Expert: Alan J Turner, SATS LL1 - 12/2/2007

Question
Hello. As a professional pet sitter, I've recently received a contract to walk a 3 month old golden retriever puppy daily. She is playful and healthy, but she just doesn't seem to want to walk. Every day I take her a little further down the block, but inevitably she'll lay down (concrete or grass doesn't matter) and won't want to walk. Up to now I've been gently coaxing her and getting further each day, but I can't help thinking there's got to be a better way. I should mention that over the Thanksgiving holidays I kept her at my house and walked her with my 4 year old dog. She did much better then and didn't even try to lay down once. What do you suggest I do to speed the process along?

Answer
Dear Britlyn,
Thanks for writing. Like you, I'm not sure if the puppy is fearful or just doesn't want to walk. Does she readily go outside? explore on her own? Is she a shy puppy? Are there any things she encounters on walks (at your client's) that elicit fearful responses?

I have no idea of how you are "gently coaxing" and there's not really a wrong way or a right way - there's only a successful way.

If you are tugging the leash - to keep her going or after she's stopped, that will probably make her dislike walks. I only say that because you told me she seems to dislike walks. A slight tug might be just the thing to get another puppy to walk.

Have you tried paying her with some treats or toys? Will she walk a few steps to get a treat? a squeaky ball? Will she chase you if you face her and run backwards?  Are you praising her or talking to her as she walks. Does she like to play with toys. Interrupt the walk and then take a play break.

Is it necessary to walk her down the block or can you just take her out for some exercise? Does your client have a fenced yard? Can you use a long line and take her outside and let her romp and play. Take a few pieces of her puppy food and give her a piece when she is next to you.

Your task is to determine why she doesn't seem to want to walk. It could be something you are doing, something the client is doing when you're not there, or something in the environment.

How does the client interact with the pup? Does the client take her for walks? How does she do for them? Does the client tug the leash? scold her?

Experiment by changing the things you can control, like the equipment. Are you using a retractable leash? If so, change to a fixed leash. Is she wearing a collar- try a harness or a different type of collar. Or vice versa. Do you feed her before the walk - try feeding her after the walk. Or vice versa.

You are a detective now. It's your job to figure out which "pieces" of the walk (at the client's house) are different from the walks at your house.  

Can you take your dog over to walk with her? That might speed up her walks. Sorry I can't give you a black/white tip. The best tip I can offer is to change things you can - use rewards - make the walk fun for her (whatever that might be). Thank you for writing. Good Luck!