Leash training.

I start most of my pups with harnesses. Some - I do collars, but it usually depends on what size the pup is and what stuff I have lying around the house.

Start by letting the dog drag the leash around the house. Just let him get used to having  it on him. Slowly pick it up and follow him. Treat/click whatever your using (I do treats). He'll get it! Hang in there, lots of treats and praise. The most important thing to remember is that you don't want to FORCE him to go anywhere, dragging him will get you no where.

There's another good post with lots of tips started by Bailey's Mom (the bt). I'll try to find it for you - she was having similar problems with Bailey.

here's the link I was talking about - http://forum.dog.com/forums/p/79622/620961.aspx#620961

See he's comfortable with the leash until I pick it up. Lmao

He has no troubles with the leash being on him. It's just when I pick it up he shuts down. Sommmeetimes I'll get him to move along, that lasts two minutes then I have to wait until he decides to move again. He does this even if I'm not directing him. I give him lots of treats and praise too, so this is why I'm confused as to what I'm doing wrong. Lol .. Silly stubborn pup.

hmm.... what a strange one! do you have a harness on him or a flat collar? Maybe he doesn't like the tension on his neck (my dog was like this when I got him, flat out refused to walk unless he was harnessed....).

What if you lure him with treats, and have someone else lightly pick up the leash? Praise the crap out of him when he keeps walking towards you.

Has he dragged a leash outside yet? Maybe get into a fenced area and try that.

I'm going to be getting a harness tomorrow, I'll see if it'll make a difference.

And yeah, There's a little field close to our house that he's ran around in (with leash clipped on him), and I clip his leash on while he's outside in the backyard.

What kind of dog is he ??  Size , age and origin would also help... I'd try Erica's method to start but  if I have a difficult pup or one that is older I simply  shift gears  I opt for a longer 20' lead kept very loose I go on a walk , changing paces and the pup will quickly learn to keep up. Yes I am one of the awful folks that will pop a collar to correct, but with my breed it takes very few pops and they respond quickly. I also praise them when they come along side , if they surge ahead planning on pulling I change directions eventually I shorten the lead until it is no longer the dog's option but simply the game you play together . My pups come into very fast heels with very little effort.

Bonita of Bwana

Hi Bonita,

Ben's a 3 1/2 month old german shepherd cross.  3 legged tripawd, he's a bit taller than a cocker, and he weighs 21 pounds (weighed him tonight).

yeah, maybe if you just put a longer leash on him? i mean like a really long one! that way he would barely notice once you pick up the leash... just a thought...

are you sure it's the leash and not the walking that is the problem? young puppies can't walk very far before getting tired/ getting bored.

So by Tripod I assume he is an amputee?  How did that happen?? That does change my advice a bit....  Anyway  the harness would be a must to prevent pulling him off balance which I would imagine is the source of his leash issues. Just think if you were short a leg and some one tugged on a lead tied to your neck ... Go Very long lead allowing it to drag and keep awesome treats close at hand encouraging a tight heel  keep training sessions short but frequent....  understanding his valid fear of falling is the biggest hurdle to get over..

Bonita of Bwana

@ Janetmichel3009

I have a 6 foot leash, maybe I'll get a lightweight training lead if it will make a difference.

@ mudpuppy

I make sure to watch when he's getting tired, because I don't want to overexercise him.

@ Bonita of Bwana

We recently rescued him, they said he got attacked by two older dogs (however I think this was a human caused injury..), and from his few vet papers we have I assume that the surgery to fix his leg was too expensive, so they amputated it instead.

And you make a valid point, I think the harness will improve his leash manners alooot. I just haven't gotten out today to get one. However, going in 30 minutes to 1 hour or so.