This is a companion article for the "Introducing The Leash" videos.
Bringing timid, feral and fearful dogs and wolf-dogs out on a leash can be a challenge, but it's an extremely important task in an animal's socialization process.
I've seen many animals suddenly come to life and show me a whole new side to their personality.
Dogs that were too scared to move about in their pen have pulled me over to smell something interesting. There have also been dogs who don't leave the safety of their pen willingly at first,but after a couple walks strut confidently with their tails high.
Walks are a game changer for these animals, so it's worth the effort to get them out and about as soon as possible.
So, you've spent weeks getting them to trust you, next...
Leash Introduction
Carry the leash in with you during your socialization visits. Let feral animals get used to seeing this new object, and show dogs who've had negative associations with the leash that its not a threat. Hold the leash in your petting hand or let them brush against it in passing, always keeping note of their reaction.
If they shy away, take that as a sign to back off just a little but don't stop. If they have no problem, keep going.
Leashing Introduction
Make a loop and get it over their head. At first don't tighten the loop; it may spook them. Another good advanced tip is to offer treats when they stick their heads through the loop. Again, don't tighten just yet.
Leashed Introduction
Once they are comfortable with the leash over and around their head. Distract with treats and close the loop a little but not tight. Use treats to lure-lead the animal around their pen, even if small in a shelter on a loose lead. When comfortable lure-leading, let them move about on their own as you follow.
Some animals may take to it right away and don't mind the feel of the leash tightening, others may need a little more time. If they don't mind, they are ready to go.
HOWEVER, ready or not... if they have made attempts to bite the leash, you will want to use a properly fitted choke chain collar and leash. Wolfdogs are especially good at biting through leashes in one bite and you don't want to risk them getting away from you.
I also do not recommend using a regular collar with a choke chain collar because the collar can interfere with the tightening of the choke and both can slip over their head in a struggle. Plus, since I use every safety precaution possible, I prefer to add a harness with a separate leash for back up since timid guys are a flight risk.
Still, a properly fitted choke chain collar should do fine, but it not for corrections, it's to prevent biting through the collar and leash.
How To Properly Fit A Choke Chain Collar?
Using a soft tape measure, measure the widest part of the skull around the ears. Add 2-3 inches to the measurement to allow the least amount of slack in the choke collar. Large dogs will need a chain thickness of 4 mms for strength.
Tips For Leash Weary Animals
If the dog is moving slowly with uncertainty, you will want to continue to let them lead and use your praise with treats until they are comfortable.
Use a confident dog to take the lead. Sometimes they will follow.
Read their cues and respect them. Most animals prefer you and all walkers take the lead, so they can keep an eye on you. Others prefer to step ahead, but will stop and panic if they turn and see you coming.
In case of the later, use the calming signal of avoidance, turn and look away until they've calmed down.
Socializing very shy animals takes time. We have earned the trust of the animals in these videos. The videos only shows the potential of shy animals, but each person who handles a shy and timid animal will have to develop a relationship of trust on their own.
When you decide to adopt a shy animal, your first goal is to build your relationship, then introduce the leash. Even though we've shown the animal's potential. The animal is starting over with you. Be patient.
A positive socialization process can take week, months, or even years. For more on socialization videos see my channel at Sangay Glass YouTube
Bringing timid, feral and fearful dogs and wolf-dogs out on a leash can be a challenge, but it's an extremely important task in an animal's socialization process.
I've seen many animals suddenly come to life and show me a whole new side to their personality.
Dogs that were too scared to move about in their pen have pulled me over to smell something interesting. There have also been dogs who don't leave the safety of their pen willingly at first,but after a couple walks strut confidently with their tails high.
Leash Introduction
Carry the leash in with you during your socialization visits. Let feral animals get used to seeing this new object, and show dogs who've had negative associations with the leash that its not a threat. Hold the leash in your petting hand or let them brush against it in passing, always keeping note of their reaction.
If they shy away, take that as a sign to back off just a little but don't stop. If they have no problem, keep going.
Leashing Introduction
Make a loop and get it over their head. At first don't tighten the loop; it may spook them. Another good advanced tip is to offer treats when they stick their heads through the loop. Again, don't tighten just yet.
Leashed Introduction
Once they are comfortable with the leash over and around their head. Distract with treats and close the loop a little but not tight. Use treats to lure-lead the animal around their pen, even if small in a shelter on a loose lead. When comfortable lure-leading, let them move about on their own as you follow.
Some animals may take to it right away and don't mind the feel of the leash tightening, others may need a little more time. If they don't mind, they are ready to go.
HOWEVER, ready or not... if they have made attempts to bite the leash, you will want to use a properly fitted choke chain collar and leash. Wolfdogs are especially good at biting through leashes in one bite and you don't want to risk them getting away from you.
I also do not recommend using a regular collar with a choke chain collar because the collar can interfere with the tightening of the choke and both can slip over their head in a struggle. Plus, since I use every safety precaution possible, I prefer to add a harness with a separate leash for back up since timid guys are a flight risk.
Still, a properly fitted choke chain collar should do fine, but it not for corrections, it's to prevent biting through the collar and leash.
How To Properly Fit A Choke Chain Collar?
Using a soft tape measure, measure the widest part of the skull around the ears. Add 2-3 inches to the measurement to allow the least amount of slack in the choke collar. Large dogs will need a chain thickness of 4 mms for strength.
Tips For Leash Weary Animals
If the dog is moving slowly with uncertainty, you will want to continue to let them lead and use your praise with treats until they are comfortable.
Use a confident dog to take the lead. Sometimes they will follow.
In case of the later, use the calming signal of avoidance, turn and look away until they've calmed down.
Socializing very shy animals takes time. We have earned the trust of the animals in these videos. The videos only shows the potential of shy animals, but each person who handles a shy and timid animal will have to develop a relationship of trust on their own.
When you decide to adopt a shy animal, your first goal is to build your relationship, then introduce the leash. Even though we've shown the animal's potential. The animal is starting over with you. Be patient.
A positive socialization process can take week, months, or even years. For more on socialization videos see my channel at Sangay Glass YouTube
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