Puppy won't walk on a lead-any tips??

[leo_04]

Hi, I have an 11 week old CKCS spaniel who is allowed to start walking this week. I have taken him to friends private stables etc just to socialise in a controlled environment but when ever he has his lead on he pretty much refuses to budge! I have tried treats and he isn't fussed even though normally he is very food orientated.

I don't think it is fear as if off the lead he is happy to run around, it's as though he doesn't like not being in charge!! We have puppy school this week so will get advice there but wondering if anyone here has tips too?

I have an older dog too, do you think it's best I walk them together in the hope my puppy might follow or should I work with him just us?

All advice gladly received!

 

[CorvusCorax]

Fix a very light line to his collar (only when you're around to supervise), even a bit of string, no loop on the end, and let him drag it around, it about so it isn't a big deal. Occasionally pick it up and reward him, and build it up.

I also wouldn't be going on 'walks' with him at this age just yet so you have plenty of time for lead training.

If using food for training, make sure the dog is hungry. You can feed him his dinner as part of his training, but if the dog is full already, and his desire to avoid tension on the lead is worth more to him than his desire to eat again, then treats won't really work.

 

[Nettle123]

I thought I was reading about my CKCS puppy for a moment. Ours is a bit older and comes out walking with the labs several times a day for short potters running loose and always staying with us. He is the same, put the lead on and he completely sulks and refuses to budge. Ours loves treats too but completely ignores them when his little lead is clipped on. Obviously he needs to learn to wear one for his own safety.

At first I thought it was scaring him but he will run around quite happily with it trailing behind him. Yesterday we managed 10 steps, lol. I have been picking it up as suggested by CorvusCorax with lots of fuss, that's how we managed the 10 steps although I was going with him and not the other way round.

I have never had a small dog before and never had a problem with lead training the large ones. I am sure that the penny will drop and we will get there eventually but will watch any advice with interest.

Ours is a wonderful little character but perhaps CKCS just like their own way!