Thank you for leash information

[CherylHampton]

Just wanted to say thanks for the detailed information on getting Shiloh happier with his leash. I really wish I felt like he would do well with just his collar and leash but I don't see it happening. Hes not crazy about the harness and whines just a bit when I put it on him, but settles quickly and doesn't fight when I clasp it like he used to. At least the biting is better😊I wonder if he whines because he associates the harness with car tires which he's not especially fond of either but doesn't get car sick . he whines a lot then settles and sleeps when we go out. I have tried both the front and back and think the front ring may work a bit better will continue and see. I'm taking him to the lake this afternoon to see how he does. If he gets distracted without pulling too much I will know how to to from their. He will soon be able to go to our new dog park, a bit anxious about that but will hang in there with him so he can learn to have fun safely. Once again thank you for your support and all the great info. I've gotten my money's worth several times over already😊Im sure more questions will be forth coming.

[Adrienne]

You are very  welcome! 

Are you feeding some goodies (even kibble if he loves it) as you're putting the harness on? This can help, even if you use kibble- if Shiloh likes it enough. Here's just a demo video on how you can work on habituating to a harness. Notice though how the harness she had required her head to go through a loop, while now there are easier ones to put on like some that the dog just steps in. 

If you think he may be associating the harness with something unpleasant (like car rides) it can help to break up the associations such as putting on the harness and feeding him his meal, then taking it off, or putting it on and then going on a walk rather than a car ride, or putting it on just to do some fun training or a play session. All good stuff to counteract some negative associations.

At the same time, we want to aim though to make the car more pleasant. You may need to go on brief rides around the block while somebody plays with him/ feeds him some peanut butter to lick off and keep it fun and brief. 

About the dog park, just a head's up to be very, very careful. There are many stories of dogs having negative encounters there, and why I often feel that play dates with compatible pup/dogs may be a better option. Even better puppy socialization classes with other puppies/adult teacher dogs held under the guidance of a dog trainer.

A simple Google search will show why many dog trainers are against dogs parks. Here's some info coming from the Association of Professional Dog Trainers: https://apdt.com/resource-center/dog-parks-good-bad-ugly/

Keep me posted on how things go with his training, you are a very dedicated owner and he is lucky to have you!

Happy training!

Adrienne