Walking

[Rose Ann and Amante]

Ok Advice time, Amante is 12 weeks old. I am having a hard time walking him on a leash. He just sits. I have tried encouraging him along with sweet love talk<3. I have tried bribing him along the way with kibble and some really good treats. We get around the block but have probably eaten an entire meal along the way. I no not pull on the leash. I am getting very frustrated. About to consider maybe a Clicker trainer to come to the house. He is perfect every other aspect. He sits, lays down goes on his bed, rings the bell. Perfect.
 The Vet said to give it time. I am still worried about it though. Any suggestions!

[Meridith and Lola]

Armante may grow out of it as most people think but I have always had this problem with Lola (and she is 2 1/2).  She likes to plop herself down and look around to see who is coming by that might want to give her a belly rub.  I live in NYC so there is a good chance someone will.  Most of the time I think it is very funny and have not been as consistent as I should be in correcting the behavior though I worked with various trainers who had different techniques from a training collar to treats.  

What finally worked more or less was to use the "Walk" command.  I would stop at the corners and have her sit and then when we would start walking, I would say Walk and proceed.  When she stopped when she wasn't asked, I would tell her to "Walk".  If she didn't you give a correction with the leash (a strong pull on the collar) and say "NO".  She usually would get up and start walking......  Now I just have to say NO without a correction to get her moving again. A good trainer can give you more specifics and I'm sure a clicker could work as well.  - timing is everything

 

Good luck.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

It will take time, what about throwing the kibble in front of you so he gets to the end of the leash to go get it? Then keep walking and evey now and then throw another one-he'll never know when he'll get one. You will learn about jackpots in puppy class. I agree he's young and you WILL WISH for these days back when your next issue is pulling you down the block.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I you throw kibble to encourage walking, isn't leave it  harder to teach?

[Rose Ann and Amante]

Leave it is actually going well! I let him sniff a treat in my hand when he drops the item, I quickly give him the treat and say leave it!! Most of the time now I say leave it and he does. I don't always have a treat!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I've got it!  I've got the solution!  All day I kept thinking about your statement, " want a walking companion. I want to walk myself thin lol!

Sine he is a baby, and you want to walk for exercise and reduce weight, pick him up.

Use that little guy as a weight.  Pick him up when he won't walk, continue on your way, then let him down.  Awesome workout!   LOL..  I'm serious. 

In no time though, he will walk.  Your next discussion will be, " Help, my doodle is PULLING me down the road"

[Rose Ann and Amante]

LOL I was doing that today! I WANTED to walk!!! I kept picking him up. My Neighbors were hysterical. They see me trying everyday to walk him. Thanks!!!!!

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

Great idea Joanne!