Hi. I'm new here. Our new 8 week old Yellow Lab (male) seems healthy, bright, and fun loving. The only problem is in the last few days he's started really resisting walks. He's fine in the back without a lead, or even with a lead. As soon as he come out of the fence, he's fine until it is time to step off the property. Then he just sits, no real pulling or resistance, just refusing to move. I've tried positive reinforcement with praises, treats, and being very positive to no avail. I've even tried different times of day, to see if it was just at night (when it 1st started). I've also tried gentle corrections; a tap on the nose, the word "no" and "bad". He shows recognition that his behaviour is bad... but does not come on the walk.

The strangest part of the ordeal is that he walks for my wife, no problem at lunches and after she gets home from work, but not (he did on one occassion). Last night when BOTH of us tried to take him, he pulled his same stubborn act... again.

Any help or suggestions?

When you say 'off' the property, do you mean out in the big bad world?
If so, perhaps your pup is trying to tell you tactfully that he's too young to be out walking the streets before his vaccinations have finished! If you want him to remain healthy and bright it's something to think about!

Hi Blackfly - welcome!

I note that you are in Canada, and taking a puppy out for a walk at 8 weeks may be the usual thing over there - but has he had all his shots? Here in the UK, pups are not usually walked outside until after all the usual jabs - which aren't completed until the pup is about 12 weeks - so maybe your little fellow is telling you something :-)!

Jacquin - snap!!

The strange part, as I mentioned, is that he will walk for my wife... but not me. Yes... he has had his 1st round of shots... and vets here ok a dog to walk after the 1st shots... perhaps the vet vacc time tables are different.

The problem is the behaviour... and that is what I am trying to get help with. I have had many different dogs throughout my life... and as of yet... have not encountered something like this.

When you talk about walks, how often and how far? At 8 weeks even if he has had first vaccines I would be carrying him so that he can see things and maybe putting him down while I sat and let him see the world go by. He may be trying to tell you that he's finding things a bit too much. Remember a little pup walks quite slowly make sure you aren't striding along too fast. Hope some of this helps
Anne

Hi Anne;

The walks aren't long, or far. We are talking one or two houses down... and a very slow walk. His walking speed is similar to that when he's going potty in the yard.

His resistance seems to be growing, as we've taken to using the lead in the back yard... and he's doing similar behaviours with her, ableit on a lesser and less stubborn basis.

Ok Blackfly, that's out the window. First thing please don't correct him he's not doing anything wrong and you will not help your problem if he is worried. Try carrying him out and letting him walk back with one holding the lead and the other walking a bit in front.
Of course the next thing that will happen is he'll pull on the lead but worry about that later:-D If that still doesn't work just carry him for a while as he only needs to go out to socialise not for exercise
Anne

Thanks Anne... I will try.

It's frustrating... I've had a few dogs, as had my wife... this is my 1st 'big' dog. The others being Cairns, a yorkie, and a springer... never had a problem like this... but... I know... each dog is different

I think he feels secure with your wife, but not with you (sorry) He's saying 'hey will I be OK if I go out with just you'. I'm not sure what you can do about it, but I don't think getting cross will help, although I understand it is really annoying- good luck with your puppy. He's still only a baby.
Jane

I too live in Canada and never would I take any of my pups out for walks until all three sets have been done providing the 1 st shots being at 7 or 8 weeks, and then not until about 2 to 3 weeks later after the last shots (total of 3 shots and deworming). Their are way to many things a pup can pick up and not be immune to yet like Parvo is one major one. My vet always told me to wait this recommended time, and better to let puppy play in the back yard until then providing no strays have visited the area (my yard is fenced).

I'm not arguing with anyone.. and the 'walks' we're speaking of are only about 2 houses down. Many vets (my brother being one) find it ok to walk a dog after the 1st shots... you carefully watch what they sniff, visit etc... and that is fine. Supervision being the key... also... dogs can pick up MANY things on a walk even after the shots... Parvo being one. (yes it has happned... ask my neighbours growing up)

It's funny but I wonder what you're supposed to do after picking a puppy up at a breeder's and then having to drive hours home... you Do have to let the young man or lady out for a bit...

8 weeks seems so young. My pup didn't go out untill she was 13 weels old. Then she seemed tiny out there on the lead. Now 5 weeks on she still is not sure of the outside world even though she's out every day.

I wasn't argueing just saying be careful, sorry if it sounded like it. Yes I know they can still get parvo, my dog got it at 6 months after all shots in the winter. Since u are not going far it is still a good idea to wash off the little one's feet after a walk for saftey. You can carry pup a little way then let the little one walk back, or try getting the pup to follow by using a treat or toy, may help. Good luck

Thanks... we just really want to get him used to things outside.

We already wipe his feet off after coming in from outside, and are very vigilant about him paying too close attention to anything on the ground.

I'll try your advice. I think our plan is to practice OUR 'walks' in the backyard for a little while...

BTW: He's already had a Parvo vacc...

I had a pup that was being exported to Australia, and I carried her everywhere until 14 weeks old (got very heavy), in order that she would be used to the big wide world. She had to do a months Quarantine in OZ, and two days after she came out she won best baby puppy in show (they show baby puppies of four to six months over there).

What I mean to say by this, is don't push walking him on the lead when you take him out. He might just not be emotionally mature enough to deal with both. Carrying him in your arms will achieve the socialisation aims, being safer regarding disease prevention, and you can practice the lead work at home, without the stresses and distractions of the world outside.

Try him on the lead outside every now and then, but don't be rushing,as it will do him no harm to wait until 14 weeks, as long as you are taking him out to see things.