My Coton puppy won't walk on a lead

by Mary
(Canada )

My Coton is 10 weeks old and is refusing to walk on lead. When I put it on him he sits down and won't move, even for treats or toys. I keep the lead loose so it doesn't pull on his neck but as soon it's on he seems to freeze. I've only tried it indoors so far. Any advice much appreciated!

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Jan 20, 2015
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My 7 month old Coton likes . . .
by: Anonymous

I had similar experiences with various harnesses. The one that works for us is the long leash with pulley. I pull it out in length & guide it with my own hand rather than the abruptness of the pulley in the container. First I trained him to walk from the front of the house to the back yard without any leash. I started by carrying him to the back yard at 10 weeks when I got him. Soon i let him follow me back on foot & finally I let him lead me from the front door to the back yard; all without leash. When he was perfect at this I then took him to a public River walk path. He'd yank on the short harness or leash so I stopped that immediately. That's when I tried the longest possible pulley leash (20'). He never goes past its full length (gets too far away from mommy!). I use my hand to tenderly guide him if necessary. Other than that he roams as thu he's free of a leash. I started this at 5 months. Shortly, after a week, I was able to let him run leash free along the river. Upon finishing our walk, 20' before we hit the road he stops in the exact spot for "leash" to be put on to cross the road. He walks like an adult to cross the road. At 7 months he's trained virtually as to no leash. I clap my hands & he comes (or stops in his tracks). I state "no" and he always listens. So far, so good AT 7 MONTHS. He sleeps with me so I think he listen's well to every word mommy says. I scold him very little & compliment him 100 x a day. He just wants to please & he is a perfect puppy boy. We're together 24/7.

I explain everything to my Coton. I speak like he's an adult. When the leash is on I tell him he has to walk like a "Big Boy" (and he does!). He's amazing. An example: I explained the doggie tag & the collar (was for) if he got lost someone would bring him home to mommy. I explained in great detail. The other day I forgot to put the collar&tag back-on after his bath. I had left it on a shelf. Amazing dog. He found it & brought it to me at the couch several hours later. Yup, he wanted it on!

I think your Coton is waiting for you to explain & show him what to do with the leash or harness. He doesn't know.

A trick I used was "good leash" as soon as we had it on. I didn't say "good boy", I say "good leash". That way, he knows what "leash" is. Then after 3 days of just having it on/off did I start to have him walk with it. When it's on he walks like a "Big Boy" & when its off he can "go run & play" as we walk the River. He never strays longer than the original leash length (20') even though I don't need to use it any longer on our River walks.

I guess I started in baby steps. Teach a little at a time until they get that part. Then add the next step. Then the next step.

Soon I will bring him to the Ocean Doggie Walk where all dogs run free. That'll be like going to a City for this puppy.

Dec 27, 2014
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Walking on lead
by: Mary

Thanks for all the advice. I got a harness today and he seems happier in that, although still doesn't want to walk. I will keep trying every day and hopefully he'll click eventually!

Dec 27, 2014
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Harness
by: Truffles Mom

Get a harness. It's better for them. You can damage their throats if you don't use a harness.

Dec 26, 2014
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Leash and Harness
by: Betty

At 10 weeks, I think it's still a bit early for either a leash or a harness, but that clearly depends on your yard situation. We went to both as soon as it was clear he wanted to run and chase (leaves, anything) faster than we could keep up and it may have begun with puppy classes 4-5 mos. I think a harness is essential with this breed since they are pretty powerful and incredibly quick (and for ours, simply snapping a leash to his collar leads to choking and coughing). The absolute best harness for the strength of these little dogs is a Sure-Fits Harness (by Radio Systems Corp. out of Knoxville, TN) - they hold up well and are the only ones we've found which give us the assurance he'll stay tethered.

Dec 26, 2014
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walk on lead
by: Vicky & Jonah

For that small that's pretty normal just keep getting them use to it by keeping it fun w/squeaky toys, balls etc. I do like a harness better for them
for walking thou since their is not pulling around the neck area & they can't slip out of the collar & get spooked.

Since they r still growing pick up a cheap one. Our Walgreens carrys an as seen on tv mesh one that velcros for $10. or even a cloth cat one since their still growing.

Go ahead & get a little bigger since they Velcro ie if xs now buy sm or if on the verge of sm get a med this way it is more cost effective.

It is better also to take 2 or 3 small walks aside from 1 big one since it is better for their growing bones. Happy New Years.

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