My Maltese male is almost one year old and started refusing to walk on a leash outside of my apartment at about 4 months of age (unless he knows he is turned to go back home). We have patiently tried all kinds of treats and gentle coaking and games but nothing works. He seems petrified of every sound he hears although nothing happened to traumatize him. He was very successful in his puppy socialization and obedience classes. He is otherwise very healthy, happy and friendly with other people and dogs. Does anyone have any ideas on how to get him to enjoy walks outside again?

Try giving him positive reinforcement BEFORE leaving the house, while putting his leash on. Does he have a fave toy? Something like a squeeky toy works best (something with a sound) If he does, start at home with squeezing the toy and giving him a little treats every time you do that, so he knows that's a positive thing.

Then when you get his leash and put it on, squeeze the toy and give him a treat for recognizing the sound. Take the squeezy and treats with you... but don't use them to lure him. Just walk out like you are the boss, and you are going. If he fights you, don't pet him or even look at him, squeeze the toy and keep on walking like you are on a mission.

Don't give him any treats when he is not listening or fighting not to go on his walk. That will only reinforce in his mind that he is in charge. Don't get him excited to go on walks. Just put the leash on, and if he gets excited, wait until he is calm, and then just walk out the door in a calm manner. As long as he knows who's boss, it shouldn't be too hard. Just be assertive in your mind that you're the pack leader, and he will follow. It doesn't really matter how old they are. Dogs can be taught a different behaviour, depending on you.

Let me know if that helped you any. It has worked for me with very few set backs :)

I am a great fan of Gentle Leader headcollars. They often seem to reassure timid dogs. Who knows what may have set off the fear to begin with, but he may associate his regualr collar & leash with something bad.
Starbuck has some good ideas that could be used along with the Gentle Leader also.

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Originally Posted by carolbcac

I am a great fan of Gentle Leader headcollars. They often seem to reassure timid dogs. Who knows what may have set off the fear to begin with, but he may associate his regualr collar & leash with something bad.
Starbuck has some good ideas that could be used along with the Gentle Leader also.

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Could you send me a link about the Gentle Leader Headcollars, so I can check them out? I suppose I could Google it, but I want to see the exact ones you mean. I would be interested in checking them out! Thanks Carol. :)

The web site is Premier Pet. Great site, but unless it has changed in the last few weeks, I can't find anywhere to place an order, so I usually just call them at 888 640-8840.
A Gentle Leader looks something like a horse halter when it is in place. One strap goes around the nose & has the effect of a more dominant dog placing his mouth around the muzzle of a subordinate. The second strap fits (very snug) around the top of the neck at the base of the skull. Even though it is tight it does not choke the dog. (Try pressing on your own windpipe below and then above the adam's apple, and you can feel the difference.) My understanding is that this presses on an accupressure point that causes relaxation (the same spot the mother dog uses when she picks up a pup).
The net effect is to tell the dog "you're not in control of this situation, but relax, because someone else is in control".
They don't always work on every dog, but when they do, the effect can be dramatic and immediate. They seem to calm down aggressive dogs and give timid ones more confidence.
Make sure you get a Gentle Leader brand. There are other headcollars out there, such as the Halti, but they are not built the same way and in my opinion do not work nearly as well.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by carolbcac

The web site is Premier Pet. Great site, but unless it has changed in the last few weeks, I can't find anywhere to place an order, so I usually just call them at 888 640-8840.
A Gentle Leader looks something like a horse halter when it is in place. One strap goes around the nose & has the effect of a more dominant dog placing his mouth around the muzzle of a subordinate. The second strap fits (very snug) around the top of the neck at the base of the skull. Even though it is tight it does not choke the dog. (Try pressing on your own windpipe below and then above the adam's apple, and you can feel the difference.) My understanding is that this presses on an accupressure point that causes relaxation (the same spot the mother dog uses when she picks up a pup).
The net effect is to tell the dog "you're not in control of this situation, but relax, because someone else is in control".
They don't always work on every dog, but when they do, the effect can be dramatic and immediate. They seem to calm down aggressive dogs and give timid ones more confidence.
Make sure you get a Gentle Leader brand. There are other headcollars out there, such as the Halti, but they are not built the same way and in my opinion do not work nearly as well.

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Thanks Carol! I will definitely check that out. Not necessarily for my dog, but for the dog that attacked her. It could be a very helpful tool, and could be used to help train an aggressive dog.

Work with him a little more getting him use to the noises but take it slow

Dixie, check the dates before posting, this thread was from 2008:)