Training Advice: Sensitivities to Handling

Sandy, Col Potter Cairn Rescue Director of Foster Homes, writes:
Recently we asked a trainer to work with a home where the new dog was not wanting the new mom to leash him up or put the belly band on him. Below is the advise that the trainer gave for him and I wanted to share with all of you. This is the epitome of positive training.
The trainer's advice concentrated on the leash but could be used for other things that a dog objects to.

From the Trainer:
Here are my suggestions for dealing with sensitivities to handling. This process allows a dog to feel like they have some control over the feared event, and conditions them to actually like handling. The leash and the belly band will become predictors of good things - treats. Progression needs to happen slowly. Aggression means you have gone much too quickly.

I would suggest that she go through steps 1 through 3 many times each day for now. When she actually needs to put on the leash or belly band, she will do all of the steps, but take as much time as necessary. She may need to go through all the steps each time she puts on the leash or belly band for a few weeks, but as she progresses with the dog, it should happen much quicker. In other words, it may take her 10 minutes to go through all of the steps for now, but a week from now it will only take 30 seconds. The dog should be completely comfortable with these two events after 2-3 weeks. I wouldn't do a muzzle if it's not necessary, and I don't believe it's necessary at this point. She may have to do the same process with other fear handling events as they arise.

Putting on the Leash:
Step 1: 1) start with the leash behind your back 2) present the leash to your dog and immediately give a treat 3) put the leash back behind your back 4) try again 5) practice until your dog looks for the treat just as you present the leash.
Step 2: 1) present the leash 2) now wait until your dog reaches towards the leash and then give a treat 3) practice until your dog reaches for the leash just as you present it
Step 3: 1) present the leash 2) wait until your dog touches the leash and then give a treat 3) practice until your dog touches the leash just as you present it
Step 4: 1) present the leash 2) wait until your dog touches the leash, then put it on and take it off quickly and give a treat 3) practice until your dog will readily allow you to put on a take off the leash with no difficulties

Putting on the Belly Band
Step 1: 1) start with the band behind your back 2) present the band to your dog and immediately give a treat 3) put the band back behind your back 4) try again 5) practice until your dog looks for the treat just as you present the band
Step 2: 1) present the band 2) now wait until your dog reaches towards the band and then give a treat 3) practice until your dog reaches for the band just as you present it
Step 3: 1) present the band 2) wait until your dog touches the band and then give a treat 3) practice until your dog touches the band just as you present it
Step 4: 1) present the band 2) wait until your dog touches the band, drape it over him and then give a treat 3) practice until your dog readily allows you to drape the band over him
Step 5: 1) present the band 2) wait until your dog touches the band, drape it over him, fasten it on and off, and then give a treat 3) practice until your dog will readily allow you to put on a take off the band with no difficulties