Won't walk on lead

[sctmon]

I have just got a new cocker spaniel pup (now 8 weeks old) and would like to try and get her use to walking around using a lead.
At the moment if I put her lead on and try to get her to walk, she sticks her front legs out and resists, sliding along the ground.
I can call her excitedly and she will come towards me but when I try to keep going she just stops and digs her paws in.

Any advice would be a great help.

 

[bubbatd]

I like using a harness on a pup that young. Safer too .

 

[Herschel]

Try leaving the leash on her and just play with her. Don't try to walk her at all. Just get her used to having the leash attached to her.

If you make it a fun enough experience, she will forget about it within minutes.

 

[Spirit2010]

when Hershey was that young, he hated walking on his lead too! but, he got over it, when there were new smells to investigate! lol, but, ya, what the others said, is great!

 

[girlbuffalo1]

Leads

I agree that getting your pup used to the lead is the first part. I would have them have it on in the house (while you are in the room or course or they could get hurt)--to get them aquainted with it. I would then practice walking in the house while calling them and having them drag the lead.

When you try picking up the lead--yes it may be annoying but you are going to have to call and treat constantly until they get the idea--generally pups are fast learners and progress should be made rather quickley.

 

[RedyreRottweilers]

First of all STOP doing anything that causes her to dig in. DO NOT PULL AGAINST HER. Not ever.

Use food, toys, praise to help the puppy come along. Avoid tension on the leash in the beginning at all costs.

I love using a retractible lead to teach puppies to come along because even tho there is a slight tension on the lead, I can make SURE the puppy has nothing to pull against.

Most of them will buck a few seconds at the tension, but you can stand close enough that they do not get any other resistance. Most settle down very quickly, and you can then walk along and encourage the puppy to come along.

Many times a longer line than a regular leash is helpful since you can pay out line to keep from giving the pup anything to struggle against. If you have a longer line, you can also keep hold of it and walk away from the puppy. Once you get about 10 feet away, almost all puppies the age of yours will want to follow along.

Make sure she gets a food reward when she catches up.

Be patient, kind, motivate the pup with food and toys, and don't give her any chance to brace against tension on the leash.

 

[RedyreRottweilers]

One more part of not pulling against the puppy. I see SO many complaints on various boards about dogs pulling on the leash.

DO NOT EVER LET A PUPPY GET STARTED DOING THIS.

NEVER let the puppy have tension on the leash. Do whatever is necessary to stop or prevent it. Use food, toys, praise, move away from the dog, just NEVER let the puppy pull under any circumstance.

NEVER hold the puppy on a tight leash.

NEVER let the puppy pull or lean on the collar.

If you never let the problem start, then you won't ever have to fix it later.

 

[sctmon]

Thanks for all of the advice. I will experiment with it when I am not cleaning the carpet!