Constipated (I think?) Dog

[Niki & Jasper]

Hi Everyone,

For the past couple weeks my doodle (4 years old) has become a very difficult walker.  He is excited to get out but once we are actually outside he refuses to budge.  I try to coax him but I end up pulling quite a bit on the leash just to get him to walk a few feet before he plants himself down again.  After a few rounds of this, he poops and then he is back to normal and walking perfectly! The only thing I can think of is that he is experiencing some sort of constipation since he appears uncomfortable until he poops.  Nothing has changed in his diet (Acana) and he is eating and drinking normally. I have also tried changing the harness and leash. He is active outside of his walks (lots of play time in the backyard and with other dogs) and seems fine.  I have checked his paws for any cuts and they look okay too.  

I have tried to give him canned pumpkin but he is not even a little bit interested in it.  Are there any other fiber rich foods I can try?  Or has anyone experienced this?  I am getting concerned since this has been going on for a couple weeks now, however outside of the first 5 minutes of the walk, he appears healthy and normal.  His stool is also normal.  I took him to the vet last week where they checked his temperature and heart rate and they said it was fine.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Niki

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Is he pooping the same volume and frequency as always?  If he is, I'm guessing this is more of a behavioral issue.  I would think that coaxing and pulling on the leash will probably not solve the problem.  What type of collar or harness are you using?  You can try turning right around and taking him back inside the house, make him sit and wait for a few minutes and then start again.  It may take quite a few times for him to get the idea that the walk is going to happen in spite of his protesting.  Also, when you walk try taking a step forward then immediately relax the leash, then another step and relax...no talking to the dog at all during this.  I think it you start to get frustrated it's usually a good idea to end the walk...maybe just play in the yard instead. 

[Niki & Jasper]

I am using the easy walk harness which we have always used.  I will try the tips you suggested, thanks!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

If he is not straining to poop, and the poop is the same as always in terms of appearance & volume, he's not constipated.