Pet Information > ASK Experts > Dogs > Dog Breeds > Golden Retrievers > My new 4 month golden retriever (boy - Bailey or No Bailey) pees on the floor freaks out with leash on

My new 4 month golden retriever (boy - Bailey or No Bailey) pees on the floor freaks out with leash on

19 17:56:52

Question
Help, I had 3 goldens and provide a warm safe cozy environment BUT BAILEY ABSOLUTELY WILL NOT MOVE WHEN THE LEASH IS ON HIM, EVEN WITH THE P COLLAR. I cant take him out to pee or poop, (to learn "do your business" and repeat in same spot on lawn. It becomes a battle of wills. He is about 45-50lbs and by pulling he starts choking.  Tried baby steps, tried leaving behind when I put leash on my 12 yr old golden (female)and start walking, tried excited walking behind, over ad over and over.  She will not budge and only if I carry her (1 out of 30 times)will she go out with me trying to potty train her.  H e l p!!!  and Thank you for a great super web site.  Happy New Year!

Answer
It sounds like you have tried some of the best techniques and they have failed.  Have you tried treats?  You should see my Labs dash for their crates where they get a treat every night at bed time.  I have been around a long time and was originally taught not to use treats.  I still use them less than many.  

With the leash on, get between it and the door with several treats in your hand.  With highly food motivated dogs, it doesn't need to be much or extra tempting.  If I have nothing else around, I often use some of the puppy's kibble.  Some people use Cheerios.  Call it to you and give it the treat if it comes.  Move the length of the leash toward the door and repeat.  With a little of that plus praise, it should catch on before long.  

Another technique I have never used, but may help, is the drag line.  It is just a short leash with no handle.  You can buy them, but I would just buy a cheap leash and cut the handle off.  You don't want the handle to catch on anything.  You just put it on the dog and let it be in the house and drag it along.  Keep an eye on it to make sure the leash doesn't catch on something.  It lets the dog get used to the leash without needing to have it move.