I have a pitbull puppy (10 week) that I am trying to get to the root of …

I have a pitbull puppy (10 week) that I am trying to get to the root of some behavior issues with. The biggest issue is that she is resistant to any tension on the leash. I don’t expect her to heel or tap-dance, but any time she feels any tension on the leash she braces her legs and body and resists going anywhere. She is becoming more and more resistant. I don’t want to train her to train me to pick her up every time she braces up and refuses to move, but so far we would never get done with going to the bathroom outside if that happened; she does it every time I take up the slack on the leash. I have found a lot of suggestions on the internet: get her checked for pain/issues by a vet (vet gave her the all clear), use a harness over a collar (only ever used a harness), positive reinforcement before she freezes (doesn’t work, still freezes), get her used to the leash (she’ll drage that thing around, nap and sleep with it on), try luring her with a treat (has become minimally responsive to treats, won’t respond to toys outside on the leash, even ones she previously enjoyed). Any suggestions on what else I can try to get her to come with a leash?

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Laura
4 months ago

A few things could be happening here.

1 – have you made certain what you’re using fits properly without being too tight?
2 – this COULD be fear. 10 weeks is very, very young, after all, and the world is big and scary!
2a – she could be overstimulated and uncertain.

I think I’d start working on desensitization inside your home with the gear you use outside. Lots of rewarding the behavior you want. Gentle tugs on the leash to get her used to it, treat party.