New behaviour problem...

[Nikki & Charlie]

So I recently posted about my dog having a problem with not wanting to walk. I also wanted to mention a new behaviour of his ... 

When we do go for walks, as soon as we get back to our area that he's familiar with (and thus knows his way home) he begins pulling SO hard that I can hardly hold him back. I keep trying to make him sit beside me, wait for him to look at me, and continue to walk but no matter how many times I do it he does not stop pulling!!

This is just a recent behaviour he's never pulled like this before, he's like he can't wait to get back home. Is this a form of anxiety? 

[Christy L.]

Not sure how old your pup is but it took months and months to get our Marli to stop doing this.  As soon as she knew we were headed home she would really start to pull.  I would try to make sure I was in no hurry so I could stop as many times as I needed to as well as doing things like reversing direction or speeding up and slowing down.  Probably 2-3 months ago she seemed to finally really get it.  It was a gradual process.  She is now just over 1 year old.  Also I do try to praise her when she is doing really well and also to sometimes take treats to reinforce the good behavior.  Hope that helps.  

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

It really seems to me that he is the one controlling the walk...he's deciding when, where and how fast he wants to walk.  I really think if you don't do some serious training the walk will not be very enjoyable for either one of you.  If it is anxiety, the only way to help him with it is to show that you are in charge...you are the leader and he is safe with you.  Have you been to any classes or worked with a trainer yet?

[Missy]

I am not a professional.....but I think your pup is growing up!  He is feeling comfortable and he is wanting to be in charge! 

You have to choose to be the leader and not allow him to do this.  AND this can take some time.  IF you let these pups get away with leading, it can take even more time to gain control again. 

If you can get to a class for training would be great. Otherwise, just practice, practice, practice.  As you come back down the street, turn in circles or go around obstacles. You are trying to teach the pup to follow your lead. 

We are self trained, so I don't know of a specific 'training'. We practiced 'walking' from the very beginning, and would work on it in the yard before moving to the street.  Local Lowes allows you to take pups in there and we did that when we needed distractions or if was raining.  i found that a shorter leash or take up the slack on a leash to have pup beside you and not 'in front' of you helped. 

I have even practiced (off the leash)  in the yard with a treat in my closed hand and pup would follow me as I walked. I would go around the yard, around trees, around the house over and over. if he followed closely, he got a piece of treat. then over time, I would increase the distance. 

You can do this! Just realize this takes time and you have to lead all the time.