No Walks!

[Rachelwhitehead]

Hey Guys,
Now that the weather is getting warmer, I really would like to go out for a walk each day with my girl. Problem is she doesn't want to. She is fine walking outside to do her business but then she wants to come straight in. She won't even walk with me to the end of the driveway to get the mail! She just sits and refuses to budge:devil: I bought her a harness this weekend cuz I thought she would hurt herself pulling so hard on her collar to go home. But now she is doing the same thing with the harness. Is that all-right? Also, how tight/loose should her harness be? Do you guys leave your babies harness on all the time or just when you go out for a walk? Suggestions are greatly appreciated:confused:
Rachel

[Joyce]

Never had a problem getting Dudley to walk, but years ago I had a Scottie that took some time to walk on a leash. Just keep trying one day they just start walking along. Our Scottie finally loved going for a walk, but at first would just sit on the ground like he was glued. Good Luck.
Joyce

[TessieMom]

The harness should be snug enough that they can't slip out of it (yes I have had that happen!). If you notice my leash training comment thread, you will see that Willy is not impressed with walking either. I do want him to be able to do obedience and then agility, so we are going to do a little bit each day.

[Patt]

My rescue Gretel isn't in a harness or collar yet, we've had her since Aug. and she's not quite ready. Gretel is a work in progress and Dodger could care less. I'm going to start working on it so don't have much advice except..... One thing you could try, harness her up with lead etc then carry her to the mail box and make her walk back... with a treat at the end of this little adventure it might be an incentive to do it again. :D I don't believe in leaving collars or harness' on without supervision, accidents can and do happen. When we leave for errands they go naked!! Good luck and keep us posted.

[FOREVER A DAXIE]

Hi there.

We had trouble with Charlie wanting to walk. Same thing. He'd just squat down.

You absolutely MUST use a Harness and NOT a collar when they're this little. Especially when they're pulling on it. Practise, practise, patience, patience. I would pull him and say 'Come on Charlie' and also gave a few small treats along the walk. It did take more than a month before he would start really walking. Now he can't wait.

[graci67]

HMMMM..... this is very strange!! When I say: lets go for a walk Graci!" Graci jumps up, runs to the door and cant WAIT to get out there! When we get outside shes smelling everything, watching everything...... I didnt even know that there were doxies out there that didnt like the outdoors!

Just keep trying, and keep us posted!

[squirtsmom]

Squirt absolutely loves walks, but we have been taking her since she was very very young.

That idea about leading with treats sounds very good. Also, how does she feel about riding in the car? If she likes it or doesn't mind, you can try carrying her to the car and then driving to a nearby park. Maybe it will be more exciting there if it is a new place.

In my experience, I have found that harnesses work very well. We tried putting a collar on Squirt but she hated it and kept itching it and trying to get it off. But she loves her harness. WHen she sees it she knows we are going out and practially jumps into it.

Good luck with your little girl. As with everything else, the walking will take time so just make sure you make it a positive experience with lots of treats and praise and give it some time. :)