Snapping and snaing whilst we try and get a lead on, Only a

Hello, you are through to Dr Linda, a UK based vet.

I'm sorry to hear this and appreciate your concern for Milo.

What breed is he?

Has he ever had any behavioural issues before?

Does he try to get away when he sees the lead?

And do you use a neck collar or body harness?

So will he snap whether you clip the lead onto the neck collar or you are putting the harness on? Both are suddenly an issue?

And his behaviour is okay when the body harness is used?

But if you were to just clip a lead on to the body harness, would he be okay with this?

Yes, ok sure.

I am just typing my reply now which will take a few minutes.

Given that this is a new behaviour and it is specifically the neck collar that irritates him, I'd be suspicious for a source of discomfort.

If, for example, he has an ear infection, sore neck or mouth pain then he will be resistant to having the collar put on.

A vet check is sensible so we can examine his ears and all around the neck area.

In the meantime, build confidence and trust by only using the body harness and rewarding with treats and praise when he is calm and happy for you to put it on.

It may help to distract with e.g. a peanut butter stuffed Kong while approaching to get the lead in position.

Some dogs are more tolerant of the harness being put on when e.g. in the garden and distracted.

I understand but he may be fearful of the clip being put on if it pulls him in a certain way (while being put on or while out walking).

It is certainly also possible that this is a behavioural issue, but a health condition should be ruled out first (particularly an ear infection; which is so common in this breed.

If we do find it is behavioural, we can work to desensitize him to having the collar put on by slowly re--exposing to it and making him associate it with good things (like treats and praise and enjoyable walks).

It certainly sounds like he associates the act of going for a walk with negative feelings.

As I say, we first need to rule out a medical issue.

If his health check is all clear, consulting with a behaviourist on this would be the next sensible step.

They can assess him in person and make a tailored plan going forward.

This would be the first step as it may be that there is a more 'simple' fix like a short course of antibiotic ear drops or pain relief.