problem using a leash

[Scruffles2014]

My yorkie refuses to walk when using a leash but the moment the leash is off he's following my husband. What is an easy way to get him use to using a leash? I just started by leaving the leash on him while in the house but im not too sure that is the best way to get him use to a leash. Any advice?

[Maximo]

Is it outdoors that he refuses to walk with the leash, and outdoors that he will follow your husband without the leash? Or is this happening indoors?

Distraction and reward are two things that helped me when training Max to walk with a harness and leash. With so much to see outdoors, Max forgot about the accessories. Max is praise motivated, so praise along the way helped. If your boy likes treats or toys, you could walk a little way ahead and lure him.

[Scruffles2014]

its both outside and indoors. we tried playing with him while he had the leash on but he just lays there.

[Magnus]

Is he ok with just the harness on? Like Maximo suggested, you should use whatever his greatest motivation. Have you tried a shorter leash? Maybe something lighter like a 3' string and work your way up?

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by Scruffles2014

its both outside and indoors. we tried playing with him while he had the leash on but he just lays there.

Max is almost 6 years old and afraid when the leash is trailing behind him without anyone holding it. I think he fears having his legs get caught up in it. Also, when he was a puppy, he didn't like the harness and leash in the house. Once we were outdoors and he was distracted, he forgot about them.

Be patient and keep encouraging him. It took me a couple days to get Max to leave our driveway. Then we were off and walking. We had more obstacles to overcome like new surfaces: pavement vs sidewalk vs grass.

Keep your feet facing forward. Try taking a step and say "Let's go!" in a happy voice. If he takes a step, say "Good boy!" Probably won't be long before you are dealing with the dreaded leash pulling problem. Hopefully not. Max heeled nicely until we brought his brother home, and then it became a competition.

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by Magnus

Is he ok with just the harness on? Like Maximo suggested, you should use whatever his greatest motivation. Have you tried a shorter leash? Maybe something lighter like a 3' string and work your way up?

Good ideas.

[kjc]

Give the other end of the leash to your DH...

[Scruffles2014]

At first he didn't like the harness but now he's fine with it. I told my husband to start small but of course men don't listen he started with the flexi which pulls him lol. Thank you! I'm sure with the light leash we have he will move around and once he grows a bit then he can use the flexi. Right now the flexi is stronger than him lol

[Magnus]

Originally Posted by Scruffles2014

At first he didn't like the harness but now he's fine with it. I told my husband to start small but of course men don't listen he started with the flexi which pulls him lol. Thank you! I'm sure with the light leash we have he will move around and once he grows a bit then he can use the flexi. Right now the flexi is stronger than him lol

I'd definitely start him off on a regular leash. I think that gives you better control and is easier to train. I use the flexi on daily walks in our neighborhood where I know my two won't be TOO distracted. In other public areas, like parks, stores, etc.. I use the 6' leash. I feel it's safer for everyone.

[Scruffles2014]

Yes he walks around the house in the regular leash so I hope he will walk outside with it. Practice makes perfect