[trumpetjock]

To start off, we've nearly abolished the pulling with Rocky already. The only thing he pulls for is little kids. He absolutely LOVES little kids, and will nearly choke himself to death before stops running to them. The problem we're having now is completely opposite: he stops.

He's started planting his feet in extremely hard and refusing to go. The worst part is that the moment I let up, he starts walking again. It's almost like he's testing to see if he actually has to go where I want him. Up until this point I've used ONLY positive reinforcement and interrupts, but with this I've started using a little rougher method, and I wanted to make sure I'm doing the right thing. The last two days on our walks, I've just kept walking slowly ahead when he plants. He'll drag for a good 50 feet sometimes, but the INSTANT he lets up and starts walking I give him a huge treat and make a big deal about it.

I feel really really bad when he's dug in and I'm dragging him along, and I probably look like the worst dog owner ever, but it's making progress. Is this an alright method to use, and does anyone have a better suggestion? I've tried the whole "make being with you a super fun thing, get him excited" already. He'll have none of that.

[TooneyDogs]

The important things to consider when he stops...Is he in pain? Just tired? Perhaps afraid...got too far from home? Only you can decide the reason why and the appropriate response.

[Durbkat]

I had to do that when Snoopy was a puppy. If I tried to walk to far away from his potty spot he would plant down and wouldn't move. So I pulled him along while bending down to his level and saying stuff in a happy and high pitched tone saying "come on Snoopy, come here!" and after alittle while he started following me. But I also gave him a treat when he stopped dragging and walked. Just like you are doing. Just be careful as far as how much strength you are putting into pulling him. When I pulled Snoopy his soft pads cracked and peeled off. One time a big chunk was hanging off and he kept chewing at it. So I called the vet and he said I could cut it off.

[trumpetjock]

Originally Posted by TooneyDogs

The important things to consider when he stops...Is he in pain? Just tired? Perhaps afraid...got too far from home? Only you can decide the reason why and the appropriate response.

That's definitely not the case. We've been going on 1.5 - 2 mile walks every day for nearly a month now. We take the same route 5 days a week, and a different one on the weekends. He's not tired either, it'll happen right at the beginning of the walk, and he'll be brim full of energy when we walk out the door.

[Curbside Prophet]

I don't quite understand... Is he planting his feet at the sight of kids? Or do you feel there's no reason why he's stopping? Is he looking at you when he does it? If not, what is he looking at?

[trumpetjock]

Originally Posted by Curbside Prophet

I don't quite understand... Is he planting his feet at the sight of kids? Or do you feel there's no reason why he's stopping? Is he looking at you when he does it? If not, what is he looking at?

There is no visible reason for him planting. He plants at random, and the minute I let pressure off the lead, he'll walk a few steps, then plant again. It really seems like he's planting just to say "hey, I don't want to go that way".

The kids thing was just about pulling, not planting. I've abolished his pulling behavior except when little kids are present - he REALLY wants to go meet them.

[Curbside Prophet]

Originally Posted by trumpetjock

We take the same route 5 days a week, and a different one on the weekends.

Does he act the same way on the different route?

[trumpetjock]

Originally Posted by Curbside Prophet

Does he act the same way on the different route?

That's actually a very good question. I'll find out in about t minus 11 hours. When I know, I'll post more info.

[Durbkat]

I found with Snoopy if I went a different way he'd want to explore and would walk.