Hi everyone,
My mini smooth Dachshund is 4.5 months old now and I've been going to ringcraft for the last couple of weeks. I haven't really done much with her in the way of training as I have been doing more with my two collies and trying to train Sooty (my new patterdale!) to sit!
However I just can not get Ella to walk properly! I've tried, my ringcraft teacher has tried, and numerous other people have tried. It's very frustrating as she is small so its difficult to get your foot under her belly. She just lies on the ground and even if you pull her she won't budge. The only thing that has worked is my ringcraft teacher having another lead wrapped round her back and lifting her along, so she can't collapse on the ground. I've never had such a sensitive and un-cooperative little dog, and so if anyone's got any tips on how to get her moving properly I'd be very grateful. She does have show potential and I bought her for showing and as a pet for my 2 nieces to play with as the collies are too much for them to manage.
Charlotte

Have you tried baiting her? I don't bait my dog, but would have if she'd needed it (okay I tried but it made her walk on two legs LOL). If you hold a tidbit in front of her nose and coax her forward bit by bit. It has to be a REALLY NICE smelly tidbit to work though (like cheese or sausage or liver treats).

When she covers a small distance without stopping give her a bit then coax her some more with the next bit.

Wendy

As she's so tiny (I bet she's gorgeous:D) perhaps the treat on a stick would work?? just squidge something really interesting and smelly on the end of a length of dowelling (really strong cheese??) you wouldn't need it for long, just 'till she gets the idea :D :D

Hope this helps :)

Regards
Dill

Thanks both of you - I'll try these both at ringcraft although I think I'm more tempted to let my niece train her - she's got a lot more patience than I have!
Thanks again for your ideas,
Charlotte