I have a beautiful 5 month old cocker who refuses to go for a walk. He will go a few paces, sit down, admire the scenery, wait until a passer by talks to him - but will not walk. He may go a few more paces - but lies down and will not budge. I am not pulling him as this I assume will hurt his neck. Once I have given in and turned back he races home, pulling extremely hard on his lead.
When he is in the garden he will walk to 'heel' pretty well most of the time (treat induced at the moment!) but will not pay any attention to treats outside the front door.

I now he is not meant to go far at this age - but surely he should go out to get used to the big wide world!!

You must have more patience than I do - I've been known to take a pup for a drag when it didn't want to walk - only if I could tell it was just being a bolshy little so-and-so, and not scared, of course!

You could try extra-special treats or a squeaky toy held in front of him, so that he has to take steps forward to reach them, so that you can then give him lots of praise. Or you can just stand and wait till you're both bored witless (though most people get bored and embarrassed quicker than the dog!) and he goes with you.

If you do turn round and go home, I would suggest you pick him up and carry him home, so that he doesn't think he's "won" - you want him to realise that you are in charge of where you go, not him.

Hope this helps.
:)

It is so frustrating, isnt it? Mabel (on of the pugs) simply refused to budge on alead unti lshe was almost 6 months. As soon as the lead went on she simply sat as if glued to the floor. I tried every day, on her own or sometimes with one of the others to give a lead, and she would not move at all. Around new year, and for no apparent reason, she stood up and pranced off as if there had never been a problem! I reaslise this is not a lot of help, as I dont know what got her going, but hope it might give a little encouragement no to get too despndent:).

With the American Cockers, when they are a little reluctant, we take an older, well trained dog and move it in front of the pup. We do most of this sort of training away from home, on the beach or park etc, letting the pups have fun and a good run round first, and then pop them on the lead for a little "work". Could you "borrow" another dog walker to help you out in this way?
bye
Gwen