I have a  pup he is 18 weeks old, I've had him 1 week. Problem is I've tried all sorts to get him to walk with a lead on, I've tried a collar and lead, a slip lead and today a harness. Used a tid bit not interested, I've taken him out with another dog, still no go he just lies down and won't budge. I know that he's missed out on the socialisation period 8-12 weeks and he hasn't built up any confidence. Any ideas how to get over this problem?

PS He's keeper bred and has been kenneled.

         I am going to suggest you take him as soon as you can to do a good " Village Hall" type training course, one that uses reinforcement and  aim to put him through the KC Good Citizens Bronze.

Training courses here are almost non exsistent but I was thinking along the same lines. May have to travel. Thanks Mike

Kevelek Working Cockers at October 8, 2011 at 10:51 AM

I have a  pup he is 18 weeks old, I've had him 1 week. Problem is I've tried all sorts to get him to walk with a lead on, I've tried a collar and lead, a slip lead and today a harness. Used a tid bit not interested, I've taken him out with another dog, still no go he just lies down and won't budge. I know that he's missed out on the socialisation period 8-12 weeks and he hasn't built up any confidence. Any ideas how to get over this problem?

PS He's keeper bred and has been kenneled.

Pauline, I strongly suggest you find someone who can teach you how to train him with a clicker. Cant believe I am saying this as I have discovered clciker gundog rather late in life but it really does work and is one of the best ways with a dog like this to help with confidence. It will also help to develop a really strong bond between you and will give him the tools he will need later when it comes to problem solving. Contact Helen Phillips [helen@clickergundog.co.uk] - say I have given you her e mail address and even though you are a long way away from her I know she would help you and give some very good advice. This little chap of yours needs careful handling and everything possible done to gain his trust and confidence. Forget the body harness and all the gadgets - he needs time to get used to you and everything around him. Take him out and about in the car; let him see the big wide world from the car; when you go shopping just open the boot and let him see everyone bustling past. Put a lead onto his collar, pick him up and just pop him down on the ground besdie you; dont try to walk with him. Ignore him as much as possible when you do this as if you give him a lot of attention he may well the attention as reinforcing his worries. Talk to him when around the house and garden and above all appear confident when you are with him; even if you are not! He needs patience and time; time with you to find himself. He will be fine I am sure.

Does this help........... I would look at the ones that do what I call the modern hands off methods of training, and I am going to suggest you ask if any of the trainers understand T Touch  ......... up to Gold Standard, not that you may want to go for gold, it's arguable but they show that they can teach to a higher standard.

http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/2552

Thank you both. This morning I have booked him into puppy classes Wednesday evenings. He's going to a dog show/open day today where I'll carry him in then let him sit and watch all the goings on. Will let you know how we get on.

That was quick, I am sure he will benifit from the company and come good in the long run.

.

Btw on re reading my post...... I didn't mean T Touch up to Gold Standard but the Good Citizens Tests.

Personally I would slow down as this pup has only been with you for a week and probably doesn't know if he can fully trust you yet. Don't overwhelm him by doing too much too soon.

By the way I put a collar and lead on one of my 5 month old pups yesterday for only the second time, the first time at 13 weeks she was a nightmare so I have left it until now and I had very little problems as she knows that when I take her out she is going to have fun as she has built up trust in me.

Well we didn't go to the dog show as the weather was awful, but he did go for a stroll with one of the other dogs and was a little better. We won't rush him  as don't want to ruin him for future gundog work. Cheers all.

Pauline