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    amberferry's Avatar
    amberferry Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Jan 29, 2011, 07:03 PM
    What to do when your dog won't walk on a leash because she has anxiety?
    I havea 8 month old english mastiff she's very slidish will not walk on a leash she pulls back and lays on the ground. When I got her she was in a basement and had never been around anybody or outside. What can I do?
    cdad's Avatar
    cdad Posts: 12,700, Reputation: 1438
    Internet Research Expert
    		  
    #2

    Jan 29, 2011, 07:38 PM

    Are you using a collar for the dog? If so you might try switching to a harness. Sometimes if there is a fear of choking (like if last owners used a choke collar) then the simple act of control by the neck can caus the dog to have anxiety. Also if you have a back yard try walking the dog there first and do some basic training in familiar surroundings.
    chantellybain's Avatar
    chantellybain Posts: 12, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Feb 4, 2011, 07:03 AM
    I would use a harness I had to switch to a harness for my sheppared and she is fine walking outside now, still a bit skechty around people though ( I have no clue how to break her of that)
    Aurora_Bell's Avatar
    Aurora_Bell Posts: 4,193, Reputation: 822
    Dogs Expert
    		  
    #4

    Feb 4, 2011, 02:03 PM

    I would but a gentle leader and enroll in puppy classes or obedience classes. Both are great ways for the two of you to bond as well as build her self esteem.

    With the harness or Gentle Leader, your dog is unable to back out, and is unable to pull you all over the place. The more you socialize her, the better she will become and the happier she will be. Start right away with basic training at home, teaching her sit, stay and leave it are the best 3 commands to start with.

    You can also try walking her around the house with the leash and collar on, stopping every few steps to offer reassurance and maybe a small piece of kibble as a reward. Continue to do this while you have free time at home and then start to move out to the front yard, each day increasing the time you are out. Make sure to constantly use a happy soothing voice while you are on your walks.
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