Hi,

I am new to this board, and to dog ownership but enjoying them both already! My little Toby is a English Springer from a local breeder with a great reputation. He is just 11 weeks old and we have had him for just a week. Already his is doing well with the toilet training, only a few accidents on the way to the garden, he is coming when called and sits, I am quite proud of my training so far, however I would like to get him used to being on a lead which I have not yet suceeded at. Basically when I put he lead on he goes a little crazy and attempts to bite and snatch at the lead, his concentration goes out the window and all I can do is give in after 10mins of tug-o-war! Can anyone give me some advice on introducing him to the lead. I have opted for a flat nylon colar and flat nylon lead.

Once he is used to the collar I would put a loose piece of cotton on to it and just let it trail gently, then when he is used to that, some wool, then string, and so on until he accepts the lead, there is no rush, better to go at his pace

Good luck!

Hayley

Considering you have only had him a week he seems to be learning a lot but try to remeber he is just a baby and at eleven weeks in my opinion its alittle too soon to be trying a lead also you may have thought of this but make sure if you have a collar on him that you check it everyday for growth puppies grow very quickly.
We always have a rope lead here and slip it on and off till the pup gets used to it but as I said before not so young. Others may disagree.
Another trick is if you dont have a nother dog get a friend to walk in front of you with their dog and the puppy should follow

I don't think you can introduce things like this early enough - particularly before the start of the fear impact stage at around 12 weeks. I'd keep the sessions very short to start with, and distract him with toys/food (it can be particularly helpful to put the lead on while the pup is eating a meal, so the lead becomes associated with pleasant things)

I had this probelm with one of my Cavaliers, she hated the lead and would either sit and refuse to move or just go quite mad jumping around everywhere. I solved it quite quickly by taking her to the field across the road (had to carry her as she refused to move) with an extending lead on and as soon as we were away from the road extending the lead to it's fullest. She was quite happy and soon realised that she couldn't go very far. After that she was ok with the lead.