[Helly]

Decided to take Jackson (16 weeks) on my morning walk...at 4:00 a.m...just a half mile to see how he did....I don't walk fast at all...he didn't fight the leash...didn't pull...he just wouldn't go...I mean...would not go.

Took him home and went back and finished my walk....completely discouraged.

 

[DSudd]

LOL, Helly I am sure at 4 this morning you did not think it was funny. (Kudos to you cause I could not be up at 4 AM to exercise.)

I am sure Apollo would do the same thing at this point. I am sure in time he will get there.

 

[WiscTiger]

I could tell you that not all of my dogs would be happy about excercise at 4 AM. That is still sleepy time for them. How does Jackson do other times on walks.

 

[Helly]

Well, I go at 4:00 because its the only time it is reasonably cool and really the only time I have to go....he is so playful with our other dog at that time of the morning I thought he would like the walk...boy was I wrong....should I try again or just let it go for a while?

 

[DHau]

Been there done that. lol. I would try again tomorrow. Puppy needs to get into a routine.

 

[gagsd]

Puppies are not stubborn, just confused. Here is a short bit I wrote for our training club:

Leash Training
Puppies need a simple, buckle collar and an appropriate weight, 6 foot leash. Heavy duty chokers and/or pinch collars are not appropriate and do not look macho-- they look moronic. You should not put a leash on the pup and then drag it around. Build a bond first; your puppy will happily follow you anywhere. You can allow the puppy to wear the collar and drag the leash around to get used to it, if supervised! If you choose to use an extenda-leash, please use it correctly. They can be good tools for going potty or getting a little more exercise when there are no other dogs or people around. Please do NOT use them to walk your dog around other dogs, at the vet clinic, etc. It is very poor doggy-etiquette to allow your sweet little Punkin to run out the 15 feet of an extenda-leash to every other person or dog in the vicinity. It can also be dangerous. Just because Punkin is friendly, does not mean the other dog (or person) is.

I doubt the 4AM time had anything to do with it. Put the leash on him at home, and stand in front, call him to you, praise and treat. You do not have to hold the leash, just let him drag it.

 

[Helly]

Up until a week or so ago he always had the leash on....drug it around the house, etc...so he is used to it...when we go places he is fine on the leash...doesn't pull, stops and sits when I stop walking....he is used to the leash.

He just doesn't want to go for a walk...but he is going again tomorrow.

I hope

 

[gagsd]

Maybe there was something scary?! Like a great big killer garbage can on the sidewalk?
My old Aussie was terrified of those as a pup!

 

[BlackGSD]

My guess would be that it is dark at 4am? And he is probably afraid of the dark. Sounds "funny" but my pup was. There was a BIG difference between walking during daylight hours and walking after dark. She acted like the "Boggie man" was going to get her at night. But after forcing her to walk at night, she got over it. Chances are you are going to have to make him do it, he isn't going to do it "on his own" for quite a while otheriwse.

 

[Helly]

I swear I've racked my brain....He didn't seem scared of anything...I just don't know...but I'm going to try again tomorrow...

 

[BlackGSD]

Is this a walk that you and Jackson take during the day? Or is it something totally "strange"?

 

[Helly]

Originally Posted By: BlackGSDIs this a walk that you and Jackson take during the day? Or is it something totally "strange"?

This was our first time out to go walk...so its new for him...I do think it was "operator error" (me being the operator)..I expected far too much of him, but only because he has been so easy to train, taken to everything so quickly I just expected him to just go right along with me.

 

[BlackGSD]

If he has NEVER walked before , my guess is that is your answer. Most puppies get used to new surroundings pretty quickly. (Like your house.) But as soon as you go to do something strange, they get "concerned", or fearfull. (Especially at that age.) I would try to walk him during the day first. Even if it is hot, just going a block or so away from the house and back will get him used to walking and he will be able to check out the surroundings better if it is light out.

 

[WVGSD]

Would you consider having a baggie or pocket full of goodies with you tomorrow morning? Since it will be early, perhaps his empty tummy would over-ride his level of concern and he might be more willing to follow you for the "reward" in your hand.

 

[BlackGSD]

Originally Posted By: WVGShepWould you consider having a baggie or pocket full of goodies with you tomorrow morning? Since it will be early, perhaps his empty tummy would over-ride his level of concern and he might be more willing to follow you for the "reward" in your hand.

 

[tracyc]

I wonder what would happen if you just started walking and left him sitting on the sidewalk? With my pups, I wouldn't have gotten more than 30 feet from them and they would be running to keep up.

I still use this technique sometimes. If Luca and I are on an off-leash walk, I want him to stay close by me. If he stops or dawdles, I don't wait for him--I hurry up and go faster. He won't let very many feet get between us and he comes running to catch up to me.

With our new puppy, the surest way to get her to go somewhere is to take off running in that direction--and then she'll follow. But tugging or nudging her to move doesn't work at all.

 

[Eve-Lynn]

A little off topic but I find it amazing that we all go through the same things. At first I assumed my dog was the only one who didn't want to walk away from the house but it sounds like this is a common problem. I LOVE this forum.

 

[Helly]

Yep, I'm going to take a bag of treats for him....he will do anything for mama's chicken

 

[BlackGSD]

Originally Posted By: HellyYep, I'm going to take a bag of treats for him....he will do anything for mama's chicken

Be sure and let us know how it goes.

 

[Helly]

Originally Posted By: BlackGSD

Originally Posted By: HellyYep, I'm going to take a bag of treats for him....he will do anything for mama's chicken

Be sure and let us know how it goes.

I will and thanks to everyone for your help