My 4 month old Boston is very timidat at times, but mostly a pretty happy girl. She squirmed out of my arms due to excitement and broke her leg about three weeks ago. She's in a cast now and acts like its not even there. She plays, jumps, everything.

I attempted to get her started on a leash inside the house, so that she will be used to it by the time she gets out of her cast in a week, and in time ready to hit the out-doors. The problem is, she freaks out every time we put it on her. She freezes up, ducks and starts yelping at the smallest tug. I'm not sure what to do. She won't even take treats, she's too scared. I don't think it's hurting her when we tug, I think she's just deciding to be stubborn. I don't know weather to correct her when she's like that, or encourage her. I don't want her to think of the leash as a negative experience every time we put it on her. I don't want to put anymore stress on her because of her leg, but I don't want this behavior. Any advise?

Try putting the leash on and just letting her drag it around. Perhaps pick up a cheap one, and cut it in half so it is shorter. Once she is used to that, walk her around in the house for short periods.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BostonLover

My 4 month old Boston is very timidat at times, but mostly a pretty happy girl. She squirmed out of my arms due to excitement and broke her leg about three weeks ago. She's in a cast now and acts like its not even there. She plays, jumps, everything.

I attempted to get her started on a leash inside the house, so that she will be used to it by the time she gets out of her cast in a week, and in time ready to hit the out-doors. The problem is, she freaks out everytime we put it on her. She freezes up, ducks and starts yelping at the smallest tug. I'm not sure what to do. She wont even take treats, shes too scared. I don't think it's hurting her when we tug, I think shes just deciding to be stubborn. I don't know weather to correct her when shes like that, or encourage her. I don't want her to think of the leash as a negative experience everytime we put it on her. I don't want to put anymore stress on her because of her leg, but I don't want this behavior. Any advise??

---

Try a harness. Small dogs sometimes respond to these better.

I have to say that both are great suggestions. In fact I like them both so much that I am going to combine them.

We leash trained our puppy by using a harness (better for his back since doxies are prone to back problems) and letting him drag a small cotton lead around the house. It worked pretty well. Tuscany is much better with the leash.