stubborn?

newtodobes · 06-17-2008, 09:43 AM

SO, now I think she's just being stubborn. I originally posted a thread in the 'puppy' area but this may be more appropriate in 'training'. Little bit of background--my 16 wk old female, who I got 2 wks ago is having issues on the lead--not pulling, she doesn't come!

BUT I took her to a park last night, and she was perfect on the lead! This morning for her walk she kept stopping every 5 ft, had to practically pull her/carry her (treats/toys/excitement isn't working), then on the way back she's fine on the leash. It's like she doesn't want to leave the house.... But it seems that in other more 'unfamilar' areas she's fine on the lead...like the park walk last night.

...help/advice? She starts puppy/obediance class July 2nd. Thanks!

**avalonandon** · 06-17-2008, 09:56 AM

Welcome to the form btw - from Florida.

These are just ideas involving possible discomfort - Are you walking her on hot pavement/sidewalk/sand, etc? Is she showing any signs of pain? Check her pads to see if they look tender or not too. I dont know how long a pups nails can be at 16 weeks but I would check that too. Maybe the collar is tight?(should be able to comfortably slide 2 fingers inbetween collar and the neck)

Hope you arent insulted by any of these, but some people just dont consider these factors - and not knowing you, Im just throwing them out there. Otherwise, I would have no clue about her struggling with you. Good luck with this.

newtodobes · 06-17-2008, 10:03 AM

This morning it was about 60 degrees...pavement not too hot, she could walk in the grass too, it's up to her. no signs of pain, pads are fine, nails are super short! didn't they could get that short when we got her! Collar has more than 2 fingers of 'looseness'.

She's completely fine on the walk back (and the walk in the park last night), but leaving the house, the first 2-3 blocks she just doesn't want to go..! then when I turn the corners and start heading back to the house, she senses that and then walks great with no stops...hmmmm I want to know how to correct this now so that it doesn't become habit or a bigger problem.

Is she just being stubborn? How do I correct it? Also, she recently started teething...she lost a couple teeth this week.

dusuwho · 06-17-2008, 10:08 AM

I think stubborn. Possibly just trying it on with you. I had the same but less frequent problem.

Sounds like a mixture of things. She likes it at home best. In the unfamiliar place she's more stimulated by new things so no problem. She probably needs to be more interested in the walk. Take her to as many new places as you can and keep changing the place maybe.

If She stops, be insistent and keep going. Make every visit fun in a different way than it would be at home. Perhaps a dog friend she get's along with can meet there for play time.

newtodobes · 06-17-2008, 10:32 AM

that's what I was thinking...I may just have to bring her to new parks/areas whenever I take her for a walk..which could be a pain, but if it works I'll do it.
Couldn't I just pinch her butt to get her moving? ha! Any other tricks to get her moving? :-)

And I do try treats, her favorite toys...she'll sometimes just completely ignore them.

reddobes · 06-17-2008, 07:48 PM

Maybe she thinks she's a horse!

They are notorious for this. My QH will trudge unbelievably slow when we're going away from home and tries to stop and eat all the time, but once we are on the way back, suddenly he's remembered that he can walk... and relatively fast at that!

I would continue doing short walks and you could try on the way back walking past the house instead of going right to it. I would avoid bribing her all the time, since you know she CAN walk on the leash, she just doesn't want to. I also think the obedience class will help you a lot as well.
Good luck w/ your girl!

**ReDobie4xtina2** · 06-17-2008, 08:41 PM

Be sure to praise her, but not to excitedly. She is probably just testing her limits with you.

When she stops, stop with her and wait however long it takes for her to move again. Though painstakingly boring, puppies cannot stay in one spot for very long. When she resumes walking, praise her mildly and continue your walk. Repeat every time she stops.

Aye puppies!

2RescuedDobies · 06-17-2008, 11:03 PM

I would have to agree. It sounds like she's testing the waters. I would keep a variety of treats in your pocket so she never knows which one she's going to get. Keep it unpredictable and fun.

**RedFawnRising** · 06-18-2008, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reddobes

Maybe she thinks she's a horse!

They are notorious for this. My QH will trudge unbelievably slow when we're going away from home and tries to stop and eat all the time, but once we are on the way back, suddenly he's remembered that he can walk... and relatively fast at that!

I would continue doing short walks and you could try on the way back walking past the house instead of going right to it. I would avoid bribing her all the time, since you know she CAN walk on the leash, she just doesn't want to. I also think the obedience class will help you a lot as well.
Good luck w/ your girl!

Hehehe, my TWH is just the same, only add in dramatic woe-is-me sighs, on the way out.

A Barn Sour Dobie puppy, oy vey.

Good luck, some good advice here.

newtodobes · 06-18-2008, 08:21 AM

I love everyone's advice! It's good to know my pup isn't the only one not loving walks :-) Thank you, thank you to all! I'll just keep working on it. This is a great forum! ;-)