5 REASONS YOUR PUPPY RUNS AWAY WHEN YOU PICK UP THE LEAD

Does your puppy run away when you pick up their lead/leash? Do they not like their collar or harness? But they seem to enjoy it when you’re out walking? It doesn’t seem to make any sense, and you’re getting frustrated. Here are 5 reasons why they do it and what you can do to change it.

Reason 1 – They don’t like things going over their head

Dogs of all ages and sizes can find it intimidating when a hand comes looming over their head. Imagine a giant doing the same to us. And then trying to put something over our head, or around our body as well. It smells strange and makes sounds from plastic clips or metal tags. It can be quite scary!

We need to build up their confidence about putting their head into things. And help them to see our hands as positive things. Not something to run away from.

A simple game of touch/nose targeting of our hands can build up the fun of being near our hands (the collar or lead doesn’t need to be involved at this point).
1. Just hold each hand in a fist together in front of you.
2. One hand is holding a treat ready.
3. Pop the empty hand out flat to the side of your dog’s nose.
4. Most dogs will sniff your palm – if they do, mark it with a ‘yes!’ and give them the treat from the other hand.
5. You can repeat on the same side or try the other side.
6. If they ignore the hand, curl it back into a fist with the other one. Or try popping it behind your back before popping it out again. Things can be more interesting if they disappear.

Reason 2 – They are a little scared or unsure of this strange object

They might be suspicious of this strange new object. But giving it to them to sniff can encourage them to bite and chew on it. Not what you’re looking for!

I like to hold any new piece of equipment in one hand while I feed the pup calmly with the other hand. I’m very happy for them to sniff it. But what I’m really hoping for is no reaction at all – neither excitement or worry.

You can hold up the biggest loop or opening of a harness, or hold the lead in a loose loop, and pop your hand (with some food in it) through the hole (as if you were putting on a bracelet). Feed your dog while holding the harness still.

Over time move your hand backwards so that your pup is choosing to put their head through the loop to eat the food. Take these stages really REALLY slowly; don’t rush and you will get there much quicker.

You are not trying to ‘trick them’ and clipping it on before they’re really comfortable with this stage.

The Cone game is also great for building confidence. This involves encouraging your puppy to pop their head into a cone, beaker or yoghurt pot. PLAY IT HERE

Reason 3 – It feels weird when they’ve got it on

Do you remember wearing a wedding ring on your finger for the first time? I do, and it felt weird! I was conscious of it for at least a week.

It’s the same for our pups.

To help them get used to it, practise the steps above taking on and off. Only leave anything new on for a short time. It can help to feed them some tasty treats when it’s first put on. And a game to keep them busy can also help.

Get them used to wearing it around the home and garden. Don’t be in a rush to get them out for a walk straight away. They probably still need to learn how to go for a walk.

You can read my blog How can I get my puppy to walk nicely on the lead HERE.

Reason 4 – They might be scared of going outside

To a young puppy, the outside world is full of new smells, sounds and sights. It can take a little time to grow their confidence.

They might have been OK for a while and then something gave them a scare when they were out. You might not have even really noticed it.

So they have become worried about going out and see you picking up the lead or harness as a prediction that something scary might be about to happen.

It’s time to work on some general confidence building games. There are lots of ideas in my free Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/puptalk/ Search for ‘creating confident dogs’ in the group.

You can also help them not worry about you picking up the lead by picking it up at random times and putting it down again. You can calmly give them a treat – before, during or after doing this. This will help build up positive associations with the object that is worrying them.

Reason 5 – They think is a game!

If your puppy runs away when you pick up the lead, it could be that they’re getting a great game going. You call their name and start chasing them around. What fun!

You can change this with a game of hand targeting so that they are coming to you.

Also, if they are chewing and tugging on the lead, and you’re trying to wrestle it out of their mouth, this may seem like a great game for your puppy. You attached a tug toy to them – lucky them!

You can work through all the steps above to help take focus away from the lead, leash, collar or harness. In no time you’ll be getting the lead on calmly and heading out of the door.

Need more help?

If you’re struggling with biting and mouthing, you’ll find the Biting 101 Mini Course really helpful. It’s 2 hours of pre-recorded training, to watch at your own pace. With lifetime access, for just £27. CLICK HERE

If you need help with any aspect of your puppy training, book a FREE 15 minute discovery call with Niki