Scared Of The Leash

Question
I have a two year old Papillon that bucks and rears like a horse if a leash is attached to his collar.  I don't use a choke chain and he has not had a prior traumatic experience with a leash.  Any ideas on how to get him accustomed to having a leash on him?  Since I can't get him on a leash, he has not been taught basic obedience and is lacking in manners.  

I DO NOT believe in painful, negative reinforcement for training and have always had excellent results training my pups on a leash.  I use it for teaching them manners and of course basic obedience.  Just a quick, short, tug on the leash along with the apropriate command is all I have found to be necessary for success.  And of course treats, lots of treats at first, to hold their attention.

I really am fairly experienced at training dogs, but never have been faced with a dog possessing a leash phobia.  In fact, all of my dogs throughout my life were taught obedience and all have been taught a load of tricks. Of course, teaching my little guy tricks is no problem and he knows a few, but he probably won't ever get to show them off because I can't get him out of the house due to his leash phobia.

I certainly appreciate any suggestions that you may have for me.


Answer
Hi Donna,  I would suggest that you start by attaching a very light string to his collar and letting it drag around while you play with him.  Slowly increase the weight of the string until you can attach the leash and let him drag it around but only to play.  Sometimes if you use another dog, it will distract him from fearing the leash and he will play with the other dog.  After this, slowly put pressure on the leash until he accepts it and you can get him to go with you.  You should also try to use the leash and take him away from a place that he would like to be and make him walk back to his desired area.  2 years , may take longer to leash train him but patience and perseverence will pay off ahd he will benefit by getting to go places with you, although it would be nice if you could explain it to him like this.  Best regards,  Dawn Hoppe & Tina K-9