My puppy won't move or potty with collar on. How can I train her?

While I always think a trainer is a good idea, I think you might be able to get Piper used to the collar by putting it on her at meal time or when she is playing with a favorite toy. Use it for short periods of time multiple times a day and take it off is she seems very upset. She’ll figure it out with time.

Sounds like the collar may still be pretty scary for your pup! Some puppies may also just be very excited and become wiggly or nip/chew on you in excitement. Here are a few things you can do: Leave the collar/harness on the floor and let your puppy approach it first on his own. Toss a treat and give lots of praise any time he shows interest in it or sniffs it. Practice handling your puppy around the neck and shoulders by petting, playing with, cuddling, etc and giving a favorite treat and praise every time you do this so he begins to associate it with a positive experience. Practice snapping a collar/harness closed next to your pup but not on him, offering a treat and praise every time he is curious about it. Practice sitting while placing the collar or harness on, and giving a treat every time you do. If puppy becomes too wiggly or excited, take a break and try again in a few minutes. Offer extra treas and lots of praise when he successfully puts on and wear the collar, even if it's only for a few minutes.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It sounds like you are doing everything right. Normally, if you are able to fit 2 fingers then yes that should be ok. You can try to give her a treat when you put the collar on so that she starts associating the collar with something positive. They do get used to it relatively quickly within days to weeks. It may just take a bit longer for her. Good luck!

This is a lot of questions, and talking with one of our experts in a consultation may be useful for figuring out the basics of puppy training. Another good option is to enroll in a puppy training class together where you can learn to train with positive reinforcement, better communicate, and both get on the same page about house rules and basic obedience. I do NOT recommend shock collars at all as these are likely to just frustrated or even scare your dog. They work to stop problem behaviors by causing pain or fear, instead of figuring out how to turn a "bad" behavior into a positive one through redirecting or stopping the behavior before it starts. As for potty training, without knowing your puppy's age or what you've tried already, it is hard to give a good answer. Making sure to take your puppy outside frequently (every hour if needed for very young dogs) and especially after waking, playing, eating or drinking can help provide opportunity to go outside successfully. Inside, when you are not at home, looking into crate training or blocking off your puppy's access in the house to only an easy to clean kitchen or laundry room with potty pads can help prevent accidents and encourage good behaviors.

Hello. The best thing to do is start slow & put the harness on for a few minutes 2-3 times a day. Reward her with many treats & lots of petting to calm her. Then attach a leash & just let her drag it around for a few days. Once she seems comfortable, ask her to follow or approach you while gently pulling on the leash. I always have a tasty treat in my hand to encourage her. With just a little time & patience, all dogs will get used to being on a leash & harness. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Try using a simple leash and collar. Gradually acclimate her to the harness by leaving it out in plain sight. Do not force the harness on her until she is acclimated. This should be done in steps: let her see it, let her sniff and touch it, lay it on her for short periods then try placing it on her. A pheromone product such as the Adaptil collar or DAP diffuser may decrease any anxiety. Use plenty of praise and rewards as she progresses. Be patient and don't force her to wear the harness until she is ready.

Just keep trying! You may need to get in a routine of walking him in the same place, preferably with minimal distractions, like a small yard or a private area. Walk in large circles and repeat a phrase like "go potty" over and over until he goes. When he does, give him lots of praise, a special treat, then continue on your walk to more exciting places. Puppies do not come leash trained, and it may take several more months for him to get use to walking with something attached to his body.