[d_griff07]

Hello all, I have a 3 month old Black lab puppy that is very playful and energetic. I have a rather large backyard and he seems more then willing to run around it and sniff around and be curious. I also have a front yard that he will walk around. I tried to get him used to the leash after the first time I put it on him and he froze solid. So I left it on him for a few hours a day while supervising him and gave him treats etc so he would get used to it. He did get used to it and I started walking him around the back and front yard and he would walk fine. But when I start to walk him away from the house he freezes and will not move. I tired to pull him and run him but wind up dragging him. He will sit there while I try to get him to walk until he is choking. He is very stubborn and now won't even leave the front step. I tried to get him to go with treats and calling him and even starting to run but I drag him and I don't want to cause hurt to the poor little guy. but to no avail. He seems very scared. I tried to project my energy and walk with my shoulders high and calm but he is not even looking at me. He sits there with his head down and tail between his legs. Any info would be greatly appreciated as I know how important a good walk is for this animal. This neighborhood is very common for dog walks and I'm wondering if it has anything to do with other males marking their spots and he can smell it or something. Like I said he walks a few steps away from the house and just freezes. Also if I pick him up and carry him a block away, He will walk home very quickly. But even then has his occasional stops and freezes. Thank you in advance,
Dennis.

[carolbcac]

I don't know that I would be trying to walk the puppy outside the yard at this age. He hasn't finished his vaccine series and could come into contact with some nasty germs.
You have started right, but sounds like something may have frightened him--or maybe the world outside his yard just seems too big and overwhelming for him right now!
Look into Gentle Leader headcollars, which fit more like a halter on a horse. They are much easier to convince a dog to move forward because of the way they are made. It is very difficult for a dog to back away when wearing one. They also help shy dogs become more confident. Be sure to get good instructions on how to properly fit one.

[d_griff07]

Thnak you for the info. Everything I read suggest I need to walk the puppy at this age. He seems to be getting fat because he is not getting the proper exercise. ALso I read that they need to walk to spur their thoughts and work up an appitite etc. I do also think it is a confidence issue.

[AlwaysWriting]

You have to make it seem as though it's a game, as I've had the same sort of problem with my yellow lab. Perhaps use a treat or hold a squeaky toy in one hand, and in a friendly voice run backwards, beckoning the puppy to chase you. First and foremost, get him used to a collar and the leash will follow suit.

[labman]

Carolbac makes a good point about the chances of disease. One sniff where a sick dog eliminated in the last 6 months is enough to give your puppy a life threatening disease. On the other hand, much of the problem could be a lack early socilization, and he badly needs to be getting out if he ever will.

What you did so far was good except for the dragging around part. Instead, drop back behind the puppy and run past it in baby steps calling ''Go, go, go!'' it a happy, excited voice.

Oh, I forgot if he is getting fat, cut back on his chow. Evaluate the dog as illustrated in this link, LongLiveYourDog.com - Life Span Study - Rate Your Dog You may want the vet to confirm your judgment. Adjust the dogs food and exercise as needed to reach its ideal body condition. Some German Shepherds and other breeds may refuse to eat enough to completely hid their ribs. As long as you are feeding a concentrated, meat based chow, the best thing is to accept it.