[akk470]

We purchased a purebred 5 months old chow chow a couple of weeks ago. He was born and raised in a peaceful country setting and has never been off the property... we brought him home into our highrise condo on the beach... the dog has no intentions on walking on a leash... at first we thought it was fear, because of the new noises and smells... but two weeks later he still refuses to leave the condo, get on the elevator and walk through he lobby and out the front door... as soon as he gets outside he pulls to where he goes "potty" and as soon as he's finished (30 seconds later) he pulls back towards the building... even almost running through the lobby to the elevator and down the hall to the condo... we have absolutely no explanation for why he does this... because he can walk when he wants to... we've been pulling him and dragging him, but I wonder if it's making things worse... he can't be coaxed with food/treats... won't work.. so if somebody here has a solution to his issue I would highly appreciate it...

[JudyKayTee]

Two weeks is not a long time for a 5 month old puppy to adjust to new surroundings. I've posted before that I had a rescue that hid from us from well over a month.

The secret is patience. I don't coax my dogs with food, treats. I also wouldn't drag the dog by the leash - this will only create more fear.

The secret is (and I know is tough) patience and more patience. After he goes potty I would sit or stand outside for a brief period before heading back inside, gradually extending that time.

I don't think this is fear of a leash. I think it's fear of his surroundings.

[akk470]

Thank you for your fast response... my problem however is though that he ways a ton and I have to get him outside somehow... once outside he walks good... just tries to rush me back to the building... we were carrying him the first couple of days, but he is just too heavy...

[JudyKayTee]

I've had a LOT of dogs in my lifetime, all big dogs. My current GSD weighs 140 pounds (and she was a rescue). The other one weighs 85 pounds. I have no time for nonsense and I'm sure you feel the same way.

I found that if I was firm and consistent with my dogs (and some dogs "hold out" longer than others) they eventually came around. I would definitely not carry your dog (which must be the size of a small horse) ANYWHERE.

If you have to, get a harness for him instead of a collar. The harness gives you more leverage (and, unfortunately, gives him slightly more leverage because he can pull with his chest) and use that. A friend of mine had a dog that would not walk on a leash. It just sat down and wouldn't budge. She got one of those muzzle leashes (I think that's what it's called) and the dog's body pretty much followed where its face went <smile>. At first there was a lot of head shaking and resistance but the dog got used to it and over time she used the face muzzle less and the regular leash more.

You are going to need a lot of patience but I'm sure the dog will come around.

Does it have a favorite toy, something it really loves to play with? My GSD is "into" large tennis balls (so she can't get it lodged in her throad) and would do literally ANYTHING to get at her tennis ball.

Anything like that to persuade him?

The dog has to know firmly and gently that YOU are the boss - no more carrying, no more begging, no more pleading, more "this is what we are going to do and how we're going to do it."

Condo on the beach? I could fly on down and help - do you have a spare bedroom? <another smile>

[akk470]

Wow... 140lbs?? Sheesh... I would hate to carry that tank anywhere... lol... you so, I did carry him the first couple of days, but realized quickly that this was spoiling him and made him think that we were his mode of transportation to go potty... NOT!! Last time he weighed in at "only" 26lbs... but it is a fairly long trip to the grass, so it feels like 500lbs... so, he doesn't really favor anything other than sleep and water... not even his food is on the top of the list... I think it might have been just a huge culture shock for him... to come from the quietest place on the planet to the busiest... so many new noises, smells, people, dogs, cats, pidgeons, squirrels... plus a new dad and mom and "sister".. I did however start (during the morning potty trip) just making him sit and relax in the grass... while the traffic goes by... he's getting a little better... now he loves going to the boardwalk along the ocean... even though there are always people exercising, biking, walking, jogging,etc... I think just being away from the traffic helps... but will continue to try to work with him... and yes, I too think that eventually he will come around... thank you so much for your help... I called a professional trainer and she told me he was too young to train... LOL never heard that one before... guess she just doesn't like chows... =)

[lostsheep]

Give him a treat every time he goes outside. If you associate a walk with positive reinforcement he will enjoy the walk and stop pulling to the building. I'm a groomer at petsmart and have used positive reinforcment in my grooming. Dogs really respond.

[JudyKayTee]

You are making progress - you really are. It's a day by day process and you are very understanding of what the dog is going through.

I realize that the person posting above me is recommending treats as part of positive reinforcement. I don't like to do that (and, again, I'm not a groomer anywhere so I have no professional knowledge) because it has been my experience that the dog looks for the treat, not to please me (the owner). The dog already goes outside so I'm not sure when the treat would be given.

Keep us informed.

[shazamataz]

Great advice Judy, I don't really have anything to add other than that I have only just got my 7 month old walking on the lead confidently. It has taken us 4 months but now walks are actually enjoyable.
Don't lose hope, just keep working at it.

[Aurora_Bell]

I wanted to add that you could try a gentle leader, or a halty. It will be un comfortable for him at first, but it will help with the pulling issues, and you will have MUCH more control over him and where he goes. Other than that Judy's mentioned any thing can think of.

(5 months is a great age to start with training! Keep looking lol)! Good luck, any pics?

[JudyKayTee]

I wanted to add that you could try a gentle leader, or a halty. it will be un comfortable for him at first, but it will help with the pulling issues, and you will have MUCH more control over him and where he goes. Other than that Judy's mentioned any thing can think of.

(5 months is a great age to start with training!! Keep looking lol)! Good luck, any pics??

That's what I meant by muzzle leash. I simply couldn't remember "gentle leader." Duhh.

