16Mth old Rescued dog afraid of leash and walking

We have a 6 Month old Female Belgian Shepard, Irish Wolfhound Cross rescued via Paws and Hooves from owners unknown. Since day 1 she has been timid of her new human family but gets on well with other dogs and cats and is very friendly and non-agressive. An adult male standing scares her, so I dunno what was going on with her previous owners. She reacted so badly to the choker chain leash when we first tried to walk her that we got her a harness. When walk time comes around she will hide under the house and actively avoid us to prevent herself being leashed. Once we leash her (through deception or bribery) and get her walking she loves it and has a great time. Unfortunately she is such a smart dog that she has learned all out tricks so getting her leashed has turned into a test of wills. No winners that way. What can we do to turn leashing time into a positive experience? Colin
Posted: 17/02/2008

Answer: 16Mth old Rescued dog afraid of leash and walking
Colin, good on you for adopting! The only problem with adopting is that you can rearly fully correct negative behaviours. The actual harness and lead may be what triggers the fear. I would try something simple, like when she isn?t looking: put it on the ground where she is bound to walk by it, and place some really tasty treats on top of it. And just leave it there for her to find. Just pay no attention to her what so ever while in the process. It may take a long long time, but if she is food motivated it should work. Then you can progress the lead and harness to be sitting on your lap, when she walks up to you, reward her. So on and so forth. Eventually the lead and harness should be something exciting!
Posted: 07/03/2008