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Subject: Harness and leash training help!

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sthomas31905

Rattie

02/16/2008 12:06 PM
I have a rat terrir pup almost 8mths old and he hates his harness and leash when I put it on him he acts like he's going to the death chamber I was told to leave it on him but he just stands there he won't move. I tried a collar and it's like the death roll from a crock that you would see on animal planet he stands up and fights the leash and rolls on the ground. I don't know what to do with him. Have any of you experienced this with your dogs? I've had two dogs before a beagle and a lab and they loved going out on their leash what is wrong with this dog????

Spanky's Mom

Terrier Terror

02/16/2008 12:24 PM
Hi. Put his harness on & leave it on (supervised) and just let him be. He will eventually move & figure out that it isn't "killing" him. This wont happen over night, do this each day until he is comfortable with wearing it then introduce the leash. When you put his leash on let him drag it around, again under supervision only, also take him outside in the yard,supervised and let him explore with it on. He will eventually get use to the idea & then you can start working on him walking with you. Don't pull or yank on the leash. Get some dog treats and use them as a reward when you are working with him. When he is at the point you can work with him walking on the leash then hold the leash, sit on the floor if need be and call him, when he comes to you with the leash on reward him with a treat & praise praise praise him, make it a fun time. When I was teaching Spanky I would use canned food on the tip of a baby spoon, this worked well for us. Now, at 4 months all I have to do is pick his harness or collar up & he is ready to go. Hope this helps...keep us posted.

When you own a Rattie....you KNOW you are in your right mind THE MEANING OF RESCUE Now that I'm home, bathed, settled and fed, All nicely tucked in my warm new bed. I'd like to open my baggage Lest I forget, There is so much to carry - So much to regret. Hmm... Yes there it is, right on the top Let's unpack Loneliness, Heartache and Loss, And there by my leash hides Fear and Shame. As I look on these things I tried so hard to leave - I still have to unpack my baggage called Pain. I loved them, the others, the ones who left me, But I wasn't good enough - for they didn't want me. Will you add to my baggage? Will you help me unpack? Or will you just look at my things - And take me right back? Do you have the time to help me unpack? To put away my baggage, To never repack? I pray that you do - I'm so tired you see, But I do come with baggage - Will you still want me?

DaisysMom

Moderator
<b>Moderator</b>

02/16/2008 2:24 PM
Spanky's Mom gave you great advice!!! Be careful as well that you aren't reacting to his discomfort and using "baby talk" or trying to very sweetly reassure him. Most dogs see this kind of effort as conformation that something is wrong and they're discomfort is justified. When a dog is unsettled about anything, the best attitude a human can project is confidence and nonchalance...no big deal this. Your the Alpha and your non-reaction to situations can set the tone for your dog.

Tracey - Darlin' Daisy's Mom

Spanky's Mom

Terrier Terror

02/16/2008 2:27 PM
Great point Tracy!!

When you own a Rattie....you KNOW you are in your right mind THE MEANING OF RESCUE Now that I'm home, bathed, settled and fed, All nicely tucked in my warm new bed. I'd like to open my baggage Lest I forget, There is so much to carry - So much to regret. Hmm... Yes there it is, right on the top Let's unpack Loneliness, Heartache and Loss, And there by my leash hides Fear and Shame. As I look on these things I tried so hard to leave - I still have to unpack my baggage called Pain. I loved them, the others, the ones who left me, But I wasn't good enough - for they didn't want me. Will you add to my baggage? Will you help me unpack? Or will you just look at my things - And take me right back? Do you have the time to help me unpack? To put away my baggage, To never repack? I pray that you do - I'm so tired you see, But I do come with baggage - Will you still want me?

Aubers

Terrier Terror

02/16/2008 5:35 PM
Corona was the same way with her collar, but I did exactly what Spanky's Mom told you to do and it worked GREAT! :0)

Aubrey Corona's Mommy

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