Rabid pup on leash

[rlogle]

Okay, the new addition is a 10 wk. old male rotti. As I've stated in other post's he and Sarge get along great, he is house training well. I have been taking Attikuz out without the use of a leash, (I have over 400 acres of secured land) Well he has been here less than a week and I have been trying to begin training him on a leash. Since he came home I have been putting it on him and allowing him to walk around the house, but day before yesterday we tried to walk. Holy HELL! I begin to walk with him and he falls to the ground I try calling him, with and without treats it doesn't work. I try tugging just a bit and he begins screaming, not just yelping but screaming like someone being beat, he flips around on his back, shakes, kicks his legs around, falls on his side, urinates, sprays poop from his rectum all the while screaming. This happens EVERY time. When he does this I approach him and then he begins to yelp like I'm beating him. He cowers down and begins to urinate. What am I doing wrong? What else can I do? The leash is the smallest lightest leash I could buy, like a shoe string even. Attikuz is a loving non-dominate non-aggresive pup, and was very outgoing. Since this started he runs when I approach him and he begins to yelp out like I am or have hurt him. I have never hit him, not even a pop on the rear, just the leash. If anyone knows of any trainers in the Birmingham, Gadsden, Anniston Alabama area let me know, maybe this is what Attikuz needs. Someone please give me some information, and not just to do a search for the information, I did this and not one of the mentioned dogs (pups) turns into Linda Blair in the Exorcist like my pup does. Please Help.

[Naomi]

I had simmilar trouble with my pup, eventually he will get used to it ie. you wont be able to pick up the lead without him coming running, he has yet to associate the lead as a fun thing - the both of you are about to go for a walk! You've done well with leting him roam with the lead on around the house - I suggest you tie something slightly heavey to the end of the lead so he can get used to the pull on the other end before you start walking him. GOOD LUCK!

rlogle, sorry can't give any advice here since i adopted both my dogs when they were older pupppies - 12 months and 9 months, and they were pretty much exorcised at that point, at least regarding the leash - but i just wanted to say thank you for writing such a descriptive post! your puppy sounds like a real handful. good luck!!! i'm sure it will be fine!

[FredAl]

Try to win back his trust and affection first. He pretty much stressed himself out with his imagined punishment from you.

Right now he's thinking that you are the bad guy who tried to hang him. Let him forget this traumatic experience first and just bond with him some more. The leash training can wait. Get him conditioned to coming to you and getting rewarded with treats and praise. Make him realize that you are the good guy.

Once the bond and the trust is there, you can start the leash-training process. This time, take him out to a place that really peaks his interest -- an open park, another part of your acreage where he didn't have any negative experiences, etc.

Put the leash on him while you have him in your arms. Once you put him down to walk around and explore, follow him around while holding the leash on the other end. When he's focused on something, put a little bit of pressure on the leash. Just enough to make him used to the pressure, but not to distract him from his focus. If you notice that the pressure distracted him, let up on the pressure and call him to you. Treats and praise when he comes to you.

Do this a few times until he won't mind the little pressure on his neck. Just keep following him. If in case he tries to go somewhere he's not supposed to go, don't control him with the leash. Just pick him up and let him explore other things.

Another trick is to put a little bit of pressure on the leash when he's trying to get to a treat you are offering him. Let him know that there is some rewarding experience (treat) from that pulling sensation.

Timing is important in these sessions. You also have to read the dog (or the puppy) on how he's handling the situation. Ears going back, back roaching, eyes blinking, head crouching are subtle signals that mean he's experiencing some stress. And you've already experienced and know the other signals that are not so subtle.

[Judi W]

Also, take him to a place other than your property (in the car), with the leash and collar on, get out with him and just sit on the ground while holding the leash. Not trying to go anywhere, just sit there. He'll mostly want to stay near you, but it doesn't matter. You will be stationary, in a "small" position (not standing). Then pack him up and go home. From the car to the house, keep a hold of the leash. This is a VERY frightened dog, so he will want to hurry to the familiar house and should find himself walking on that leash in trying to get back to safety. I don't like the sound of this -the peeing and pooping shows a terrified dog, with no reason for the terror. Also, call the breeder right a way! This is not normal. When you are at home and going outside with him, have him drag the leash outside also (keep a close eye out so he doesn't get hung up on anything. Perhaps instead of an actual leash, a 10 foot length of sash cord without a handle would be best. That will be very light and no handle to get caught on things. Remember, only dragging the line when you are present.

[Carol Burke]

FredAl's advice is excellent. I had a puppy like this and was really concerned that she was wacko. At puppy class if anyone even looked at her she would scream, what a piece of work. With patience she finally came around and is now 5 1/2 years old and a social butterfly.

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Carol
Darrlburg Rottweilers