[jrmtl]

Hello all,

I don't know what it is but the 4 month old does not like to walk with me either because i don't know how to walk him or whatever it is he's afraid of
He just stops soon after stepping out of the house and even if i tug on the leash ( which won't help i know )

My wife has no issues ??!?

What can I change?

thx

 

[jrmtl]

I guess that's one way.... Will try that

 

[danoxlifex]

Some more info would be helpful. How old is the pup and how long have you had him? What breed is he/ how big is he? When he stops, do you think he is being stubborn or actually scared? Does he exhibit other signs of being an alpha dog? How do you compare to your wife-- meaning does your wife do most of the training, feeding, etc? And also, are you much taller and bigger built than you wife?

Since your wife has no problems walking the pooch, the puppy might be afraid of you. Perhaps you are very tall or your voice is very deep. If this is the case, you need to approach the dog from the side when attaching the leash and talk in a higher-pitched happy voice.

More likely though, is that you puppy doesn't see you as a leader. If your wife does most of the training, feeding, and even grooming-- you need to start pitching in. Google NILF and start applying it. Teach your dog to walk INDOORS with you first-- using treats as encouragement.

Check this video out:
http://www.ehow.com/video_2348863_teach-puppy-walk-leash-part.html

This whole series is extremely helpful. Be patient and persistent and eventually, your pup will come through.

 

[jrmtl]

Thanks for your input !

He's a 5 month old German shep/ Lab mix and about 45 pounds.
My wife does most of feeding and caring. I will bring treats as it seems to be working ...

He is definitely not scared of me as he tries to dominate me sometimes.
Anyways I will try what you say

 

[Cracker]

Thanks for your input !

He is definitely not scared of me as he tries to dominate me sometimes.
Anyways I will try what you say

What the?? He's four months old and dominating you? OH no..this is SO not true. LOL

He's jumping, humping, nipping etc? Not dominance. Nope. PUPPY is what it is. Patience, training and giving up your ideas of "dominance" will go a long way. Check out www.dogstardaily.com for lots of great tips and info and videos etc on puppy craziness.

At four months almost ALL puppies go through the "putting on the brakes" when walking. Totally normal. Doesn't matter what breed..it's like they are "going outside! YAY" and then "OMG I"M OUTSIDE>>>shutdown.

A squeaky toy, treats etc may help to get him up and moving..though sometimes the best thing you can do is just stand there and wait. The little golden pup I was walking did the same thing. If I waited (anywhere between 10-30 seconds...but it always FEELS longer..lol) she would just eventually shake it off, take a deep breath and off we'd go again..at least until the next time. LOL.

The world can be a very scary place for a puppy, overwhelming. Patience is key.

Please do some research on positive reinforcement training and give up the ridiculous dominance stuff...it will only set you up to have problems...puppies are a clean slate..it's up to you to train him right.

 

[jrmtl]

Thanks for all that ! Much appreciated...

We are new at this and I guess we're just hearing different opinions

 

[mattielax26]

My pup, Lucy, does kind of the same thing.

Lucy is a 10-week old Doxle. She lives in our apt on the third floor. When its time to go out, she fights it. I drag her out then carry her down stairs and drop in some grass to start the process.

She usually just sits there for about a minute. Sometimes I just start walking and drag her along for a little while. I stop to give her a break (She's young). Then eventually, she up and trying to lead. Then she sits, lays, lounges, etc. Then she's ready to go.

I think she's just tired. We usually do this for about 20-30 minutes in the morning, and then 15-minutes at lunch time. Then 2 more 20 minute sessions after I get off of work. The lunchtime routine is especially horrible.

We're in Houston and it's been oppressively hot here. She is less than pleased when we go out. I keep an eye on her, bring some water and give her some rest.

She's a good walker once she gets going, but can be so stubborn sometimes. I've gotten a feel for when I need to roll with the punches and when she's just stalling. Just have to feel it out.