I've had my 2nd chi for about a month and a half now. She's obviously never been leash trained. Really, she was rarely ever allowed outside much if her life before me.
Now that she's with me, I try to take her on 3 different walks a day with my other dog. No matter which way the leash is going, she will try and fight it to go the opposite way. She NEVER releases the breaks and clearly is under a lot of stress.
About an hour ago, I came up with the idea to leave her leash on at all times in the house and have her follow me whenever I get up. She does anyways, just now on lead. I can tell she already not happy with it.
Anybody else have to reverse this kind of situation with an adult? I could use any extra tips that might help warm her up to it. Treats don't help with her. Really, praise is all that helps with her. She only takes treats if TWO dogs eats one first to try and fit in with them. Lol


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When I got Pippi she wasnt leash trained. She was about 2 and a half when I started leash training her...

I started off getting her used to her harness - I'd feed her with her harness on, give her treats etc, just lots and lots of positive reinforcment. Then attached a light lead to it, one that it didnt matter if she chewed it up or anything, just to get her used to the weight of it.

Once she was ok with the weight of it I kept it attached and lured her around with treats (toys, food, other dogs etc would work fine too, just use whatever works for your dog) with the lead still on the floor. Then I just worked with her like she was a puppy, holding the lead for short amounts of time and luring her about until she understood what the lead was for.

Eventually she got it and your dog will too - She just needs to learn that that lead means lots of good things. If shes not really interested in treats try something liked cooked sausage or chicken (still slightly warm so it smells really good), or liver. Something very high value that she only gets when the lead is out.

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You got some good advise here but I wanted to add one more thing. I find it best to work on leash training individually. I only walk dogs together once they are totally trained, it gets too crazy trying to train a dog on a group walk.

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I've found that she is really great alone, on sidewalks or roads. Places with a clear destination. When I take her to the park, she freaks out. Constant leash fight, with the breaks on at all times. With Hunny along with her, she does ok, but only on sidewalks. Again, pretty difficult to keep her moving though. She's so small that she doesn't need a whole lot of exercise and fits into any bag fine with me, but I like to see her a bit more active when I can get her up to it. In the few months I've had her, there's been dramatic improvement in her energy and is overall much more outgoing and playful, but the leash training us still a bit of a headache. I'm guessing ill just gave to stay patient and keep working, but it does get a little frustrating at times.


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