Walking Nightmare

[Phoebe's Mom]

It seems that at almost 15 weeks, we have turned a potty corner and Phoebe is managing to have some totally dry days. Our next obstacle is leash walking. She hates to go for a walk which seems to run counter to my perception of happy dog philososphy--see the leash...leap for joy at the prospect of heading outside. Not so for Phoebe--she runs from it. Once I manage to get her outside, each step is an achievement. We did 'heeling' in puppy k and she did okay but out on the open sidewalk so to speak, things are very different. I have tried the Gentle Leader but we both hated it. I moved on to the Gentle Harness but she bucks like a bronco and then 'walks' the rest of the way sideways or she stops dead and will not move. I spoke to our vet and she suggested treats but Phoebe will only take two steps to get the treat and then stop. If I try to lengthen the space between us, she refuses to move at all. I call our 'walks' pull and drags as that is the only way she will move. Please tell me this is simply another phase that I need to survive and not that I am destined to remain on my property as the rest of the dog owners walk on by enjoying the exercise and great weather.

[Doodle Kisses]

It is definitely a puppy stage!

Does Phoebe ever wear her leash around the house? I would suggest putting it on her and training her to get excited at the site of the leash (set walks aside for a week or two) with treats and games. Buy a cheap leash, cut off the hand loop and let her drag it around the house while you supervise. Make the leash 'just another part of life'.

Also don't expect long polite walks at this young age...work on leash manners in short bursts...it is a long road ahead to nice leash walking and keeping sessions short and fun will keep her from learning about the beauty of pulling on leash :)

[Phoebe's Mom]

Thanks! I honestly did not think that my expectations were outlandish but sometimes I lose sight of the fact that she is still so young because she is such a big girl. I will try to work on my own attitude and conceptions about what she 'should' be doing now. Our walks have DEFINITELY lost their 'fun' for both of us. I'll spend some time trying to get that back before we hit the road again.

[sandy b]

Max was horrible for several months. We live on a busy street and everything scared him. I started him with the gentle leader harness because I was afraid he would get out of a collar. The trainer suggested not walking him but let him set the pace. So if he wanted to walk we did, if not we stayed in one spot. Also whenever possible DH & I would walk him together - 1 holding the leash, the other in front holding treats!! I know this is a bit much but it worked. I also took him to a quiet street and that helped a lot. That probably lasted a month and now he loves to go for walks. Just hang in there, it will get better :-)

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

LOL! (sorry I know its not funny but the image of you standing in your yard looking longingly at people walking by....LOL). Put roller skates on her it will make the dragging easier!

Seriously though, keep trying, my 12 yr old didnt like walks at first and now he lives for them.

[Phoebe's Mom]

I loved your response. i actually thought about putting her on my son's skateboard so that at least I could exercise!

[Yvonne, Riley, Murphy and Luca]

I think that is the hardest part. I want to go for the 3 mile walk for exercise and want to do it at a pace that makes it worth while and the constant stopping and starting tends to irritate me. (Well at least some days it does, and other days I am cool with it)

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

SO you think more the former than the latter?

[Phoebe's Mom]

I am loving the rickshaw approach to walking (although I really think Phoebe would go gaga over the personal stroller option)! Where do I buy one???

[Kim]

LOL too funny.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

I agree with wearing a "leash" at all times that you are watching her ( she is not in her crate). I think the cheapest answer is to go to a hardware store and buy three cheap snaps and 50 feet of very thin lightweight nylon line. Make three "leashes" out of this - no loop handles. This way there is a leash on Phoebe, a leash in the wash (they get very dirty) and a spare. These lines are also useful later for teaching no counter surfing etc. Since Phoebe isn't liking the whole walk thing very much, practice in the house, begin with just holding the line and letting her sleep, eat, walk aroung whatever. Keep treats in you pocket, when you are holding the line and she comes up to you or approximates the "walk" position, treat, praise and drop the line. The next day treat, praise take a step or two, if she follows, treat, praise. Add opening the door to go get the mail or just walk out the door to admire the scenery, if she follows treat praise etc. If you NEVER pull towards you in three to five days you will be over the hump. Pulling activates the instinct in all animals ( humans included) to pull back. Take it slow and remember these days, when you are trying to teach her to NOT PULL you down the block. You'll get there!! This is pretty common for puppies. Pretty soon - if you DO NOT PULL - Phoebe's curiousity will win over her fear and you won't be walking in a line, but you will be moving!

[Phoebe's Mom]

I think I need to try the indoor leash approach as you are the second person to suggest it. The best time for me to do it is when all my children are in school in the afternoon--Phoebe is very compliant with me then and the one on one is wonderful. Thanks for the great idea--plus I could expand it to 'no couch' as well! Perfect!

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

Make me the 3rd person to suggest it! This is how we introduce puppies to the leash to begin with. We do this outside too and just let them drag it, when they are puppies they just follow us everywhere it is not untlill they are 6 months old that they start to explore and not return when called.