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My 10 week old golden retriever doesn't really mind a collar on his neck. However, with a leash attached when we are outside, he doesn't really walk. He will lay in the grass and begin to play and chew on it. How do I get him up to start walking around w/ the leash on? He needs the leash, god forbid he darts out in to the street, etc...

My 10 week old golden retriever doesn't really mind a collar on his neck. However, with a leash attached when we are outside, he doesn't really walk. He will lay in the grass and begin to play and chew on it. How do I get him up to start walking around w/ the leash on? He needs the leash, god forbid he darts out in to the street, etc...

Are there puppy obedience classes in your area? You definitely don't want to let him off leash because he doesn't like the leash. You might consider a Gentle Leader or Halti, which he could not chew. It doesn't sound like he is afraid of the leash, which is good. He just plays with it. The products I mentioned are available at most stores that carry a decent selection of pet products. If not, they are available online, but you want to get the right size. Good luck to you!

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~Rascal
striving to be the kind of person my dog thinks i am

>>My 10 week old golden retriever doesn't really mind a collar on his neck. However, with a leash attached when we are outside, he doesn't really walk. He will lay in the grass and begin to play and chew on it. How do I get him up to start walking around w/ the leash on? He needs the leash, god forbid he darts out in to the street, etc...

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You can manage the leash chewing by spraying it with Bitter Apple just before putting it on him, every time. He's very young, and the walking will probably come very soon. Make sure you keep the leash loose, no tension on it, at all times. That will help him learn to move on it without worrying about it, spare his neck any damage from it, avoid the problem of developing a dog who pulls on the leash, and help him learn. Don't use the leash to pull him around or even to guide him. Do that with treats, toys, your voice and your body language instead of leash pressure. Let the leash be just a safety. Here's a link to an article about leash-training for puppies:

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1538&S=1&SourceID=47
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com