How to leash train an older dog?

beach shelter for dogs image

faithless

I've recently adopted an older shelter dog (they believe him to be around 4 years old) but the dog has had very little to no leash training at all. He is hopelessly nervous being outside and is clearly not used to being on a leash. He pulls and yanks until his breathing gets sore and ragged. He also gets extremely nervous when driving in cars; he always ducks and cowers with his face under the seat and its a hassle to get up out of there. I'd love to take him in the car and walk with him on the beach but he's just hopelessly nervous outside of his own yard.

How should I go about leash training a nervous, older dog? Any help from someone who's done this before is appreciated, thanks!

Answer
Slow and steady.

Leash training (with any age) would start with keeping them close. Pulling and yanking is usually normal for any unleash trained dog, so keep your dog by your side when walking. Be strong, and don't allow pulling. When he does pull, don't give in, but make him sit to calm down. It's gunna be tough, but eventually he'll get the point and let up on the attempt to lead.
As far as in a car, treats work well. Have him jump up, and then sit with him. Praise and comfort him. Have him sit and lay down on the seat, all while petting and treating him. When he starts getting calmer about it, then you know that its working. Just be prepared to climb in the back with him and sit with him for a while before you go anywhere.
Being afraid to go outside isn't all the rare. The world is a big place, and sometime people can't even grasp their nerves thinking about it.
Again, slow and steady. Don't force him outside, but lead him outside. You go out first, then call him. Even if he only takes 2 steps out the door for 3 months, you reward that. It might be a long process, but sometimes love has to work with that.

taking your dog to the dog park for the first time?

Kelsey Cir

Hi, I was wondering how other people experiences went when taking their dog to the dog park for the first time. How did you prepare? What did you bring?
My girls a shelter dog, and she's a little dog excitable but not aggressive. She's better than she was through lots of training. I want to give her some more off leash exercise, she loves to run and I'm just so not a runner. We go on lots of walks to the beach and hiking but she loves to run!

Answer
the first time you bring your dog to the dog park, keep moving ... walk the perimeter of the park and keep your dog moving ... the first trip should not be too long ... and do not keep your dog on a leash ... leashed dogs and unleashed dogs do not mix ... and don't bring treats or toys either, can cause dog fights ... and keep an eye on your dog and do not let her get too far from you he first couple of visits ... it is your job to protect your dog and if another dog goes for her, it is your job to step in and protect her ... otherwise one negative incident in the dog park could change your dog's personality if not dealt with properly ... and don't be fearful, i have been bringing dogs to dog parks/beaches for over twenty years and never has a dog got into any major fight, never been injured or got sick, but a few dogs need to learn dog park manners (referring to one of mine, not necessarily yours :O) ... but if you are always close by and watching you can easily train your dog to be a good dog park dog ... and when your dog is more used to the dog park, more free running can be permitted ... and if for any reason your dog does anything inappropriate, calmly leash up the dog and leave immediately ...

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