does not like being on leash

[Rosy7414]

My 10 week old puppy does not like to be on leash when I take him out to do her business. I keep her on it, but she keeps pulling forward wanting to go back inside before she even pees or poops. She is also hesitant to go outside, I have to carry her out there myself, she will not do it on her own when on being lead out there with her leash on.
What do I do to help her in this situation?
I have tried treats with her, to get her to go on her own, but she ends up ignoring me and I end up picking her up and taking her outside myself, but she struggles with the leash on her.

[brunie's mom]

By 10 weeks of age she should be used to the leash by now.
It seems she does not like to be controlled...it's really not the leash?

What kind of leash are you using? For young pups, I usually go to the Dollar Store and buy the cheap, thin, light nylon leashes.

Let her just drag it around the house while you are watching her. I would not be carrying this pup around...give her a gentle tug on the leash...step ahead and call her with an encouraging voice.
Pack some really good treats...like tiny pieces of chicken...and wave them in front of her nose.

Be patient, and be prepared to wait her out...she will eventually come to you on her leash.

I would also get her signed up for Puppy K classes...most of them take pups after the second set of shots are completed. The instructor will give you alot of pointers.

Gina

[Rosy7414]

She has a thin nylon leash on her and I ahve also tried these methods you mentioned, but to no avail.
She gets as far as the front door and plops down on herself and wants to be stubborn about heading any further out. I have tried the treats, plus her favorite toy, and this seems to not work with her.

[dogsbestfriend]

Originally Posted by Rosy7414

My 10 week old puppy does not like to be on leash when I take him out to do her business. I keep her on it, but she keeps pulling forward wanting to go back inside before she even pees or poops. She is also hesitant to go outside, I have to carry her out there myself, she will not do it on her own when on being lead out there with her leash on.
What do I do to help her in this situation?
I have tried treats with her, to get her to go on her own, but she ends up ignoring me and I end up picking her up and taking her outside myself, but she struggles with the leash on her.

My pup wasn't use to his leash until about 11/12 weeks old.. I started just putting it on him arounf the house and making him deal with it being on... after all the fuss he made he got used to it..

As far going to the bathroom outside.. I began by picking my puppy up and carrying him outdoors whenever we'd go.. I also would make him chase me around playing and he'd END UP chasing/playing with me all the way out the door... in the yard.. sort of tricking him into going outside.. and using the bathroom... and then I'd praise him

[Williesmom]

When I first got willie at 12 weeks, I dont think that he had ever been on a leash and he really fought me at first, but then I was running around and dragging him all over the yard and then he just ended up chasing me around and we made it a play thing. Of course now we have the normal leash issues where he thinks he is going to walk me, so we are working on that, but honestly I would give it some time and continue what you are doing and she'll come around!!

[hokiegal]

You can also try attaching the leash to your belt as you do your daily routine. She'll want to follow you anyway as is their nature. Being attached to you in this way will not only get her used to the leash but will allow her to feel safe. She also won't get into trouble (chewing, peeing, etc.) because you will be right there. A few hours a day is enough.

[poohbearsmom]

Originally Posted by Rosy7414

My 10 week old puppy does not like to be on leash when I take him out to do her business. I keep her on it, but she keeps pulling forward wanting to go back inside before she even pees or poops. She is also hesitant to go outside, I have to carry her out there myself, she will not do it on her own when on being lead out there with her leash on.
What do I do to help her in this situation?
I have tried treats with her, to get her to go on her own, but she ends up ignoring me and I end up picking her up and taking her outside myself, but she struggles with the leash on her.

It sounds like she's training you! What does your breeder say about these issues? Has he/she given you any advice?

The more fun you can make things for your new pup, the better. She's going to need to get used to the leash, so I suggest she wear it whenever she is out of the crate and supervised.

Outside is part of life... so she needs to realize that as well.

These things take a lot of patience on your part... if you're not the an outdoorsy person, then you need to become one, or you'll end up raising a hermit.

Does your pup like to play with toys? What are you using for treats? Perhaps they need to be 'yummier'..... Not all pups are the same, so it takes some creative thinking sometimes to find the right lure.

Bottom line - you need to get her mind off of worrying about the leash, make everything a game right now.... FUN FUN FUN. Get silly if you have to. If it's raining, take her out to play in the rain... if it's dark, take her out to explore the garden... life is going to go on, so this pup needs to learn that all of life, inside, outside, on leash, in the rain, in the dark, is all part of it, and is a comfortable place to be.

Don't force her by pulling, use a toy or special treat to get her attention, and if you only make it a couple steps at a time, that's OK. Progress is progress.

Hope this helps...

[SABELLESMOM]

The pup is training you. If she can wear the leash in the house (supervised) she will get used to the feel of it. Then, go out and make the adventure fun for her! Explore dropped leaves, and fresh cut grass. Roll a ball thru the grass, pick up a stick and drag the point for her to chase, run about and let her chase you. When she likes the leash more, go for a walk. Exercise will help move things about in her litle tummy and she'll have to go in no time.

[Judi W]

Personally, I don't carry dogs. Mine walk on their own 4 good feet.

It very much sounds as if you have a timid pup which means you will need to be clever in how you deal with her. Instead of trying to urge her on, which can make her balk even more, why not try something like this.

Give her a taste of some cheese from a wrapped slice. Heck, give her a couple of bites. Then leaving her sitting in the door way or where she can see you, go outside and sit down just out of reach (not hanging on to the leash at all or putting physical pressure) and start fiddling with the cheese, eating some yourself and maybe having a happy conversation or singing a song to yourself (without looking at her except for perhaps a very brief glance). The chances are, she will become intrigued enough to venture out to join the party you are having. Again, no pressure as that builds anxiety in the timid dog. When she finally comes out, offer her a bit of cheese and a happy hello, and continue to snack on it yourself. Turn and go back in the house. Keep repeating this until you've traveled a bit further from the door each time.

Something of this sort should work. You will need to be creative and always keep in mind that forcing builds resistance.