Dog hates going for walks

[Carole]

I have a 14 month old female miniature schnauzer. She is a sweetheart and
very well trained. I have one problem. She hates going for a walk. I have
gotten her used to the leash very slowly. I have put it on her and just let
her wear it around the house. I have done everything the right way. I think
she simply doesn't like to go for walks. The minute I put it on her to go
for a walk she just sits down and won't budge. I think exercise is important
but am at my wits end. I have tried bribing her with treats etc. I have
tried dragging her. I have done everything I have heard about but she just
plants herself and will not move. Are there dogs that just don't like to go
for walks? Most of the things you read about are about dogs that pull on
the leash. I have the opposite problem and there isn't much advise about it.
Help - I just don't know what else to do.

[KOPsarah]

hi carole and thanks for your post,

First of all we need to rule out pain. Make sure her collar is not too tight or too loose. If you can put two fingers snugly between the collar and her neck the fit is good. If your puppy does not run around much or is also reluctant to move at times when not on the leash ask your vet to check it over for illness or injury especially of the feet and legs.

Introducing Collars and Leads
Leash walking is very rewarding and exciting for most dogs, but your young dog doesn't know this yet. Making the whole thing fun with play and treats will help get things moving in the right direction.

First of all bring the lead out regularly and have it lying around the house so your puppy gets used to the sight of it and doesn’t become anxious about it. Also continue to put your dog on the leash for 10 minutes at a time several times a day starting inside the house and later outside on the lawn or sidewalk. When you first start inside you don’t even need to be holding the leash just put it on gently while distracting your young dog with a fun game or treat and keep praising her while she remains unconcerned about it and is ignoring it. If your dog goes to pick up or chew the lead give a gentle but firm ‘AHH’ and quickly distract it with a toy or treat then praise again. This will help prevent problems later on, such as leash chewing while walking.

Once she is comfortable with the lead itself ( you may fell she is already at this stage now) it’s time to start working on walking on the leash. Feeding time is a good time to work on this conditioning, when you have the dish in your hand and an eager dog at your feet. With the leash attached, back away from her. Use your body language and her name to attract her to follow. Move around a bit with her, making it a fun game, before putting down the dish and thus delivering a great reward.

At other times when she is likely to be interested in games and treats, use a bit of food from her next meal to condition her to look at you and move with you. Keep moving away from her, encouraging her to follow you. Young dogs naturally do this anyway, so the training is easy and fun. Pretty soon she will learn that being leashed is not a bad thing.

Once she is used to doing this around the house start taking the games outdoors to the yard, then later on to the footpath and down the road. Take it slowly with several short sessions daily and make sure its heaps of fun.

Once your dog is happy to walk on the leash and go for proper walks start reading up on teaching heel and good leash walking behavior from your Secrets to Dog Training manual to prevent bad pulling and walking behaviors from forming.

I hope this helps, if you have any further questions please don't hesitate to ask.