Walk

[Shy]

My 17 week goldendoodle has become so stubborn with walks. We work during the day so I get a walk in before work and after dinner once it cools down. Lately she wil just sit and not move or if I get her leash she sees and lays down and won't move, sometimes she will turn her back to me and sit facing the door to go inside. We are still housebreaking her and it's very difficult at times and I want her to get some exercise and she's on strike!! Anyone have any tips? I don't want to drag her around the block.

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

I have friends with a golden retriever puppy who is about the same age as your goldendoodle. They have been having the same experience with their pup, so they have started to take her into the car and start their walk when they have driven away from their immediate neighborhood.  The puppy is happy to walk when she's not too close to home, so after they walk, they get back into the car and drive to their house. They have also found that she is more cooperative on walks with other dogs -- something about walking in a small pack seems to encourage her and stops her from laying down and refusing to move. I would also put her into some sort of walking harness, so that you're not putting too much pressure on her neck when you need to get her going.  

[Shy]

Thank you!!

[Adina P]

With pups (especially while I'm training them), I pretty much do all "walks" in big open areas.  I just walk all over rather than down a sidewalk.  Once they learn to stay near me and not pull or wander or stop and have a decent 'heel' I take to the sidewalks, but until then it's much easier in a park or open field.

[Shy]

Thank you!!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

The Doggy Dan online training program has lots of free videos on You Tube....just google them.  He does give some great advice about walking dogs that might be helpful.  One thing that I really like about his process is that you start small.  Put the leash on give her a command (like "walk" or "heel) and then just move forward a few steps.  When she does it, treat and praise.  Then give a break for a minute and start again...each time going a little farther.  I would not give her the option of refusing...even if it's just a couple steps.  Even at this age she needs to learn that you control the walk.

[Shy]

Thank you

[Shy]

Thank you. I will do that!!!