My gorgeous 17month old Border Terrier has started to 'sit down' during walks if anything or anyone catches his eye. He likes to study what is happening and refuses to carry on with the walk. He has a very gentle temperament and loves humans and dogs. He is a lovely family pet in every way but his new habit is causing anxiety to us as it is very hard work to encourage him to continue with the walk.

Does anyone have the same problem?

Don't get frustrated with him. This world is new to him and he is being very causious. Take him out more. Take him on car rides, to the parks and so on. Frustration only leads into more frustration on both the pup and you

Maybe attend some obedience classes. A trainer will know how to help you resolve these issues.

Basically, after so long on a walk, your dog sits and only with great difficulty can you get him to resume the walk. Are you just assuming that he is stopping to admire, or be admired by someone or thing, or is there actually another person there? Does he make any effort to go to or follow that person? A dog doesn't normally stop and refuse to continue unless something is distressing him, like a joint or muscle pain, or 'catch', or even weakness. Also, a shortness of breath, or even sore or hot feet will often stop them. Do any of these 'thoughts' bring any other thing he might also do to mind? Has any of his behavior/activity changed while at home?

Until there is any more information, I can only continue guessing what may be going on with your dog. I think it best to have his vet give him an exam. Maybe something else will come to mind after a check. If you haven't already, you may wind up having to carry him back home one of these times, if he flat refuses to continue the walk in either direction.

Possibly someone else will be able to offer a suggestion that seems to fit the bill. If not, your/his vet is your best hope for an accurate answer.

When you go on walks is it mostly wet or damp o ground this can erritate the paws and can sometimes cause the dog to stop this is from experience also the dog might be wary of its sorroundings when I was seven I took my westie for a walk and she immediently stopped still staring into thin air well when I was seven I was kind of like a medium but I have lost my ability now but sometimes the dogs can sense paranormal activity well mine did it turned out she saw a ghost because she finally carried on walking and when I looked back there was a black figure standing near the trees behind us just staring at my dog hope this could help a little