Stubborn on leash

[Alex Prunka]

Hi all,

Been awhile since I posted! Recently we got a second Goldendoodle. He's now 10 weeks old. We live in an apartment, so we take him out on a leash. He has gotten use to the leash/collar, but has become quite stubborn about walking with me. He's usually perfectly fine when both dogs go out (he loves to follow his big brother) but when it's just me it seems impossible! He'll resist walking by trying to dig in or sit down. He'll wander if we are out in the grass, but if I am trying to walk around the complex or on his way in/out to the grass, he doesn't want to follow me. I've noticed the worst is when walking into a covered area: he is really against following me into my father-in-law's garage, and equally as difficult when walking into the breezeway area of the building. As soon as he notices cover over our head he digs in. Again, this is usually less of a problem with our other dog around.

I've tried leaving the leash on him inside a lot, and walking with treats. If he stops walking, I give him a quick tug on the leash and tell him to come, and when he does I will give him a training treat. That has seemed to help, but if I don't have the treats he's back to stubbornness. I never had this issue with the older guy, he was a born natural! Any suggestions? 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Do you think he has some fear going from sun to shade or the reverse?  If he is going out to pee, I'd probably carry him, although that doesn't solve your problem.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

At ten weeks always take treats.  He is still young and any training you do will last his lifetime.  He is probably wary of shade, enclose space, etc.  He is not being stubborn, so always carry treats and reward him for being a good brave dog.  You could also throw treats in for him to find in the scary space after you have lured him in with treats.  That will help it become a good place.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I agree with this.  It really does sound like there are some fear issues going on and you don't want to magnify those fears by forcing him into situations where he is frightened.  Treats and patience are what he needs right now iMO.

[Margaret M Pitts]

My Katie is 10 weeks and acting a little more stubborn with the leash. Reminding me of my two year old grandson, so wondering if 10 weeks is equivalent to being a 2 year old human LOL  She runs hot and cold but I will follow the advice of the treats cuz she will do anything for a treat and me sayin "good girl, Katie" :-)