The Leash and the Bath

[Semaru]

I've finally decided that the reason for my dogs' (or should I say dog...since I'm pretty sure it's only Jessica that's the problem) destructiveness is the lack of a way to channel its energy, and it seems that taking them on a walk should do the trick.

Unfortunately that's still not possible yet, they don't like being on a leash. The first time I used it, they both went crazy when being tugged. I tried to use it at a calmer time and both were immobile when I tugged. Jessica tried to bite the bit of collar stretching out from the tug and I stopped since I know she's more than capable of biting through that. Emily simply walked two steps away from me and lied down sphinx-style on the leash.

Since both go hysterical when put in a cage or bag and resist the leash, there's no way I can take them anywhere, not even training classes, which I'm sure the trainer would suggest if I call.

Just last night it took me a lifetime getting Jessica out of under the sofa and carried her to the bath, using a stick to force her out of there and she'd go back there when I go to pick her up, until I bang my foot down and shouted at her to come out.then she finally stayed still (although she's trembling with fear and only staying because she's cornered...) the way she resisted you'd think I'm taking her to the slaughterhouse. She yelped at me and tried to rescue Emily when I'm trying to bath her.

I also want to ask about keeping them out of certain zones in the house, but this post is running a bit long so I'll stop here for now. Thanks!

 

[Saje]

For leash training you may want to read this article.
http://clickertraining.com/training/shelters/index.htm?loaditem=looseleash

What do you mean you used a stick to force her to stay? How long have you had these dogs? How often do they bathe? I don't think that it's a priority right now until you can handle them on a leash but just remember to use baby steps and lots of praise. There's no rush. If they are really dirty you can spot clean them.

Baby gates and doors are great for keeping dogs out of certain areas of the house.

 

[ARottMweilerY]

One thing with the leash, I'd just put it on them and make it fun. Drop it and let them walk around with it. If they like to play, try to get them to play their favorite game. Play fetch or something. Give them treats, try an lure them to sit and such. Make it really fun. Do this for 5-10 mins. then take it off and kinda ignore them for a little bit. Then try it again, again making it a lot of fun. They will soon learn, leashes mean good things happen. Taking it off isn't much fun.

As for baths, I'd use clicker and really motivating treats. Don't give them a bath right away, make the bathroom a fun place to be... games, treats..etc... then gradually either try an get them to get in the bathtub themselves by tossing food / toys in there, and clicking and treating them for small steps and such. Or put them in there yourself, and again make it really fun. As fun as possible. No water or anything, just fun in the tub .

Hope this helped

~Amy~