My dog is a bit skittish outside and hesitates to come to me when I want to put the leash on him, I've been using his recall command to leash him and he comes to me very slowly. Do I need to make any adjustments or give corrections?

Hi Cindy! I'm training my dog on the recall command. I'm also working on getting him more comfortable outside as he can be skittish. For a while, my dog would hide underneath the dining table if he anticipated that we are going out for a walk. I believe he's slowly making progress and he's getting more comfortable outside. When we go out for walks, I would let him know ahead of time that we are going out for a walk and then I'll give the recall command to put the leash on him. Sometimes during the recall, he comes out from underneath the table, comes towards me and he hesitates for about 5-10 seconds (he's thinking) and makes his way towards me. I understand that he may be a little afraid to go outside, which is why he's hesitating. In this case, can you let me know if I need to make any adjustments or corrections? I believe I should not be correcting him if he's (slowly) making his way towards me. Thank you.

Cindy's Answer

I wouldn't use his recall command to put the leash on him. I don't use my recall command at all with my dogs unless I have a way to help ensure they come when called. You may be adding a negative feeling to him by doing this.

I would pick other words or a verbal cue that means you're getting your leash on AND you're getting a special reward (cheese, etc) Like "let's get ready" or something that makes sense to you.

I might also let this dog wear a short leash without a handle in the house so I can very casually pick up the leash and move him around the home without letting him practice hiding under the table. I also wouldn't always take him outside when you practice this. Make being with you and getting the leash on valuable to him without adding the extra stress on him every time.