Help please - new pup afraid of his lead

[rich]

hi me and my wife has just recently bought a german shepherd pup he his very shy and he is very scared of a lead how do i get him out on a lead he is so scared he wees his self and shakes when we try to get him on it .................................................. ..........IF ANYONE COULD HELP WE WOULD BE VERY GRATEFUL THANK YOU.

[Cheetah]

I always get puppies used to a leash first by putting it on them and letting them drag it freely behind them around the house (with supervision). While you do this, you could also try treating and praising the puppy, so that he learns having that long thing hook to him means he gets good things. >^_^<

After he is used to actually having it on, you can work on holding the other end. Pick it up and stand there, or you could kneel down to his level. When he's acting calm while you hold the leash, give him treats or praise him (or both). This will teach him the same thing - you holding his leash means good things happen.

When he is used to that you can try to walk a few steps holding the leash and have him follow you. Try calling him as you walk, making little kissy noises, whistling, whatever gets his attention. If he follows you, give him lots of praise and maybe a treat. >^_^<

If the puppy is scared of even being around the leash now, then before you do all this, start by putting the leash on the floor and making a big deal of it. Act very excited and happy that it's there. Hold it and act like you're playing with it etc. Give him treats and praise him for even being near the leash. Then move up to hooking it to him.

[rich]

Dear Cheetah

Thank your for all your advise we really appreciate it. We are going to give it a try and we will let you know how Zak gets on

Thanks again

Rich

[nancy]

Hi Rich, Try leaving the lead lying with a little treat under it so he has to move the lead to get at it,and hopefully he will associate the lead with something nice. Then if you have a friend with a dog you could take out with him usually find puppy is so bussy trying to keep up with other dog it forgets about his lead . after a few times you should have no bother. Good Luck, let us know how you get on . One other thing how old is the puppy? Do you think he has been smacked with the lead at sometime hence the reaction, Time , Pattions and loads of love is what you need.Regards Nancy.

[rich]

thanks nancy for your help.

zak is 20 weeks old we got him when he was 12 weeks we also thought he could have been smacked with a lead or chain.


he is really coming out of his shell now and it is realy nice to see.

thanks again

i will let you know how we get on.

[nancy]

Hi Rich, as Zak gets more confident try tieing a toy to his lead and playing with him by pulling it across the floor. when he gets it let him try to untie it this could help him get used to the lead, I'm sure it will come soon he sounds lovely. Good Luck.