Leash training a 2lb. Maltese (help)

[milliesmom]

I have a 5 month old 2lb. Maltese. I have started trying to leash train her. She doesn't mind the collar and she will walk as long as I stand still and let her go where she wants to, but if I try to go for a walk with her she will have no part of it. I take all the slack out of the leash hold it straight up over her head and she anchor down. I don't want to drag her and she is so tiny it is easer to hold her, but there are time when she really needs to walk. The thing is she shouldn't get very much bigger than she already is.
(maybe 3 lbs.) if I'm lucky.
She is very smart she has learned to sit and to speak. But this is a whole new ball game. Would someone please give me some advise on such a small dog before I do something wrong or scare her with it. I feel like a new mom with a brand new baby.
Thanks for your help

[Mutt Manners]

Hi milliesmom!

My name is Julie and I am dog trainer by trade and I thought I would give you some insight and some help on leash training.

First of all let me start by telling you that a dog natual instinct to a tight leash (no slack) is to counter pull against it. Hence the reason you dog is laying down and not moving. She is also probably scared and has no idea what you want from her. Let's start with just getting her walking next to you while you are holding the leash. Get up next to her and make sure the leash has plenty of slack. Call her by her name and say Let's go in a upbeat and high pitched tone. Your voice inflection has a lot to do with training. The high pitched voice will motivate her. In contrast the low tone and stern vocie will work best when teaching her not to jump up or telling her NO if she were to have an accident on the floor. Ok back to training. Get a treat you know she likes and break it into tiny pieces. Hold that treat out in front of her and entice her to walk next to you with it. Yes you will have to be bent down and walking at the same time but we have to start somewhere. Once you get her moving try standing upright and if she loses interest the pat your leg and try jogging a bit if your are moving. Do anything that will get her excited to move with you. Pat the leg closest to you down low so she can see you and use your voice to motivate her. Or if you want to try without treats try a favorite toy. Normally I don't treat train, but since I can't be there to show you how to get her to move the treats should help you get her moving. Give her little bites every 10 steps or so. Take it slow and reward, reward, reward. Remember your "Good Girl" statrments in your high pitched tone go along way and you don't always have to feed her. Love her, pet her and encourage!!! When she moves with you encourage her. The positive reinforcement is really important here. Let me know how it goes and feel free to email me anytime with questions. Best of luck.

Julie :)
candjhorne@sbcglobal.net

[milliesmom]

Thank you so much for your help. The info is very helpful. I have printed your response and intend to try your techniques. I think it's still going to be easier to just pick the little thing up. She's so sweet. Thanks again and I will let you know how it goes in a few days.

[Jerica]

I think with a small dog like this you should try using a harness, it seems to me that it would be a lot easier to make her comfortable. I have a very tiny chihuahua and although I don't take her on walks I would much rather use a harness than a collar. Just an idea and I agree with Mutt Manners also.

[Nalialee]

I heard that harnesses are better for small breeds. Something to do with injury to their trachea?

[Molly]

Welcome to Pet Lovers,

What a terrific forum for getting help with your pets. As far as walking your baby, I agree that a harness is much better for smaller breeds. I had a toy poodle and she wouldn't walk anywhere with a collar (my poor baby passed away about 2 months ago), but my daugher's chihuahua uses a harness. I tried a collar with her, but she would stand there and try and pull it off. She walks much better with the harness and harnesses don't hurt them either. Sounds like the trainer has some really great advice. Good luck and let us know how you're doing.

Molly :)