While the dog is adjusting to the new place/people be very kind and encouraging, don't punish him with scolding or physically because he has no idea yet what sort of behavior you expect. For all you know, his last owner only put a leash on him when he was supposed to "stay" so maybe he thinks he's doing the right thing! Whatever it is, it makes sense to the dog so don't confront him over it, just try to subtly change his view of the leash. You can either leave the leash on the dog all the time (it may come in handy to pull him away from things you don't want him getting into without resorting to a scary collar grab) or, if he remains very skittish about it, just put it on him at feeding time so he begins to associate it with good things. Start training him with treats on the behaviors you want in place like "sit when greeting people at the door", "go to your bed", "stay", "go potty" and gently handle his paws, ears, tail, squeezing his ribs, using rewards after each touch to change his view of pushing/pulling to a positive thing.

DKestrel: 8 months ago

Be a helicopter owner, monitor him constantly when he's not in crate or pen, so that you can either congratulate him or distract and prevent EVERYTHING he does in order to get new habits in place. Make him feel very safe with you and any new things you try to involve him in. Most of all, have fun!! It's more successful (and less stressful) to prevent problems with more management than you think he needs, rather than punish for mistakes after the fact.

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Possibly keep the Leash on him Or if that if that doesn't work then train him to walk without it ( That is how i walk my dog )

CoughranB: 8 months ago via iPhone

He walks just fine without the leash. He just has a tendency to wonder off.

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DKestrel: 8 months ago

It's a very good idea to use this time to practice keeping his attention while he is off-leash. I'm sure once he begins to trust you (7-14 days) his leash lethargy will disappear but in the meantime, to assist in that, you can do "follow me" games and "watch me" heeling. Your dog doesn't need to go anywhere that a leash is required while you're bonding with him, just work with him in your own yard and friends fenced yards.

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The issue may be separation anxiety; it will likely decrease with time. But you can ask the shelter for a consult, they often have a dog behaviorist on call or on staff, and they may know the background.

To help your Labrador adapt to the lease, you can use some treats or reward. Show it to them and make it come for it after which you give it gently. When doing this be a little playful and friendly so that it can be assured that it is nothing bad. In case it does not work, you can ask a vet or any other experienced person for more ideas.