My puppy is almost 5 months old and a smart ball of fluff, he refuses and i mean refuses to walk whatsoever away from the house, he is fine about putting on his leash etc and walking with it in the house and in the front lawn etc, but he just digs his feet on the ground and says nope am not walking once we are a few steps away from the house!, I have tried giving him treats, praising him, waiting for him to walk towards me,a small tug, nothing works and I mean nothing I have tried it all, I just am done. If I pick him up and walk away from the house and put him down to see if he will walk he will walk/run back to the house no problem but away from it is impossible, I mean he throws himself on the floor and refuses to walk or he just stands there and if I tug a little he just lowers his head and lies down, I have tried everything am so done, he just refuses to go on a walk it's frustrating, I never had this problem with previous dogs! I really wish I can get him to walk but he just doesn't no matter what I do so am about done and so is my husband, we just don't walk him at all because he won't move at all unless it's on the way back home not a problem but walking away from the house it's impossible I am pretty much done. I am desperate can someone share some advice.
Green243
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I have a couple of ideas: Have you tried driving to a local park and seeing if he will walk there? Maybe a totally different environment might help.
Another idea is to walk around in your yard, to the point where he stops. Encourage him to make one step, and then turn back. Keep trying to get one step further, a little at a time. Use treats or a squeaky toy. Try not to force him, but encourage every effort he makes . If you have a back door, or a side door, try going out that way and head off down the back way instead.
Also, try a long lead and just play with him and his toys until he gets comfortable out there. Make the sessions short - quit before he is ready to quit. That will make him excited to go back and play the next time. Eventually, throw the toy a little past his threshold. See if you can make him forget about that invisible line that holds him back. Give it lots of time. I'm thinking many short play sessions, for as long as it takes, and it might take a few weeks.
Another idea is to walk around in your yard, to the point where he stops. Encourage him to make one step, and then turn back. Keep trying to get one step further, a little at a time. Use treats or a squeaky toy. Try not to force him, but encourage every effort he makes . If you have a back door, or a side door, try going out that way and head off down the back way instead.
Also, try a long lead and just play with him and his toys until he gets comfortable out there. Make the sessions short - quit before he is ready to quit. That will make him excited to go back and play the next time. Eventually, throw the toy a little past his threshold. See if you can make him forget about that invisible line that holds him back. Give it lots of time. I'm thinking many short play sessions, for as long as it takes, and it might take a few weeks.
That's sounds a lot like how Riley was too. It took him months to get him to enjoy walks without stopping or dragging me back home. @lucklein made some great suggestions. What also worked for my dog was to have a walking buddy to show him the ropes.
I also want to add that you should try not to rush things. I forced my dog to go too far to fast and it just made him more fearful and of things he wasn't before.
Good luck and don't give up! I know it can be a challenge, just take things slow, I'm sure everything will work out fine
I also want to add that you should try not to rush things. I forced my dog to go too far to fast and it just made him more fearful and of things he wasn't before.
Good luck and don't give up! I know it can be a challenge, just take things slow, I'm sure everything will work out fine
Why are you so desperate for him to walk outside? Smaller dogs don't require alot of exercise. Running around the yard or playing with him inside is enough exercise for them.
When I tried walking my girl as a pup she did just the same. I didn't push her and I tried again after a few weeks. I believe she was 8 months when she finally decided she enjoyed walks. Now, when I bring the harness out she gives a dance and claps her paws with excitement. Just remember 5 months his still a baby and everything is new and can be frighting to them.
Also, do you think the pavement might be too hot for his paws?
When I tried walking my girl as a pup she did just the same. I didn't push her and I tried again after a few weeks. I believe she was 8 months when she finally decided she enjoyed walks. Now, when I bring the harness out she gives a dance and claps her paws with excitement. Just remember 5 months his still a baby and everything is new and can be frighting to them.
Also, do you think the pavement might be too hot for his paws?
The puppy is fearful, not willful.
First off, understand that a walk around the block is a human invention and expectation, not a necessity for all dogs.
I would suggest you approach this slowly and carefully through counter conditioning.
First off, understand that a walk around the block is a human invention and expectation, not a necessity for all dogs.
I would suggest you approach this slowly and carefully through counter conditioning.
hi everyone, i really appreciate all of the feedback. The reason why i would like to get him to walk outside for at least a few minutes is because poor thing is home all day, i thought a walk would be nice for him, i can't afford a dog walker or someone to pass by. I was thinking that at least when we get home or in the mornings we can take him on a short walk i was not asking for an hour but at least for 2-5 minutes to see if he enjoys it since he loves been outside.
lucklein, excellent advice i will try this out, he loves been outside this might work little by little, thank you.
lucklein, excellent advice i will try this out, he loves been outside this might work little by little, thank you.
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