Loki is now 17 weeks, weighs 14kg but is reluctant to go out for walks. He's fine when he's out and walks nicely and likes being off lead over the woods opposite which is usually at weekends. When it comes to getting out the house though he either lays, looks very sad and doesn't seem to want to go out. Is he being lazy, scared? Maybe he doesn't like the mesh harness? He has always seemed fine with it and we just went to a bigger size as the last one was getting a bit tight to get over his head. Maybe he doesn't like the dark or cold? Not sure what to, he gets treats when out but is his reluctant to go whether it's me or hubby taking him. Should we try just collar and lead? I just remember my old dog, Patch, going crackers as soon as he heard the word 'walkies' lol
Molly will often still do this at 8 months, I don't think it's anything to do with the harness or collar but her general anxiety about leaving her security. She's always been fine if we go out in the car and she's fine once we walk past a certain point and loves her walks. Also she's fine if there's more than one of us walking with her. If she stops I now lure her down the road with treats or play a game with the ball with her. Not sure if this is the right thing to do but works for us.
Corona is 15 weeks old and does the exact same thing. Sometimes she seems eager to go and other times, just like you said, she will back away from the harness or go into the other room and I have to force her somewhat outside. Last night, I felt terrible, she looked so sad, and I had to really coax her with treats and praise to go 5 minutes from home. I switched the back clip to the front clip of her harness and, just like that, she was back to normal and happily walked. Today, at the vet for her shots, we concluded that the harness is getting too small and perhaps rubbing the tops of her shoulder blades. I am trying out a thunder harness for a day, and so far, I am pretty satisfied. More importantly, Corona didn't seem to mind it one bit and happily walked after dinner. Maybe try a different kind of harness?? On a another note, I try and remember that each walk is a training session, and that I need to recognize when she is tired and has had enough. She usually loses focus and will start to pull after about 20 minutes. She also does not do very well down a particular street that has no street lights and walking path is close to the road. I keep trying. We have come VERY far from a few weeks ago when I couldn't get her to go 10 houses so I am very grateful for that. I can see glimpses of our many long walks to come!
Yes, try a collar and lead - and be careful how you put it on, particularly if it has a plastic snap clip. It sounds like the harness is 'shutting down' your dog. I think this is not uncommon, and happened to both my dogs. With Charlie, I've given up using harnesses, unless I have to do so. With Betsy, I managed to retrain.
Thank you, Julie. I will try this, as although I like harnesses it's no good if he's getting scared. Will you know how we get on
I'd try the collar for sure. I bought a lovely mesh harness for Archie, but when I put it on him he shut down completely. You'd think I'd put a straight jacket on him! That being said, walks are still a bit of a struggle with him. He is quite a homebody and really only walks happily when we are heading for home! Deb
We went through much the same thing with Molly at that age. Now though, at 6.5 months she can't wait to get out and start terrorising anyone and everyone she meets - with the most loving of intentions though
Well he has been a little better with the collar and lead but still a bit reluctant, I think it must mainly be because it's dark as that's usually when his walks are, early morning, and then evening and of course it's dark then too with the clocks going back. He doesn't really pull too much, generally walks to heel, occasionally going off smelling something or if he's spotted something, so will keep the collar and lead for now and see how it goes.
Stanley used to hate going for walks when he was a puppy. Used to just sit and lie down the entire way. Drove us mad! We used to joke that he was the only dog in the world who hated walks. He pretty much grew out of it and now seems to enjoy them, sometimes he still does it now and I just assume he doesn't want to go & take him home
