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My dog suddenly refuses to walk on-leash
We got Cowboy 2 months ago. It was obvious that he had never been walked on a leash before and we have spent A LOT of time working with him on this. He was making huge improvements and walks were actually pleasant! However, suddenly he has reverted back to his old ways. He ignores us, sniffs constantly, and stops and refuses to move. I have tried clicking/treating when he looks at me but as soon as he gets a treat, he loses focus and goes off to sniff something else. I have also tried stopping and doing some 'rapid fire' click/treat on the sidewalk when he looks at me. He can focus when we do it that way, but derails again when we start walking. I use my usual cheerful "Let's go!" and "This way!" but he ignores me. I don't feel like anything I do is working! Help!
Asked by
Cowboy
on Mar 15th 2012
in Leash Walking
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Answers
I'm a little hesitant as Cowboy is much smaller than my dogs, but it's the only thing that comes to mind…
Have you just tried ignoring him and keep walking?
Does he stare at you and sit back, or he is busy sniffing?
If he's looking at you and pulling back, "Dropping anchor" is what I call it, then he's feeling afraid.
If he's too busy sniffing and squirting stuff, then he's playing you (smart guy). I don't stop constantly for my dogs. We walk when I do and I stop once in the beginning and once at the end to pee.
I say, "Let's go." and then I move, I don't wait for them to respond. They are all used to it so we have few occasions when someone lags.
His way is smart, he gets to sniff all he likes and still gets food. He should be rewarded for moving forward, not just leaving the interesting smells. Swap your pouch out for a sticky treat on a long stick (peanut butter, liverwurst, or similar). Lower the tool so he can lick only when he's moving with you.
Snickers
answered on 3/15/12.
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