Dog Community

Dog puts paws on leash to stop me from walking her

Posted : 10/6/2009 12:02:26 PM

Walking my dog is as unpleasant as it gets. I have a mini goldendoodle. She is adorable but when I put the leash on her she puts her paws on it to stop me from walking her. No sooner do I take off her paws then she puts them back on. If I hold the leash up high so that she can't get her paws on the leash then she'll role over on her back and become a dead weight and won't move. I've tried dragging her on her back thinking she'll get up once we start to move but she remains in that position and I don't want to hurt her by dragging her on her back. Help, help, help.

Liesje

Posted : 10/6/2009 12:08:37 PM

I would try a simple harness (not a training harness like an Easy Walk, just a regular one) first. When you are not walking, see if she will drag a lightweight leash attached to the collar around the house. When you walk, try the harness, use some treats or toys to lure her along. Make the walk fun.

glenmar

Posted : 10/6/2009 12:12:32 PM

absolutely agreed. The walk should be too much fun to resist.

Pups sometimes resist a lead. When I have pups I let them drag the lead until they are used to it before I ever pick it up, and then I let them lead the way and follow, and eventually start luring them where I want to go. During the whole process I talk a blue streak. That seems to take the focus off the lead a bit.

spiritdogs

Posted : 10/6/2009 12:25:46 PM

It sounds as though you are new to dogs, so in addition to following the suggestions here, you might want to enroll in a basic class with a positive trainer. That way, you will learn techniques that do not involve dragging your dog, which you are right not to want to do.

Tobie18

Posted : 10/6/2009 1:03:57 PM

Thank you, Liesje. I'll try that!