My puppy lunges on leash and chokes. Is squirming when held normal?

Question

I have two questions, my first one is how do I get my puppy to stop lunging when he's on the leash. He does it a couple of times a day when I take him outside to go to the bathroom. He'll lunge, then start barking and running around me. He gets close to choking himself and I'm not really sure what to do. M second question is, is it normal for a puppy to squirm when being held and not really want to cuddle when sleepy? I appreciate you taking your time to help answer me and calm me. Pet's info: Dog | Cavalier King Charles Spaniel | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 5 days old | 5.5 lbs

Bette Isacoff · Accepted Answer

It sounds as if Henley and you could benefit from a beginner dog obedience course, but you may have to wait a month or so because of his age. From what you've told me here, it seems as if you have a dominant, rather than submissive, puppy. When you take him out to do his business, do not give him very much leash (to minimize tangling), and do not walk around. Go to his designated spot and stand there. Don't fuss at all or talk to him except to say his bathroom cue, such as "go outside." As soon as he starts to go, repeat "go outside" and praise "good dog!" as he goes. Bring him directly back inside. Remember that if he is an excitable dog, and you raise your voice, that wil get hiim even more worked up. Remain calm and keep your motions and words to a minimum. Now, back to your questions: some dogs do squirm when being held. He does need to learn to be held and behave so that if he is at the vet, groomer, etc. he will be good. If you do pick him up (and small dogs should not be carried around or held in your arms "because he's small" or "because he's cute." First and foremost, he is a DOG, and you must play by dog rules to be successful. This does not mean that you let him do what he wants! It means understanding how to communicate with him so he understands. As to your second question: statistics have demonstrated that roughly 80% of dogs do not like to be hugged! Again, it is not a natural dog behavior. There are subtle cues you can watch for to see if Henley is one of the 80%, but I think he is already telling you loud and clear that this is something he does not enjoy.

My puppy lunges on leash and chokes. Is squirming when held normal?

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