally around our cul de sac. We made some progress at first but lots of backslides. (I’ve done this every am & pm for for 6 weeks and it’s getting worse and very frustrating.) She will walk around the cul de sac off leash, stay by my side and follow basic commands (heel, sit, down, stay, come). Put her on the leash and she seems terrified. (She does fine with the leash during obedience class at their indoor rink.)



We just took her on a camping/hiking trip to Colorado and she loved walking the trails and climbing the rocks. It was a combination of on and off leash trails depending on the number of hikers/dogs on the trails.
When we went into the quaint towns, she would cower and refuse to walk on the sidewalks unless she walks on the far left edge of the sidewalk.



Overall, she’s a great pup. She rarely barks, lets us know when she needs to go outside, doesn’t chew on things, plays ball, friendly with kids and loves playing in water. She loves new people and isn’t afraid of other dogs. She tends to be submissive and is very small (4 lbs). We need ideas on helping her getting over this walking problem.

[KatysMom]

Originally Posted by Izzycampers

Our 18 month old pup has become resistant and actually terrified to go on walks.
Hubby and I walk for exercise each evening. Izzy used to love to go on a short walk but became resistant when it was dark, cold and car lights flashing by this winter. We worsened her fear by pulling on her leash.
This summer, we’ve worked with a trainer who suggested lots of praise and treats to walk to the mailbox, a couple of houses down and finally around our cul de sac. We made some progress at first but lots of backslides. (I’ve done this every am & pm for for 6 weeks and it’s getting worse and very frustrating.) She will walk around the cul de sac off leash, stay by my side and follow basic commands (heel, sit, down, stay, come). Put her on the leash and she seems terrified. (She does fine with the leash during obedience class at their indoor rink.)

We just took her on a camping/hiking trip to Colorado and she loved walking the trails and climbing the rocks. It was a combination of on and off leash trails depending on the number of hikers/dogs on the trails.
When we went into the quaint towns, she would cower and refuse to walk on the sidewalks unless she walks on the far left edge of the sidewalk.

Overall, she’s a great pup. She rarely barks, lets us know when she needs to go outside, doesn’t chew on things, plays ball, friendly with kids and loves playing in water. She loves new people and isn’t afraid of other dogs. She tends to be submissive and is very small (4 lbs). We need ideas on helping her getting over this walking problem.

Hi Izzycampers and welcome to YorkieTalk.

I have not experienced this issue, but wonder if a stroller could be part of the solution.

Lil Dutch can't walk on the sidewalk yet (she's too young). She wears her harness (never a collar), to which I attach the leash. I leave the stroller open and hold the leash reasonably taut while we walk so that she won't jump or fall out.

My late senior sweetie wore her harness when we walked in the stroller, but only needed her leash attached when she was taken out of the stroller and put on the ground.

Believe most strollers come with a tether like device. In your case, I'd probably still use the leash you have so that she gets used to it.

Also, what kind of a leash are you using? Some dogs really don't like the retractable leashes.

Finally, while Izzy's issue doesn't seem to be seasonal, is there any chance her little paws become too hot on the sidewalk? Have you tried little booties?

I bet she's a little sweetie. --KatysMom

[Izzycampers]

We do use a soft harness that she wears all the time. Our leash is cotton 6 foot lead. Unfortunately it's not weather related. We do carry her mid day when it's hot and when we cross parking lots. I think it's fear but may be mixed with being stubborn.

[Robin2564]

Hi,

I also had this problem. My Charles also was afraid on the walk. Although I didn't understand why. I have a good leash from online pet store for all kinds of pets.
It is leather and comfortable. But over time we solved this problem. Now we love walks.

[titos_mommy]

I have the same problem with my 6mos Yorkie. He hated the leash. We
Started going to puppy training and the trainer had me associate the Leash with a treat and praise. She had me pick up the leash a few times a day, roll it on the floor, drag it and have the leash touch my pup on the head/body. Praise and treat for every touch/drag/ etc. This really worked. It did take like 4 days then he started walking with the leash attached/dragging. After that she had me take small steps and put a treat right next to my heel. He would follow as I was holding the leash but keeping no pressure. Anyway that is where we are now. He is taking longer strides and feels more confident around the leash. It’s all baby Steps. I hope any of that helps!