Dog who hates his leash

Question
I adopted a 1 1/2 yr old male Shiba Inu almost 2 months ago who had NO training & would not wear a collar. He has accepted the collar & I can now hold the collar but he flips out, growls, crys & barks if I add a tag or leash. I have been working for 2 weeks in the evenings on the leash. I hold him in my lap for 1/2 hour (all he can handle) keeping him calm, praising & petting. If put down or exceed 1/2 hr dog flips out. I have tried distraction with sit/treats but can get past problem.He has learned sit/Treat (the words are synonymous to the dog)I cant do other needed training until leash problem is overcome. Suggestions?

Answer
Dear Robyn,
Thanks for the questions.

"he flips out, growls, crys and barks if I add a tag or leash"

The responses you describe are in different classes of behaviors. Is he fearful or aggressive or both?

Exactly what does he do when you add a tag? What type of tag is it?

Are you forcing him to stay in your lap by holding him tight?

Try this- without attaching the leash- pick up the leash, toss him a treat-drop the leash. Repeat several times. End the session

Next session, repeat the same steps a few times, then, instead of dropping the leash, reach out with your empty hand and touch his collar - have a friend give him a treat - then drop the leash. Repeat several times then end the session.

Next session, pick up the leash, move the leash towards his collar, toss a treat - withdraw the leash - drop the leash. Repeat several times then end the session.

Next session - repeat the previous sequences a few times - except - when the leash is close to his collar, operate the clip so that it makes a sound. Repeat several times then end the session.

The idea is to gradually introduce him to all aspects of attaching the leash before you ever clip it to his collar.

The next sessions, you might actually attach it for a second or two - tell him how pretty he is - give a treat - remove the leash.

Next, get a thin, light, nylon leash. Cut it off so that it's only 2-3'. Attach the leash and let him drag it around the house. Don't pick it up yet.

Once he is comfortable dragging the leash, gradually introduce him to the concept of you holding the leash - in small steps with plenty of treats. Pick up the leash - hold for a second - give a treat - drop the leash.

Use your imagination to break down the whole process into small steps. Practice each small step several times before moving to the next step.

Good luck!