Doodle puppy WILL NOT walk on leash

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Hi everyone, my doodle puppy will not walk on a leash unless me and my husband BOTH are with him. He literally comes to a complete stop and will not move, I've tried motivation with a treat, Ive tried coaxing him to come with me and he does nothing and just freezes!!! He does great when we're both walking him but I would really like to take him on a walk during the day when my husband is at work.. Any suggestions on how to get him to walk with just me?
Thanks!!

[Adina P]

How old is he?  I would just go out to a field or park and put a looooong leash on him and then just run around a bit with him and let him drag the leash (but stay close to him so you can step on the leash if he starts to wander off). 

[F, Calla & Luca]

You could also try using a high value treat to coax him along as you walk.

[Camilla and Darwin]

That is what I'd suggest, Darwin was not wanting to walk on a leash for the first few days, cubes of mozzarella changed his mind. :-)

[Judy, Meg & Polly Wolly Doodle]

Let me go the psychology route...not that I am in real life but in my own mind I know everything!! I am guessing that he walks on his leash without coaxing if your husband it there.   Is it possible that when you both walk him there is one of you on either side of him?  If so he might feel unprotected on that side.  If that is the case you might want to try walking him together and sometime during the walk your husband steps back and to the opposite side of you.  Sorry, that is the best I got right now.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

At almost four months he's definitely old enough to be walking with you on a leash.  He clearly knows how because he does it when your DH is with you.  I would tether him to you in the house a few times each day....where you go he goes....there is no other choice for him.  This builds a bond and trust, and it also teaches him that you are his leader and the one making the decisions about space and where you (and he) will be walking.  Then after a few days of this, I'd take him out for his walk....just keep right on walking ahead like you really "mean business".  I would not coax him or bribe him at this age, but I would reward every now and then with praise and a high value treat when he's done well with the walk.  Good luck....this little "stinker" is playing some games but he'll learn that he's not the one making the decisions.

[Ginny Nightingale]

This was the reply I was going to write as well--be business-like and in charge and do not look back at him--Say "let's go" and move straight ahead --a harness will help there so that he is not being dragged by the neck. Make sure one hand is just behind the head on the leash and not all the way at the end of the leash. Give him a few  quick pulls if he resists instead of a looong drag until he gets moving.

He is testing your leadership ability so you need to be fully confident in your actions. Maybe he sees his dad as a more confident leader--so get your shoulders back, girl, and be in charge!! :)

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Would you consider using a different walking tool?  Possibly an Easy Walk Harness would help.   Be sure it is not just a regular harness, but the Easy Walk as it has a guide from the front on the chest vs the shoulder blades.

Here is an Amazon Link ( DK link )  http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_11?url=search-alias%3Daps&...

See how the link is in the front Many of  us use these here.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

I used a Gentle Leader head collar to teach both of my dogs to walk on a leash.  I think you'll find that it works wonders.  Here's a photo of someone else's dog wearing one.

 

[Sue & Lily Grace]

I am still having problems walking Lily Grace around the complex. She is 15 weeks old. She walks wonderfully on the trails in the various parks in the area. It is just in the complex so she knows how to walk on the leash. These little things are smart, too smart for the own good sometimes. I agree they are testing. My trainer had me giving a tug to Lily Grace's leash and calling her to come. Without stopping she got a tiny soft treat. This worked great for about a week but now she has figured out if she stops, sits I will call her and she will get a treat. Who is training who? I now pick my times, when she is a little tired I take her out and we battle for the first 5 minutes. I pull her leash and do not say anything but just keep walking as if she was keeping up with me. It is a battle but this is one I have to win.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Have used both the easy walk harnesses and still use the chest one. I won't leave home without it!