My puppy refuses to walk on the lead

Yumeki
Yumeki Icon representing the flag French
Report

Hi everyone,

I've just got a female American Akita, she's only 4 months old.

The problem is that when I take her out, she flat out refuses to move. What's more, treats don't seem to be having much of an effect as she just licks them instead of eating them, even when I've cut them up into small pieces.

Apparently, she was never lead-trained, so I don't know what to do. I was told to give the lead little tugs, but nothing works. Someone also told me I should just yank her along like a maniac, but I've only tried that once because I don't like those kinds of methods and they're really not recommended anyway. I'm scared she'll end up being totally put off walks or the lead itself.

Translated from French
icon info

The forum content is sometimes translated from another language, and posts may concern countries with different animal laws. Do your research before making any decisions.

Since the forum is translated by AI, the translations may contain errors.

Write your message and upload a photo if you want to! Please remain courteous in your exchanges.

Your post will be visible to all members of the international Wamiz forum.

4 answers
Sort by:
    • M
    Mel1 Icon representing the flag French
    Report

    Docline is right; before you teach him to walk on a lead, teach him to follow you. A puppy does this quite naturally—it’s actually called "natural following" because, for now, he’s scared and really doesn’t want to lose you.

    With my dog, whom I got at two and a half months old, I had to put him on a lead straight away, even (and especially) in our garden. This was because of all the stray cats roaming about.

    My aim was just to keep my dog under control in case he went up to the wrong cat. But in the end, it got him used to the lead, and so he very quickly learned to follow me on it.

    I used a 5-metre retractable lead for this; it lets you put a bit of distance between you and the pup to encourage him to move forward.

    You must make sure not to rush a puppy who is already scared, as he'll only get more frightened.

    You need to build his confidence, but whatever you do, don't try to comfort him by stroking him or anything like that.

    The early days with a puppy are tough; it takes a bit of time for you to understand him and for him to trust you.

    Translated from French
    Docline
    Docline Icon representing the flag French
    Report

    Before you teach her to walk on a lead, you need to encourage her to follow you... like a little puppy

    (through games at home, as soon as she's found her bearings)

    Translated from French
    R
    Roucoulou64 Icon representing the flag French
    Report

    Evening, he’s likely come from a breeder and isn't used to all the different textures and smells out there when you take him out. This big, diverse new world is terrifying for a "little" pup who’s discovering everything for the first time.

    Giving the lead sharp tugs or forcing him to walk is really not recommended. You have to put yourself in his shoes—there’s just too much information (smells, objects, sounds) for him to take in all at once. It’s fear, and you can’t fix fear by forcing him to move. Even though you’re aware it’s not the best method, it’s definitely not something to do again :/

    The best way is to get him used to things bit by bit, using toys, treats, or some of his dry food to encourage him. Don't try to soothe him with strokes or vocal comfort, but rather praise and encourage him. Soothing him actually just confirms his stress and makes it worse. You really need to take it slow; take him out every day for a few minutes, put him down in one spot (always the same one) just outside your front door or building, and stay put while keeping the lead loose so he can go wherever he wants. Build up his confidence by talking to him, playing, etc. Do this every day in the same spot until he’s completely relaxed, and then start moving forward a little bit at a time.

    Patience and time are the most important foundations of puppy training. Best of luck! Let me know how you get on :)

    Translated from French
    Kikaah
    Kikaah Icon representing the flag French
    Report
    Haha, that reminds me of my Shiba Inu! She’s pulled that stunt on me many times, just refusing to budge for one reason or another! ^^ Since she’s still a pup, she isn't familiar with her new surroundings yet. Give her plenty of time to settle in, and try to stick to quiet areas for the time being. If you know someone with a friendly dog, that might help encourage her to keep moving. Or try a toy... my little trick is to put my hand under her tummy when she sits down; she usually stands up instinctively, and then I give her a gentle nudge forward to get her going again. ^^ I do sometimes tend to tug on the lead when I lose my patience, but she only weighs about 15 lbs. Yours is going to be three times that size soon, so that technique won't work for long! ^^
    Translated from French

  • 4 comments out of 4

    • Do you have a question? An experience to share? Create a post on our forum!
    These topics could be of interest to you!
    Find out more