Leash shy cowering 12mth F Rotty - 2008-06-13

Question

We adopted a 12mth F Rotty and of late, everytime we offer to go walkies, she runs to front door all excited, but when we approach her to place her collar and lead on, she cowers to the ground and wets herself.....how do we stop this and turn it into a positive...Thanks

Answer

As you have adopted her it has something to do with her previous owners – they seem to have used the leash for other things than walking her – and have turned the leash very sadly into something that she is afraid of. Whatever you do this requires patience and understanding, rather than rush and roughness. Use some treats and get her to sit when you fit it – and consider using a soft collar that can stay on permanently. Get her used to the leash with that first, before use of any other collars. Fit the leash in all sorts of places – and turn the leash into something good!