Why does my springer spaniel refuse to walk on the lead?

[Mais]

We have a 4 year old male/castrated springer. We have only had him a couple of months (he came from a family who didn't have time for him) and he is a perfect dog, except that he won't walk on the lead. He will go a short distance if he knows where he is going (eg to the field round the corner) and he is better if both of us are there as he doesn't like to be left if one of us walks on ahead, but it is impossible to take him on a walk of any distance on the lead on your own. He just lies down on the pavement or pulls the other way. He is not sensible enough to have off the lead on the roads, but he absolutely loves running free (so I know there isn't anything physically wrong with him). I don't think he was taken for many walks before we got him, and he is quite a nervous dog anyway. We have him on a harness which fits well and is padded but have also tried him on a collar which makes no difference, and on an extending lead so I can walk on ahead when he sits/lies down on the pavement or pulls back (that worked until he realised that eventually you get to the end and have to stop). We have tried hauling him on the harness, and even carrying him (which he hates), so as to not let him win, but he just lies down again when you stop and pulls in the opposite direction. Has anyone else experienced this, and if so, what did you do? I would be grateful for any ideas.

[madmaggot]

As you have said, the problem arises because he has not been used to the lead and he loves running free (as do all springers). You have to get it into his head that walking on the lead is something he has no choice about and show him that it can be pleasureable. I would not use an extending lead or a harness, as I feel that they just teach a dog to pull. Do you know how to use a chain collar? If you know how to use one I would do so but don't use it unless you know how!
I would only exercise him on the lead until he accepts that he has to do as you say. Use treats and a lot of praise but don't let him stop, even if that means you have to drag him (not on the chain collar though). If he totally refuses to follow turn round and go back home. He wants to go for his walks and will gradually learn that in order to do that he has to go on the lead. Walk straight from home, don't take him to the park in the car. You will need to take him out very frequently as he needs a lot of exercise but if you stick to lead only exercise he will soon learn.
Good luck

[lankeela]

I would suggest almost the opposite. I would take him a short way in the car and then let him walk home. Don't take him too far, so he still knows which way is home. If he pulls to go home then make him walk to heel and stop every few feet praising him and giving him a treat. Gradually try this the on the way out, and keep praising and giving him treats if he moves forward. If necessary carry him a little way then let him walk.

[woofgang]

i just bought a new collar/lead combo that looks promising. Its made of soft nylon rope and has a neck loop and a nose loop, kind of figure of eight so it has a halti/gentle leader effect but fit my dogs better than either of those. When the dog pulls, the nose loop tightens slightly.

[woofgang]

suggestion for a garden/home exercise is to put his lead on and lead him to his food bowl, also to have him on the lead and have someone attract him with a treat. When he moves towards the person with the treat, obviously he gets it and loads of praise