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GeoffreyO · Sep 15, 2007, 06:47 PM

Greetings again,
I have an interesting problem that until today I haven't really had an issue with. That is that occasionally when we are out for a walk, my dog just stops and refuses to go farther. At first I thought it was because he was tired and didn't want to go any more. But sometimes this happens at the end of the block. He is a 5 month old Chocolate Lab/German Short Hair. So I know he isn't going to be tired that quickly. Any Ideas what could be causing him to do this? I don't want to pull him farther, because I want the walk to be enjoyable for him.

Also, my second question is sort of a two part one. First, how do I keep my dog from zig-zagging? I am working on teaching him to walk nice, and for the most part he stays close to me, but he keeps zig zagging back and forth, causing me to almost trip over him. Any ideas? Lastly, my dog sniffs everything, EVERYTHING when we are out on a walk. It gets old, but I don't get mad because I assume he is just a curious puppy. Am I right?
Thanks so much

RubyPitbull · Sep 16, 2007, 05:42 AM

Geoffrey, your problem isn't unusual. Everything you are experiencing is stemming from one issue. Your dog needs for you to be a stronger leader with his heel training. Have you taken any formal training classes? I am sorry I don't really have the time to write something up for you to give you step by step direction. This link isn't as offensive as some others out there and should give you a good starting point.
Teach your dog to heel in one day

Labman might have a write up already prepared that he can post here when he returns. The thing to remember is that you need to set aside heel time only, separate from his potty breaks. If it is hot outside, do this in the morning or early evening hours.

labman · Sep 16, 2007, 08:28 PM

I am not sure every walk needs to be a serious walk with no sniffing etc. However, every dog needs to know how to walk at heel on command. The instructions on web site RubyPitbull posted are good. A snap of the leash combined with the command ''Leave it!'' should get through to the dog that it can't stop and sniff everything it finds. That is one disadvantage of the head collars is that you should never give the leash a snap when using one.

GeoffreyO · Sep 23, 2007, 05:14 PM

The stuff helps with the walking and the tugging. But my dog still randomly stops and just won't go any farter. He plants his front feet out in a way as if saying, "Oh Hell No"

labman · Sep 23, 2007, 06:04 PM

I have had very good luck with younger puppies by dropping back behind it and running past in baby steps while calling ''Go, go, go!'' in a excited voice.

froggy7 · Sep 23, 2007, 06:08 PM

I ran into that issue with Trink (more that she didn't want to go the way I wanted to go). One of the things I did was walk to the end of the leash in the direction I wanted to go and sit down. And then just wait until she walked over to me. Sometimes I would have to do that a couple of times, but she would eventually give in and go my way. Thankfully we seem to be past that stage now.