Collar/Leash Coma

[brettzel]

I have a new 8 week old rotti named Ripley. She has a lot of energy and is still very much in "Puppy Mode" As she should be.
As I have experience trainning dogs throughout my life I have never come acrossed a pupy that became completely immobile when a collar or leash was attached to them.

I put a collar on her and she became catatonic. I do not wish to drag her by the neck and will not. I know she is a puppy but is there a way to offer her the collar and leash as a positive thing?

I refuse to believe that she will continue to view the leash as a punshment as it has never been so in the past. It leaves me thinking if the kennel used to tie her up at night when she was a smaller pup. I am in Thailand and the kennels here are not the smartest (for lack of the proper politically correct term) folks in the world.

Thank you

Brett

[austin]

I have never seen a dog become catatonic with a collar or leash, but I would suggest putting the leash and collar on without trying to get her to walk. Feed her with them on, pet her and maybe she will start associating the collar and leash with positive activities. Good luck!

[LORHEL]

Just start out with small periods of time with the leash/collar, and gradually add more time... she will get used to it, but it takes time. :) Also, be sure to praise her when she is good.

Good luck. :)

[Judi W]

I would suggest that you put the collar on when you are not going anywhere or need the leash. Simply put it on and go about your business. She won't be able to remain in that state forever, and will soon want to go about her business herself. Simply keep the little buckle collar on her. (they are also handy for directing a pup) After she no longer seems to be aware of the collar, put a light and short leash on the collar and do the same only with a leash attached you'll need to keep a surepticious eye out to make sure she doesn't get hung up on something, but try not to let her be aware you are watching. When you see her start to walk around with it dragging, simply give her a cheery hello and walk to another area so she is moving more and more with the leash attached. Remove it and repeat until the trauma is gone.