DOGS WHO REFUSE TO GO FOR A WALK

DOGS WHO REFUSE TO GO FOR A WALK

Try to work out why.

Has something just changed in his world?

Have you moved house?

Has he has a an operation?

Is he old and going blind or deaf?

Did he have a bad experience out on a walk?

Is he in pain?

Or are you in pain or ill?

Is he frightened of some or all noises ?

If it is sudden onset, then please visit you vet.

One of my old boys at the age of 14 decided that it was all too much effort and when I went off with my other two dogs he stayed happily in the garden or house. He didn’t have to go if he didn’t want to. So give it some thought. If your dog is younger and is physically fit, then again don’t force. He’s anxious and vet checked and given a clean bill of health, SO TAKE IT SLOW.

If your dog buries himself behind a chair when he sees the lead and digs his heels in…he doesn’t want to go out. So do not force the issue or you’ll be seen by his as a bully. There is a reason for him feeling like that so have some empathy. If he is relaxed and happy in the house and garden then play with him, take the stress away by not even trying to get the lead out, just have some fun. 

A few days on and he’s chilled, it maybe weeks but you’ll have to look at all the other issues he may have not this one in isolation to get him to really trust you. During this time at home you will also need to desensitize him to the lead ...

Have the lead and harness on the floor don’t attach it but play round it. Let it just be there. Then when he’s used to that, move it with your foot and carry on as normal.  As time goes by you can gradually introduce his harness and play with that on him. Have him come to you and accept a food reward whilst the harness in on the flor next to you, touch the harness and give a reward of food, slowly but surly he'll be able to accept the harness again and then take day by day slowly introducing him to walking with you with lead dragging on the floor or tucked into the harness. There is no rush to venture into the outside world. Take it slow, within his time frame and not your expectations. Patience is all.

Make nothing out of something and it will become nothing. 

I always suggest putting a jumper on the dog under the Harness to help the feeling of security. When the jumper harness and lead are attached and he happy walking round the home and garden with you, only then would I suggest you venture out of your boundary.

There is no quick fix to mend a head full of fear. 

If you wonder why we don’t use a lot of food read this blog

http://www.puredoglisteners.com/blog-article/2015-02-51-food-reward-training.php