My puppy doesn't want to go outside for a walk

[Evelyn Song]

It's my third day with my labradoodle puppy Pepper. Everything is going well with the potty training, though he had 1 small accident this afternoon.

One problem I am having with him is that he doesn't seem to like walking on the leash outside. When we go out for our walks, he would pull on the leash, bite on the leash, and then start laying down on the grass and don't want to move anymore. He wouldn't follow me or my boyfriend at all during the walk and we never move more than 10 feet away from my door. Is it just because he's still young? or not used to the place? (he's about 7 and half weeks old) What should I do?

Thanks!

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Hi Evelyn ~ your puppy is very young.  Most do not leave their mom's until 8 weeks.  It will take him some time to get some confidence.  Leaving his momma and siblings is quite overwhelming for him.  He probably should not be out there walking until he has majority of his puppy shots.  My vet told me it was best if they do not go out into public much until they are 14 weeks.  You should be taking your new puppy into the vet for his wellness check soon.  In order for our puppies health guarantee to be in effect, I had to take them to my vet within the first week of having them home. 

I do not know if you have joined the Puppy Madness group yet, but if you have not, it would be a very good group to join.  Good luck with your new little one.

[Emily, Bentley, & Maserati]

I agree with everything Linda said, great advice! 

[Evelyn Song]

Thanks a lot. I brought him to see the vet yesterday and everything was fine health wise. I will try to just play with him inside the house then! 

[Adina P]

Walks as we think of them are really pretty unnecessary for a pup his age--especially since he hasn't finished his immunization.  If it were me I'd just put the leash on him and let him drag it around the backyard while you hang out with him.  That will let him get used to the leash and forget its there.  But really he is super young, a baby, really. 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I agree, right now he's young for an actual "walk".  For the first few weeks it's really all about getting him used to the idea that he needs to potty outside versus walking.  I'd take him out and if the weather is nice enough just get down in the grass with him and let him play and explore.  I like Adina's idea of letting him drag the leash to get used to having it on.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Oh my goodness, he is a baby.  Just a tiny baby.  Right now, he needs held close to you.  Just a week ago,his legs were wobbly. My Spud, who is very athletic now, fell over until he was five- months old  Your puppy, even if he wanted to,  doesn't have that muscle development yet. Give him a few weeks. A month.  He will walk.

Give him even more time to understand the collar, the leash, the concept of a walk.

Be patient. He isnt a dog yet, he is a baby.

A human baby takes a  year to develop enough muscle strength to walk. Even then, that human baby takes months to walk.  They usually take a few steps, then fall.   Same concept here just not as long. 

Be patient. Hold your puppy close to you.  Walk him in your arms and show him the world with him close and safe. He will be running away in no time

[Hua]

7 1/2 weeks seem to be too young to go walking outside.  I didn't let mine out for regular walks until he got all his shots. 

[DonMarie and Picco]

I think he's still too young. At this point you might just want to work on keeping him from biting fingers etc., just introduce him to toys, work on potty training and getting him to come to you by his name. When he's ready and learning to come when you call, try just hooking up the leash to his collar and letting him drag it around and get use to it, just watch so he doesn't chew on it. Right now you just need to get to know each other!