Sitting during walk to watch people/dogs/cars/birds?

[Paul Schumacher]

Zoe has really improved her leash manners as we've been working with her, though now on walks she likes to sit.  She's always loved to watch anything new going on around her, but lately she will just sit and watch any people across the street, birds flying overhead, cars driving by etc.  I love her curiosity, but it is getting more extreme (to the point where we stop 20 times a walk to look at stuff).  Each time, it's tough to get her moving.  So, fellow doodlers, have you had this happen?  What did you do to reduce it?  If I give her a gentle tug on leash, that seems to make her want to stay put more, so to get her moving I pick her up, change her direction and get her moving that way.  Not ideal and she's probably training me more than I'm training her with this...

Thanks!

[Kristin and Sophie]

First, your dog is adorable.  And, I had to laugh at your post.  Sophie likes to sniff and explore, but luckily doesn't sit to watch what is going on around her.  Instead she wants to meet everyone and everything that passes by us.  I think she thinks she is the welcoming committee to our neighborhood and she has to introduce herself to everyone and make them feel welcome.  LOL

I hope you are able to get some good ideas so that you can decrease the time in which Zoe day dreams!  

Take Care,

Kristin

[Paul Schumacher]

Thanks!

[Becka]

You can probably find a lot of good advice in the training group, but it seems to me that besides being curious about what's going on around her, Zoe might be trying to figure out who's really the boss on these walks. I would be sure to take treats with you when you walk, and work on getting Zoe to follow the commands "let's go" to get her moving and then "sit" so that she sits when you decide she can sit. Good luck--she's a beautiful pup!

[Paul Schumacher]

Thank you!

[Jen W]

Dory is the same, but it's because I trained her to do it.  She used to go bonkers every time someone went by on a bike/pushing a stroller/riding a skateboard so I trained her to sit at every bike/stroller/skateboard and look at me instead of flipping out.  I'm happy that she no longer loses her mind, but I do wish we could just keep moving when we saw these distractions.

[Paul Schumacher]

We did that early on with Zoe as well.  Her default is sitting now, which is great, except when I want to keep moving!

[Judi Kilpatrick]

One of my boys will do that, most of the time he's just curious and wants to see what's going on in the world and other times I think he's just a bit stubborn. If I don't feel like standing on the sidewalk forever I'll tell him to come, put some stress on the leash and turn my back to him, takes a few seconds (some times a little longer...lol) but he eventually gets it and will stand and walk along with me. He's almost 8 months and reminds me of a teenager so this too shall pass! By the way, Zoe is gorgeous!

[Paul Schumacher]

Thank you, Zoe is also 8 months so maybe just a phase!  We are going to try these suggestions!

[Judith and Addie]

First, your Zoe is a beautiful girl. Second, I can understand your frustration. Here is a link to a post I wrote when I was ready to tear my hair out one evening. http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/puppymadness/forum/topics/excuse-...

Anyway, I would agree with those who think it may be a little bit of testing, not just enjoying the view. My little girl is walking much better now. She not only sat, but then lay down. I am using treats now - when she is walking nicely. When she lies down, I let her look around for up to maybe half a minute and then say, "Let's go" with a small tug on the leash. If she gets up and walks well for several feet, then I give her a treat. I give her treats (either kibble or a small piece of treat) as we walk if she is walking well, anywhere from 10 - 30 feet apart, and increase the distance between treats the closer to home, since she seems to want to go home. If she lies down and won't get up with a little coaxing, I squeak a toy to get her attention and then give the leash a little tug. That usually work. 

[Jolene, Sassparilla & Josie]

OMD, SHE'S BEAUTIFUL. What an adorable expression. See now I'm gonna be absolutely no help, I would love if my girls stopped to smell the roses and enjoy their surroundings more often. Of course this coming from two horrible pullers!

[Sue]

No advice, but did you use your I-phone for that shot? It's great!!

[Susan and Bentley]

he is gorgeous and Bentley does the same thing.  He loves to sit down in the middle of a walk and watch anything, everything!  lol