What You Want to Do When Having Problems with Your Labrador on a Leash

one of your objectives in reaching your overall goal will be to get your labrador accustomed to the leash using baby steps. Consistently, you'll want to make sure he stays in a good comfort zone with respect to the leash. Since he already has some sort of fear with the leash, he obviously will show some measure of discomfort with it. This will be okay so you can be comforted to know that your labrador will show some discomfort. A little is okay but if he chose tremendous fear through symptoms of drooling, hyperventilating, showing whites of the eyes, submissive urination, etc. you'll need to back off temporarily.

Keep in mind to use baby steps when reaching your goal. Maybe the first step will be to simply leave the leash next to places where he usually experiences enjoyment like play areas, eating area next to his food bowl or where he sleeps.

After you believe this step has been effectively completed with him not reacting anymore to the leash, you'll want to take a more active role in introducing the leash to him. Do this by enveloping your hand with the leash when you pet, play and/or groom him. You might also hold the leash in your hand when you get his food ready to eat. Almost anything you can think of where you will be next to him or touching him, these will be opportunities to introduce the leash.

Remember to not rush any of these steps. Only move onto the next one when you see him not showing discomfort with the steps you are implementing. These steps may take time, but it's better to take a longer time rather than move too fast.

One he appears not to be showingsigns of being nervous at this level of effort, you'll be able to put a leash on the collar. You want to make sure that he is sitting after you give him your calm voice command. After responding in good kind, attach the leash to the collar in a casual way without showing any uneasiness on your part of his possible negative reaction. If he shows more than simple uneasiness, you'll likely need to backtrack to go over previous steps. Be patient.

After the leash is attached to his collar, it might take a little time before he becomes comfortable with this thing hanging on his neck. He could possibly get a little panic strickened while also attempting to remove the leash in some way. Simply attempt to distract him by putting him, playing with them, or feeding him a treat. Just get his focus away from this foreign thing attached to his neck. If possible, take him for a short walk within an enclosed area without holding on to the leash. Allow him to roam freely.

After around five or 10 minutes, take off his leash while praising him abundantly for the accomplishment he just made. He might even give him some small little treats to eat along with some loving touch and petting.

You'll want to repeat these last few steps so that he becomes very comfortable with the leash. He should get to the point where the leash does not bother him whatsoever. As you associate all those times of enjoyment with having the leash on, he should progress steadily to the point of total comfort.

Now, you'll want to implement a nice short training session that incorporates him wearing the leash. A short time of five minutes will be enough for him at first. Recite the sit-stay and recall dog command while the leash is attached. Doing this will help instill your leadership and authority over him while also reminding him about obeying you even with the leash attached.

Eventually you should get to the point where he immediately obeys your commands while wearing a leash. At this point you may walk him for a short time while holding the attached leash. He might become a little jumpy or act like a bucking bronco but continue moving forward acting like you are not aware of his actions. You basically want to ignore him and not respond to his negative reaction. In the event that he continues this negative behavior for over four minutes, simply go back to one of the previous steps to where he is totally comfortable. Later, proceed with advanced steps while remaining to be patient.

Always remember, having patients will be one of the main keys to his success. Never rush or force him to move too fast beyond his comfort level. You want him to be calm with respect to the leash. If ever you come across being frustrated or stressed out if things are not going well, he'll be able to pick that up quickly. His anxiousness during these steps will only increase unless you remain calm and patient. Also, don't reward his anxiety or nervousness by feeling sorry for him, telling him “it's okay”, petting him and simply consoling, you'll only make those feelings worse. It will always be best to distract him in some way rather than to acknowledge his nervousness or insanity by consoling him.

These steps should be carried out linearly and never skipped. Advancement should take place once your labrador reaches the appropriate comfort level. Working with your dog will help you understand at what level he resides. Sometimes you might need to backtrack to a previous step but always remember to be patient.