Stopped walking

[Laura1985]

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My 11 almost 12 week old puppy (lucher x springer Spaniel) refuses to walk , I have to almost drag him and then he lies down on his tummy with all four legs flat stretched out and refuses to move , Iv walked him a few times and has been fine ( same route everyday ) anyone no y he ment b doing this ? Any advice ? I take and pick my son up from school aswell so would hate to crate him if he can come with me tia

 

[gypsysmum2]

First thing to rule out is pain. Has he got a pain somewhere that makes walking uncomfortable? If you are unable to find anything then a quick check up with the vet might be in order.

Next thing might be that he has had a fright of some sort. This would make him reluctant to go to the same sort of place again. If you turn around does he pull towards home? If so , this could be because he feels safer there.

If he has become nervous for some reason then the way forward is to let him go at his own pace. If he moves forward reward him with lots of praise and a treat or two. If he freezes then just leave him be and wait for him to relax and take another step so that he can be rewarded. Be prepared for it all to take a long time. Try to resist carrying him or dragging him. He has to learn that the world is a safe place from ground level.

Is there another dog that you could walk along with for now? It might give him confidence.

You could take him to places that are similar to the area you want to walk him in and just sit with him while he becomes accustomed to all the sights and sounds. An outdoor seating area of a café would be good. Try not to force him to confront his fears. If he wants to hide then let him. Only when he is relaxed will he be able to learn that the world is safe.