please help. i have a super black lab who is wonderfully behaved until i try to put him on a lead and collar. getting the collar on is a struggle, but he is fine with it when on. however, he attacks the lead as if it were a toy, rolling around the floor and chewing,refusing to get up. I have tried tempting him with treats etc. but to no avail. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Hi,
You don't say how old your lab is, and how long you've had him. Perhaps you'd like to register with us and then you can ask away!
:)

am registered, just struggling with the IT. lab is 12wks old. has had illness (breeder has been fantastic help) which has slowed down his socialisation to some degree. only had him for 10 days or so. he is so good with everyone who meets him and full of beans, but gets aggressive with the whole lead thing. very distressing for me, i just want to be doing the right thing and don't want to upset or hurt the young lad

Hi Nige, Welcome aboard! :)
I've found that all pups object to collars and leads at first. I would suggest you put his collar on him a few minutes before you prepare his meal, as the food will distract him from scratching trying to get the collar off. (I had one pup who literally screamed when we tried to put his collar on him, but persistence paid off!). Leave the collar on him for at least an hour, and maybe till he needs a bigger collar, if he's going to be wearing one all the time! When he scratches at it, don't tell him off, instead play games with him to distract him and he'll very soon forget about it.

When did he/will he finish his injections? As you know he isn't allowed out on the pavements until he is fully immunised, so you probably have time to get him used to the lead in the house and garden till then. In the meantime you may still be able to carry him outside a bit (if he's not too heavy!) or drive him into town to be carried and look at different things and places.

When he is first on the lead he is likely to flip about like a fish on a line, objecting strongly and fighting every inch of the way. This is normal. Just stand still and wait till he stops (and he will, eventually!). Then is the time to praise him like mad. The trick is to stay silent and non-reactive when he's behaving badly, and the instant he stops, to praise. Timing is critical.

Have you got a copy of "The Perfect Puppy" by Gwen Bailey? I recommend it to every new puppy owner, as it is very informative and reassuring.

Good luck - what's his name, by the way?
:)

many thanks for your reply and advice. the comfort you give in invaluable - the flipping around like a fish is exactly what i am experiencing. he is called ernie and has another couple of weeks before being allowed out. however, i have a good size garden where i excercise him in the meantime and he gets to go out and visit family and friends. Next week he will be visiting a couple of 4mth old pups who are fullt vaccinated.

i will work massively on the timing of praise and being patient. the colar is fine when it is on, but it is just down to me to be patient and time my praise and rewards with the leash.

agree that the book you mention is superb - you just can't ask it questions!!!!