Hi,
Dylan has taken to wearing his collar very well and it doesn't seem to bother him now. But I have tried to put the lead on him. He just turns round and grabs it and then lies and chews it if I'm not holding the other end, or it becomes a tug-of-war if I am holding it. I have tried to distract him, but nothing is as interesting as this new 'toy'. How can I get him top accept it without eating it?
Thanks,
Sarah

I've just introduced my pup to his lead. He'd much prefer to be able to chew it but I tend to distract him with a treat and get him to walk that way (we're only in the garden yet as he's not able to "go out" yet). Not sure if I'm doing the right thing by encouraging him with treats so I'd appreciate any advice too.

Dexy

Hi,
We've just been through that stage 5 weeks ago. I just introduced a light lead at first, Taz hated it, wouldn't budge and grabbed the chain, pulled and twisted about. I just let her at first and gently pulled her, for just a few seconds really, and tempted her with a small piece of cheese. I did this about 5 or 6 times a day and each time she accepted it a little more and more until really after only about 3 days I could coax her along with cheese and she would walk quite well, following the smell of the cheese in my hand, she still grabbed the chain a little but I would just take it out of her mouth and continue, its slow work but little and often is the key I think. After 5 days or so she was great, and now we can go outside she walks to heel really well. Hope this helps. Good luck with your pups:D
Bev

Our pup is the same , when i introduced the collar there was no attention made to it at all . But with the lead he will go crackers jumping up and chewing it . I read in the book that you need to let the dog walk around with the lead on whilst playing a game so he does not lay down and chew , Sooner or later there supposed to get used to it !
Any other tips on this one would be greatly appreciated , I tryed the vinegar which someone said would stop him due to the smell but it didnt!

Persistence -------driving me mad!

I never put a lead on my puppies until I am ready to take them out. I find that lead training in the garden does nothing to help me. When I first take the puppy outside the gate usually there is so much going on that the last thing on the puppy's mind is chewing the lead! If the puppy is reluctant to walk outside the gate I pick it up and carry it a short distance, put them down facing the gate and walk it back home. It will usually be happy to go back home and when it has got there it has time to think that nothing bad happened so next time it's confidence is just that bit higher.

As far as chewing leads is concerned, the best thing I’ve found is Bitter Spray made by Leo Laboratories. Unfortunately this is only available from vets but I find it so indispensable I always keep some in my first aid kit.

Best wishes, John

Just to add that when my pups grab the lead I pull it through the mouth a bit, so that it comes out the other side and pull with a little firmness - like its wearing a "bit" on a bridle, so that its mildly uncomfortable, they soon stop grabbing the lead. I'm not saying to be rough, but just pull through the mouth so they can feel it pressing on the corners of their mouth, where they cant actually chew on it - they hate it and spit it out usually!!! I hadn't thought of the bitter spray - a good trick John!!

hi. when putting the lead on the dog do not immediatly begin trying to walk the dog. instead let her run around freely with it, but never let her chew it, reprimand her if she does. soon she will get used to it, then begin lead traing her with food in front of her or toy and lots of praise, so that she know that walking an a lead is a good thing and enjoyable. it takes time, but works. there is nothing better than walking a dog who knows how to heal on lead.