[mtnbkr33]

I have a year and a half old black lab/Beagle mix dog. In the morning I will go to get the leash and she will run to the bedroom and try to hide. How can I break this habit of hers? I have used gentle leaders in the past but she really hates that so I gave up on that. I try to train her to walk by going the opposite way when she starts to pull. I have never walked her more than an hour so I do not think i have traumatized her. I have tried treats too but she will not come near the leash by herself!

[Josh Smith]

First and foremost, get rid of that particular leash.

Second, stop getting aggravated.

This is what's running through the dog's mind:

1. Master has something new.

2. I do not know what to do. Master needs to provide guidance.

3. Master seems irritated because I do not know what to do when on the leash.

4. The leash must be bad. Master says so. He is mad that I will no longer come to him when he has the leash. Therefore, leash HAS to be bad.

5. I better run and hide.

That's not it exactly, but the loose translation.

The dog will pick up on your feelings and run with them. If you're not calm, neither will be the dog.

Like I said, get another leash and throw that one out. Put a pleasant smell on it - bacon grease maybe. Soak it into the fibers. Make something positive out of it. Appeal to the dog's stomach; that usually works.

Then, start out in familiar surroundings. Indoors, maybe the yard if the dog is familiar with that. Do not push it.

Eventually the dog will trust you. It takes patience and perseverance. If you start getting aggravated, stop and pick it up the next day.

Josh

[Lunareclipse]

And have your dog wear the leash around the house until he is used to it. Don't make a big deal of it. Just walk up and snap it on him and give him a really good belly rub after you do it to make him forget that it happened. And then let him walk around the house with it on while you are there and able to supervise it. Don't want the guy to get it stuck on the coffee table or something.

[Lala]

Hi mtnbkr33

Best thing to do is to keep it cool and calm thus your dog senses that energy. Otherwise, she will be less prompt to come to you and let alone go outside. Don't make a big deal out of it, simply grab her collar and put on the leash, and go for a walk. If she hides, you might want to go to get her, still without making a good deal of it, and just put on her leash to go out. Try to give her a treat immediately once you put a step outside your take, so she associates the going for a walk with a good thing.

[DoggieVogue]

I agree with the others, I think you're dog just needs some work becoming comfortable with the leash. And I definitely agree that dogs can sense your emotions and if you are aggravated or stressed about the leash issue, your dog will feel it and get nervous as well. With some work and desensitizing to the leash, I think your dog could get over this!