I know, really bizarre.... we have a 8 month old lab who will hang on and on until we are walking up the street to go for a poo on the pavement. We clean it up but it's not nice for the neighbours and I don't know how I can stop him doing it. The general walk is bit of lead walking, off into a field chasing sticks and general sniffing, down a lane, back on to a lead, through a park and back up into the housing development area. Guaranteed he won't do anything no matter how much encouragement until we are back on tarmac. He goes quite happily in the back garden and occassionally in the field.

Any advice???????

Off subject but don't through sticks for your dog.

as long as he is going outside i really wouldnt worry about it! why are you so keen for him to go on grass? its easier to pick it up on concrete or tarmac.

Hi - I think he's hanging on until he can't hang on any more. Why not take him for a shorter walk and let him go back in his own garden - much better :) My dane was the same, he wouldn't go when out until he got to a year old - something to do with his confidence when out :)

Yea one of mine dose that. its bad if they have the runs how can you tell someone that you cant pick it up off the pavement very tricky!

a useful tip for runny poo is to use the excel poop scoop. it folds flat in the pocket so is easy to take on a walk. the flat edge means you can pick up even the runniest poo! (sorry to be so graphic) :)

if your worried about the mess on the pavement why not take a water spray bottle (and add some disinfectant) with you to squirt the path keeps neighbors happy

thanks for your comments, we do use the scoop bag you mention which does help particularly with runny poos! It just seems odd that he hangs on and on for no apparent reason.

Regarding the separate point, why shouldn't you throw sticks? He really enjoys picking up branches and the like in the woods near us and dragging them around, we just tell him not to go for the green ones.

Dogs surprisingly often injure themselves with sticks. :( One of mine needed surgery to remove a large (1 inch) splinter from her throat after she picked up a stick that landed awkwardly. Other dogs have been less fortunate and died. Carrying them is fine. Chasing after them, or chewing them, is dangerous.

I agree Jeangenie, all vets will tell you of serious stick and splinter injuries ....all vets say NO to sticks. Take a toy to the park instead. :)

Hi this may clarify the very real dangers of throwing sticks.Gillian

okay, thanks for the comments, it's not something I'd thought about nor others we've spoken to. We usually do take a toy with us as he loves chasing for things, possibly because he's a lab :)

I'll make sure we are all more careful.