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About this Q&A blog: In this blog section, the PetMaltipoo Team answers Maltipoo questions. You can leave comments and offer your thoughts and advice. Questions can range from quite serious to lighthearted ones in which you just want to receive some feedback. Have a question of your own? Great, we'd love to hear from you!
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Post #16 Maltipoo puppy afraid of leash
- By The Team
- •
- 19 Aug, 2016
- •
Tips for when a Maltipoo is acting scared of the leash
Question:
My Maltipoo puppy 13.5 weeks is scared to be on leash. When I put leash on her she just lays down like a rock. What are some tips to get her comfortable and ready for walks?
Answer:
This is a great question, since it not that uncommon. In most cases, a dog is not technically afraid of he leash since it is not really an object that a dog would find frightening. It is either an issue of the leash causing discomfort when attached to the collar, not wanting to walk on certain surfaces, fear of what is coming up and/or a need to get used to obeying the 'Heel' command.
So, first, when a Maltipoo is acting afraid of the leash, this will entail a slow desensitization training, being aware of the walking surfaces and following heeling techniques.
In regard to walking surfaces, this is quite common in the summer or winter if the sidewalks are too hot or cold. So, do keep this in mind, either choosing easier routes or by applying quality paw wax to her paws. Quality paw wax only needs to be applied 2 to 3 times per week.
To ensure that this is not a comfort issue:
Do not attach the leash to a collar. This can cause undue strain on the neck and even lead to injury. It will also make this leash phobia easier to deal with and just this element alone may resolve this issue. You'll want your pup to get used to wearing a harness. Harnesses can be super comfortable, so do choose a great one like the Puppia adjustable harness.
If your pup is still afraid of the leash even when it is connected to the harness, do the following.
1. Staying inside the house, have the harness on your Maltipoo. Attach a 6 foot leash to the harness. Do not hold the other end. Just allow it to be free on the floor. Let her inspect it. Let her drag it around. Do this for about 10 minutes, 2 to 3 times per day for 3 days.
2. Staying inside the house. With her on harness and leash, hold the other end. Have her on your left. Walk her inside the house, commanding a 'Heel'. If she sits and refuses to walk, since she will be wearing a harness, you are safe to continue walking, forcing her to follow. Of course, walk slow. Any time, even if it is just for a few seconds, that she is walking beside you, give great praise and a quick treat, while still walking. (have treats ready in your pocket to easily dispense).
3. Now it to practice outside. With her on harness and a short 6 foot leash, start the walk. Have her on your left and use the command word of 'Heel'. If she stops, you do not. As the leader, it is you who decides where to go, at what pace, when to turn and when to stop. Important will be to ignore any stubbornness and GREATLY reward any walking.
Be sure to end things on a good note, so that the last part of the session involves her tolerating the leash.
Some extra tips are to experiment with walking times. Some dogs will resist being walked simply because they are not in the mood to go anywhere! Maybe she'd prefer a 'before dinner' walk to an 'after dinner' walk or vice-versa. As long as it does not disrupt your schedule, try to be flexible in when you take her outside.
Also, keep an eye out for other triggers that may be causing her to lie down besides the leash. Maybe she can sense a larger dog up ahead? Or can hear rushing traffic around the corner? If you can identify elements that she is fearing, you can change the route to avoid those and plan to train her at a later date to be socialized to them.
Love, Hugs & Maltipoo Kisses,
The PetMaltipoo Team
Did your Maltipoo need to get used to being walked? Do you have any extra tips or comments? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
My Maltipoo puppy 13.5 weeks is scared to be on leash. When I put leash on her she just lays down like a rock. What are some tips to get her comfortable and ready for walks?
Answer:
This is a great question, since it not that uncommon. In most cases, a dog is not technically afraid of he leash since it is not really an object that a dog would find frightening. It is either an issue of the leash causing discomfort when attached to the collar, not wanting to walk on certain surfaces, fear of what is coming up and/or a need to get used to obeying the 'Heel' command.
So, first, when a Maltipoo is acting afraid of the leash, this will entail a slow desensitization training, being aware of the walking surfaces and following heeling techniques.
In regard to walking surfaces, this is quite common in the summer or winter if the sidewalks are too hot or cold. So, do keep this in mind, either choosing easier routes or by applying quality paw wax to her paws. Quality paw wax only needs to be applied 2 to 3 times per week.
To ensure that this is not a comfort issue:
Do not attach the leash to a collar. This can cause undue strain on the neck and even lead to injury. It will also make this leash phobia easier to deal with and just this element alone may resolve this issue. You'll want your pup to get used to wearing a harness. Harnesses can be super comfortable, so do choose a great one like the Puppia adjustable harness.
If your pup is still afraid of the leash even when it is connected to the harness, do the following.
1. Staying inside the house, have the harness on your Maltipoo. Attach a 6 foot leash to the harness. Do not hold the other end. Just allow it to be free on the floor. Let her inspect it. Let her drag it around. Do this for about 10 minutes, 2 to 3 times per day for 3 days.
2. Staying inside the house. With her on harness and leash, hold the other end. Have her on your left. Walk her inside the house, commanding a 'Heel'. If she sits and refuses to walk, since she will be wearing a harness, you are safe to continue walking, forcing her to follow. Of course, walk slow. Any time, even if it is just for a few seconds, that she is walking beside you, give great praise and a quick treat, while still walking. (have treats ready in your pocket to easily dispense).
3. Now it to practice outside. With her on harness and a short 6 foot leash, start the walk. Have her on your left and use the command word of 'Heel'. If she stops, you do not. As the leader, it is you who decides where to go, at what pace, when to turn and when to stop. Important will be to ignore any stubbornness and GREATLY reward any walking.
Be sure to end things on a good note, so that the last part of the session involves her tolerating the leash.
Some extra tips are to experiment with walking times. Some dogs will resist being walked simply because they are not in the mood to go anywhere! Maybe she'd prefer a 'before dinner' walk to an 'after dinner' walk or vice-versa. As long as it does not disrupt your schedule, try to be flexible in when you take her outside.
Also, keep an eye out for other triggers that may be causing her to lie down besides the leash. Maybe she can sense a larger dog up ahead? Or can hear rushing traffic around the corner? If you can identify elements that she is fearing, you can change the route to avoid those and plan to train her at a later date to be socialized to them.
Love, Hugs & Maltipoo Kisses,
The PetMaltipoo Team
Did your Maltipoo need to get used to being walked? Do you have any extra tips or comments? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
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