Whats the best way to get your new puppy to enjoy walking?

Question

My puppy is now 13 weeks, and he sits at the front door and does not move, when he knows he is going out for a walk, as soon as i get the lead out he runs away, is this normal??

Answer 1

Some puppies really balk at the leash in the beginning.

When you are at home, but not planning to go for a walk, attach the leash to his collar and let him drag it around with him.  It will show him the leash is nothing to fear.  However, keep an eye on him, as some dogs will also see the leash as something to chew on.

When you go for a walk with him, keep it very upbeat, positive.  Have a favorite toy, walk for a while, then let him play with the toy for a few minutes.  Then take the toy away and walk a little more.  He will learn that if he walks, he gets his toy.  Gradually phase out the toy during the walk and only give it to him after the walk is over.

Also, a puppy kindergarten class will help with getting him accustomed to things outside of his comfort zone, like walking on a leash, and show him the world is not a place to be scared of.

Answer 2

All puppies hate leashes and collars at first.

Put the leash on him, then get down on the ground and pat the ground / call him.  Back up further and further and keep getting him to come to you.  

He'll get the hang of it, just be patient.

Answer 3

make it play time take his/her toy or a ball  

Answer 4

Let him see that walking is fun for you when the both of you do it together. He is being overly playful and testing what you'll allow him to get away with. (being a brat) Don't reward his running away with any food, treats or affection. Don't get mad and scream at him either.

Just open the door and wait by it, not letting him pass.

When he comes, clip the leash onto the collar and hold him there for a moment - then lead him out the door when you are ready to. Don't let him lead you, at this point you let him know that you are the one who determines when the 2 of you are to move out.

Good Luck!

Answer 5

It is normal for some puppy's. Try putting the lead on him in the house so he gets used to it. Plenty of treats should do the trick!

Answer 6

Don't walk too fast or too far in the beginning. Make it enjoyable for him. Maybe when you reach a point where you turn around to start back to your place give him a treat - a 1/2 way treat.

Answer 7

Do you have a harness for your dog? If not I definitely encourage you to get one.  They don't choke the dog when they walk and pull. You also want to keep the lead very short, at first, until the dog gets used to walking with the lead.

Answer 8

He is scared of something new - Put the lead on him and walk him out of the door - keep the lead as loose as you can and keep on walking.  He will soon get used to walks and enjoy them.  Maybe you could try in the garden at first.  

Answer 9

Try practicing with him on the lead in the house, walking up and down.  When you do walk him walk him short distances and on soft ground.  His pads on his paws might not have hardened and it might have hurt his paws the last couple of times he went out.  

When my dog was very young, even if i wasnt walking him anywhere but just going out in the car i put his lead on to get him used to wearing it out of the house.

Check his collar and lead to make sure they arent hurting him in anyway. Try to make his walks fun - take a squeaky toy, treats, a ball anything to distract him and make it more fun.  remember to keep the walks short at first.