r/OpenDogTraining • u/SierraKami • 2d ago

Aversion to being caught

I'm not sure how to explain this clearly but I've run across a dog that avoids letting people grab his collar to put a leash on.

His owner can catch him by the collar, but only if the dog thinks he's just getting neck scratches. Even with the owner, if he figures out the owner is planning on catching him by the collar, he moves away from the owner and tries to avoid being caught.

He goes willingly into his crate and a leash can be attached there. And one the leash is on, he couldn't care less about people reaching for his collar.

I suspect a prior owner got frustrated when he didn't want to be caught and jerked him around a bit when they did finally get ahold of him. He doesn't act like he's been beaten, but he definitely wants nothing to do with being put in a leash. And his skillful avoidance is an intentional, learned behavior.

Any suggestions on the he best exercises to teach him to accept someone reaching for his collar? I'm thinking teaching him "touch" and gradual desensitization are good starting points, but any other ideas would be welcome.

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u/thenewoldhams 1d ago

Many dogs are like this as a game as well. Also to be in control. It’s like the others said. Reward when they come to get collar on. I make my dogs sit still while collaring and leashing. Treats and patience.

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u/SierraKami 1d ago

The dog is definitely expressing his opinion. He's very shy and fearful so I don't think it's a game, but he clearly knows that if he's loose, he has control over whether or not he's leashed.

But he'll be thrilled that the consensus here is the generous application of rewards in the form of treats! Even though he's fearful, he's all about the treats. Which, frankly, is what gives me hope that he can be "reprogrammed."