Insecure pup

Craigmc06

I have a 9 month old pup, she's a mix terrier. We got her from a animal rescue when she was 4 months old and sh w really insecure. I've tried bringing her on walks and as soon as you put the lead on her she freezes to one spot and won't move. You can tell she's clearly terrified because she shakes and tucks her tail under her body.

Does anyone know how I can help her not to be like this? Thanks

jomalone14

Have you tried any puppy socialisation classes that might be in your area?

Cherry Blossom

Is it the lead she's afraid of or the walk?

jimf

it may well be from a bad experience when somebody mistreated her on a lead in the past

can you bring her away from home and try putting the lead on and see will she be happier to walk home

a very wise old lady once told me she found reluctant dogs happier to return to a familiar environment than leave it

Craigmc06

Cherry Blossom wrote: »

Is it the lead she's afraid of or the walk?

It's the lead as soon as you put it on her in the house she freezes in fear

Cherry Blossom

Start off with a ribbon tied to her collar around the house when supervised. When she's used to it gently take up the other end and use treats to help coax her in the direction you want to go. When she's used to this progress to a very lightweight lead and repeat. You can get little training leads in some petshops. I'd forget about the walks until she's confident on the lead around the house.

Craigmc06

Cherry Blossom wrote: »

Start off with a ribbon tied to her collar around the house when supervised. When she's used to it gently take up the other end and use treats to help coax her in the direction you want to go. When she's used to this progress to a very lightweight lead and repeat. You can get little training leads in some petshops. I'd forget about the walks until she's confident on the lead around the house.

Thanks Cherry I'll try that

L1985

That's what I had to do as well. Our pup had obviously been tied up and didn't know she could move. I tied a light short rope on her and put her in the middle of the yard and left her for an hour or so. The other dog was running around and she started following him and gradually got more confident. I didn't want to put more pressure by hovering around her and gradullay did that for a few days until she got more relaxed. Then she was fine. She still isn't mad on the lead as I usually don't bother but at least I know I can if I need to.

tk123

You could maybe try a harness so the lead isn't on her neck? Lucy lay on her back the first time she had a harness on lol but soon came around