[simoneaugie]

The Gentle Leader or muzzle leash and the side-pull leash are not demanding enough for me. Dogs need to know who makes ALL the decisions, and it can't be the dog. If you use a harness... You'd better either be a Yukon sled or have the strength and weight to control your dog.

I use a plastic prong/pinch collar and switch to a metal one if the dog doesn't respond to the plastic prongs. These may look wicked but do not endanger the windpipe like a choke chain. A flat collar is best for hanging the tags on. The rule is that the dog puts no tension on the leash, ever.

Let him walk around the apartment with the leash dragging. Supervise this so that he doesn't get caught on something. After a while, your dog should have no fear of a leash or his special collar being there.

He should follow you calmly to the elevator. If he balks, drag him, gently giving small jerks to the collar while calling him forward. That seems mean but when he stops and you don't, he's pulling on the leash. Increase the force of the corrections as he continues to attempt to control you by stopping and/or whining.

The key is to NOT shorten the leash with each mistake he makes. He will test you to see if you're paying attention. Correct him then. Show him what you expect and don't take no for an answer. If he makes the decisions in your relationship, like dragging you back into the building, the dog is in charge. Dogs in charge, who don't respect their human, are no fun to hang out with.

I wouldn't give treats, other than praise for good behavior. Dogs do not see food sharing like humans do. To them, the person giving the treat is submitting like a lesser pack member.

After a while, which is different for each dog, a pinch collar isn't necessary because the dog realizes that you are making the decisions. A dog that can rely on its human in that way can relax.

[Aurora_Bell]

When you use the gentle leader, they have no choice but to do what you tell them to do.
This seems like a lot of negative reinforcement, which with big dogs isn't always the best way to establish leadership. Not saying you have to be a push over, but being mean and jerking leashes, isn't always the best option. Especially with a chow breed.

[JudyKayTee]

The Gentle Leader or muzzle leash and the side-pull leash are not demanding enough for me. Dogs need to know who makes ALL the decisions, and it can't be the dog. If you use a harness...You'd better either be a Yukon sled or have the strength and weight to control your dog.

I use a plastic prong/pinch collar and switch to a metal one if the dog doesn't respond to the plastic prongs. These may look wicked but do not endanger the windpipe like a choke chain. A flat collar is best for hanging the tags on. The rule is that the dog puts no tension on the leash, ever.

Let him walk around the apartment with the leash dragging. Supervise this so that he doesn't get caught on something. After a while, your dog should have no fear of a leash or his special collar being there.

He should follow you calmly to the elevator. If he balks, drag him, gently giving small jerks to the collar while calling him forward. That seems mean but when he stops and you don't, he's pulling on the leash. Increase the force of the corrections as he continues to attempt to control you by stopping and/or whining.

The key is to NOT shorten the leash with each mistake he makes. He will test you to see if you're paying attention. Correct him then. Show him what you expect and don't take no for an answer. If he makes the decisions in your relationship, like dragging you back into the building, the dog is in charge. Dogs in charge, who don't respect their human, are no fun to hang out with.

I wouldn't give treats, other than praise for good behavior. Dogs do not see food sharing like humans do. To them, the person giving the treat is submitting like a lesser pack member.

After a while, which is different for each dog, a pinch collar isn't necessary because the dog realizes that you are making the decisions. A dog that can rely on its human in that way can relax.

I don't see fear of leash here - I see fear of being outside.

My dog is (currently) 140 pounds. She was a large puppy. I am 110 pounds. I used a harness. I never had a problem controlling her because I never let it get that far. As soon as she started to strain I reprimanded her. I am not a sled nor do I have the strength to control her if she wants to go in some other direction - she's older now but I never, ever let her have "her way."

I would never use a pinch collar - to each his own but my Vet strongly recommends against them. Pain does not necessarily teach a fearful dog how to behave. Next he'll be afraid of outdoors AND a collar/leash.

I realize something different works for everyone but I don't see fear of the leash here.

[bluearc74]

Have you taken the dog to a vet? The dog wants to rush indoors either because it's ill or it's afraid.

Also, how many times and at what times are you taking the dog outside? Are they consistent times? Your dog does not necessarily NEED to go out all the time or every time you go out.

If it is not SI, you are going to need behavior modification for both of you. ;) BTW, 'tugging' on the dog only kicks a dogs natural reflex to resist. Most dogs will always resist tugs. When your dog walks to the elevator with you correctly, are you praising it along the way or are you tending to shout or say NO! A lot? Think about what YOU are doing and how your dog may interpret it.

There's no reason this dog should be fearful outdoors. If it demonstrates fear, don't respond and get frustrated and aggravated with it. Be able to notice the dogs body language JUST PRIOR TO wanting to head into the building and be ready to walk around in front of it, and then turn it in the opposing direction. Every time it turns around, even a little bit! praise it. Little by little 'move' the dogs body further and further away from the building by this process. It will take time to break your habit of giving in to the pulling. When your dog tugs, widen your stace and brace yourself. Don't budge. When the leash gets a little slack, turn to walk in the other direction. Stop at the first instance of resistance and repeat the process. The dog will learn that when IT stops tugging, movement is acquired. Your job is to control the direction of the movement, not the dog.

Remember, in this dogs case your achievements and his achievements may be very minor compared to the HIGHER GOAL of getting him to a point he can enjoy being outside. Just don't try to jump from A---->Z too quickly! Stay positive, stay calm, and don't let the dogs behavior 'get' to you in any way.

[dixie22]

Just go slow and keep practing some take longer than others you might try some where like a park some where quite and open away from where you live