leash \ collar training

[Derf]

I'm trying to get my puppy used to being on a leash, she's a Chesapeak that is about 3 months old. When I have her on the leash, she fights me like crazy, it almost looks like a fish on the end of a hook, if you know what I mean. She cries and yelps. What can I do?

Derf

[Dax]

There are several things you can do...

a) pick a different collar like a pinch, haltie, gentle leader. This keeps the dog from pulling. But this is not heel training.

b) start heel training. I watched a show on this to train a dog to heel off leash (the ultimate control). They started with a 20ft lead. Let the dog go out to the max. length and without saying a word you walk the other direction. You make it a sudden jerk. You don't correct the dog - or even talk to it. The idea is that the dog doesn't like the sudden jerks so they start to pay attention to you. Soon they are watching you and getting closer and closer.

Ariel never pulls - she picked up heel training very quickly. Let us know if that works for you.

[pittiegurl]

You need to put the collar & leash on her & just let her flop like a fish.She will eventually get the idea,that she flop & look like a fool,but the collar & leash won't hurt her.Also,that she just looks dumb.lol Good Luck.

Also,try the 'Sporn Harness' for training her not to pull.

[Rip's Girl]

Instead of just putting the leash on for walks, try putting a 4ft leash on her collar, and let her drag the leash around for a few hours.
Once she's done some leash-dragging and is more comfortable with it, pick up the leash, but don't put any pressure on it. If she stands still and isn't afraid, give her LOTS of praise and a treat. After that, take one step and say "let's go!" in a happy voice. if she fights you, stand still until she stops, and try again. If she takes a step with you, praise and treat. Keep doing this until she is more comfortable with the leash, and then try walking, say, 5 steps at a time. If she follows you nicely, praise and treat. Gradually increase the amount of steps you have to take in order for her to recieve a treat. It'll take some time, but it will work.

[weimlover0816]

Definately get her used to the leash for more than just walks... like Rip's Girl suggested, let her drag the leash around the house (supervised, of course) to see that it is no big deal. Once she gets used to that, hold the leash and follow her around inside, not trying to lead her at first. Gradually work up to actually walking her on the leash. Also, youmay want to try a harness instead of a collar.... easier to control them when they are pulling and puts less pressure on their necks, which could eventually cause serious injury if they don't outgrow the pulling...

Good Luck!!

[Rip's Girl]

Also, youmay want to try a harness instead of a collar

I was just thinking the exact same thing.. If the leash dragging doesn't work and she doesn't relax with the leash on, all the fighting and flopping could injure her neck.
Also, it's going to be trial-and-error.. Try weimlover's suggestion, of just holding a loose leash and letting her lead you around the house.

[Moo]

Getting used to a leash is a big thing, it needs to be taken in small steps. She's thinking "OH NO! THAT MEANS I'M GOING TO BE TRAPPED AND RESTAINED! I BETTER GET AWAY!"

I'd do what Rip said originally. Get a light-weight collar and leash. (Kirby's training leash was about 3 ft long.) Let her drag the leash around, just to get used to the weight. Run with it, walk with it, whatever. Start to pick it up and walk behind her. Work it around the house, you may want to start tying it to your belt loop and having her follow.