If he needs coaxing, take a step or two away from him and encourage him to come to you for the treat. I also suggest simply hanging out on the ground in the yard where he is quietly often - reading or doing other calm activities. You may expect your dog to react fearfully toward strangers. There are things people don’t tell you about getting a rescue dog, like your dog may be afraid of garbage cans. I’m afraid of seeing your face fall with horror, guilt and then regret at something so, so, so preventable. Thank you. The other dogs will hopefully help his confidence - he will likely be extremely dependent on them at first and bond with them tightly. First, what type of harness are you using? The harness may be harder because it involves a lot more restraint and physical touch - sometimes a dog is fine with that sooner though. Once he is used to wearing the leash, follow him around while he is on the leash, occasionally stop so that there is tension on the leash, then wait patiently until he calms down or comes toward you a little; when he does that, praise him enthusiastically and continue walking so that the leash is loose again. She also seems to do better when she can't see the apartment as far as letting some of her curiosity take over in the new environment despite still being easily spooked and pulling to get away from things that scare her. you're choosing to give them a chance for a good home and a good life. For the water you may need to give her a bit of time to adjust to you first. Flexi leashes can extend 26′ but they are not the right type of leash for training, and certainly not for a fearful rescue dog. https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-doberman-to-listen-to-you As she improves, gradually take your training sessions into other public areas. To help build her respect for you work on the "Consistency" method and the "Working" method from the article that I have linked below. She has come so far in the two years. Give him time to drag the leash around and realize that it's not attacking him. the leash, it may be because he was abused at one time. Is he a recent rescue or has he been like that with you his entire life? Go slow with this. Close • Posted by. 1 hour ago. And again has come so far. Once pup is okay with the drag method, then use the wait method to transition to you holding the end of the leash. She’s got so much potential but she’s still so scared. We are on his fifth day. Hello Kristi, If your Rescue Dog is Afraid of the Leash, a few basic steps can help. Pup will honestly probably do better if they don't feel the leash and depend on it. Loving your rescue dog and giving him a chance When you first bring home a rescue dog, keep them confined to one area so they don’t feel so overwhelmed. She loves food and we tried this but she’s not interested. Best of luck training, Applied Animal Behaviorist Karen Overall told He should wait for permission ("Okay" or "Free" or "Let's Go") before going through the door instead of bolting through if that's an issue. Just because something seems normal to us doesn't always mean it won't be scary for a puppy. Every time we go out, she fanatically yanks us back toward the apartment door. The solution is often easier than you might think and the above video will give you some pointers. Caitlin Crittenden. Caitlin Crittenden. It goes without saying that any rescue dog has experienced his fair share of hard times, whether he was abandoned, neglected, unable to be cared for by his family, or worst-case scenario, the victim of abuse. So, any help on how to manage the intense fear responses that she has and the trying to pull away and run would be helpful as well. Practice this somewhere super calm at first - don't expect a long, straight walk for the first month. Finally, make sure you spend time learning how to fit and properly use training device like Prong collars and Gentle leaders. Published on 5/26/2020. You need to get him more comfortable just in the house first - I am assuming he has somewhere to pee inside or a fence to let him out into - otherwise there is certainly more urgency to get him used to the leash. Pro Dog Training tips: beginning scent detection w... Best Dog - Rottweiler Protection training - Attack... How to Stop Your Dog from Chasing People and Cars, Training beginning in Perfect Dog club , 2016 july. The hardest thing will likely be socializing pup if they are fearful or suspicious of new things. How to potty train Beagle Puppy - Free Mini Dog Tr... Rosa's K-9 Training (Champ at 10 Weeks Old Newark ... ***Berger Pyrenees Puppy Potty Training Tips Free-... Dog training with beginners, building a strong bon... Training Your dog part 1|Luring/Targeting. Best of luck training, Practice at this step until pup looks happy and confident again with the harness just being held up. https://www.petful.com/behaviors/how-to-socialize-a-shy-dog/ Try to stay calm and confident and act like things are fine. Best of luck training, Fear can be a complex issues. You may find that working with a qualified trainer at least occasionally might be very helpful. Whenever she takes notice (at first because the leash finally tugs gently, but later just because you moved), then toss a treat to her for looking your way or coming over to you - without calling her; this encourages her to choose to pay attention to where you are and associate your presence with good things on her own, so she will want to be with you. Best of luck training, As he improves, use a slightly longer leash for this until he is finally used to dragging a 4-6 foot leash around the house without pressure on it. 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