Can anyone please help. We've recently started taking our 13 week GSD puppy on short walks. He doesn't seem to enjoy these very much, he pulls backwards on the lead or sits down. If you let him he will just turn back towards the house and run all the way home! This is our first dog and we expected him to enjoy his walks so we're at a loss as to what to do. Thanks.

Ideally from around 4-5 weeks and when still with the breeder your puppy should have been taken out and about into the great outside world to become accustomed to noise, people, a variety of sights, smells etc. and between arriving with you and his being able to walk in public places pre-inoculations, this vital socialisation should have been continued with taking him in your arms ;)

If none of the above was done, don't give up or be overly alarmed, but it does mean he is now suddenly being introduced to so many strange and frightening things at one time that he is more likely to be overwhelmed by them.  It's a lot to suddenly take in for a young puppy.  His behaviour clearly says he is not enjoying these outdoor walks so you will have to gently introduce him to new situations and environments.

Start by taking him somewhere like the park and just sitting on a bench with him and let him get used to unfamiliar surroundings and other park users and animals at a distance and without any pressure.  Similarly, take him to a not too busy pedestrian precinct or similar shopping area and sit somewhere that he can watch the world go by and hopefully if he's happy to be approached by people he will also get some friendly attention - but don't let ANYONE be pushy or pressurise him.  You have to work on him getting slowly used to lots of different things but at the same time ensure all his experiences are positive - i.e. pleasant - things.

Also try and enrol in a puppy training class - a reputable one, which works with socialisation and basic training issues and only takes a small number (around 5-8) pups of similar age at a time.

HTH, Good luck Teri :)

Thanks Teri, we haven't really carried him out much prior to his innoculations, mainly because he's a very large puppy and hard to carry, especially if he starts wriggling! We have had lots of different people visting the house, including children and babies and we thought this would be sufficient socialisation until we could take him out. He does seem to sniff constantly on his walks (there are lots of dogs around here) so I think you're right about him being overwhelmed by the different sights and smells. We'll make a concerted effort to do as you say and gradually introduce him to new situations. He is booked in for puppy classes starting in a fortnight so that should help.

Thanks again.

I would encourage him along with treats, and give him a treat for the steps he takes with you.  This will also help him to make a positive association with everything new he meets (ie these new things = treats).

Hi,

This is not an uncommon problem it is all to do with confidence, apart from the praising etc, another good tactic is to find a neighbouring doggy friend for him to meet in your home, then set out on a walk together, he should be so interested in following the other dog, that before he knows it, he is away from his territory, you will find every day easier.  If I have had a nervous puppy, I have also found carrying him for a little way and then putting him down on grass less nerve racking.(Though a Shepherd pup being heavy would have to be a quick carry!) A couple of little walks out lengthening each day will soon break the cycle. (And soon you won't be able to keep him in!)

Seems like absolutely normal behaviour for such a young dog , with everything new to them they have the right to be scared! Sit on your porch/lawn and let him watch the world go by , slowly introduce him to everything and let him go at his own pace. If you push him to much too fast he may grow up with worse problems.

Thanks to everyone who replied. It's reassuring to know his behaviour is quite normal. I think I expected him to love going out for walks straight away but I now realise that was a bit naive! Will take it more slowly from now on.