Walking and stopping

[Shianne Mack]

I take my puppy on short (15-30 minute) walks and at first he was doing great! He followed along side me perfectly and wouldn't stop too much, but for some reason recently he always stops and sits down. Most of the time it is in shaded grass areas, but it happens sometimes as often as a minute into the walk. Is he tired already, hot, or does he just like to sit in grass? Anyone else have or had this problem! Thanks!

[Emily Lau]

Hello Shianne, When my first puppy was 3-6 months old, he was really really hard to walk. He stopped every time he encountered a new thing - new person/new item/new ANYTHING... he would screeched to a halt and sat, then looked.... after 15 secs to a min, he would walk again.

I would let him do it, and also encourage continuous walking by giving him treats while going on walks. Getting more confidence, combined with treats, got him out of the cycle and started walking really well.

So -- all in all - nothing to worry about! Regular puppy stuff :)

:) 

E

[Butch and Michele]

Try peanut butter on a wooden spoon to entice pup

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Lots of people post about this problem, so you are not alone.  I haven't ever had a dog who does this so I don't have any suggestions other than to keep walking so that the dog knows that you are the one in charge. However you would have to take the dog's age and stamina into account when setting up your walk.

[Missy]

my puppy did not like walks either at first.  When I inquired at the vets, they encouraged me to not push the issue, just make sure he was getting exercise of some sorts.  and when he went in for neutering, they did xray and discovered his hip ball joint was smaller than his socket.  the vet said it just takes time for everything to grow in all the right places. 

Maybe talk with your vet.  They can examine and make sure he is not experiencing discomfort.

For us: once he finally grew completely, he loves going on his walks!  All I have to do is pick up the leash and he comes running.  

In the meantime, I worked with him on a leash in the yard.  Like others have said, you still have to let them know who is boss!!

[Ellen Kennedy]

My 3 month old GD puppy used to walk fine, but ever since a truck went by and scared her, she is reluctant to go far from home.  I have been throwing "surprise" treats ahead of us for her to find, so she thinks walking is extra fun, and stopping by friends' houses for visits.  She is doing better, but still not up for more than a 5 or 10 minute walk.  I thought she would be ready for 15 minutes by this age.  I'll ask our vet for advice as well.  Maybe it's a doodle thing.  We had a rescue shepherd pup for a while who, at 4 months, wanted to walk 3 - 5 miles per day.  Really.