I am looking for help with my 4mth old lab puppy. He will not walk on the lead he just sits down and won’t move. When I eventually get him to the field he loves it, walks without a problem how do I get him to walk on the lead
Keep the leash loose. Don't attempt to pull him along. The more you pull, the more he will pull back in the other direction. Use your voice and body language to encourage him to follow you (rather than the leash). Use treats to reinforce him for walking at your side... And allow him to take his time. Who says a walk has to be at your pace and in the direction you want to go in - this is his time. So if he wants to spend 5 mins sitting still and admiring the view, that's his choice. Allow him to learn about the world at his own pace, not yours...
Well it sounds like you need to be enrolling for some online puppy training classes - there are loads now available. They can't offer socialisation (unlike in-person classes when those are allowed) but IMO the learning experience in terms of the dog training side of things, is just as good if not better than in-person classes - so no reason not to be registering. I think @pippa@labforumHQ said she had a puppy class starting soon....
Give him time. Don’t rush him. He is still a baby. He doesn’t know what “going for a walk on a lead” is all about! If you have a safe garden then concentrate on 10 minute sessions playing games with healthy treats ( Apple/cucumber/ carrot) to get him to follow you and come when called. Let him wear his lead and let it just trail around after him. My lab was just the same at 4 months. It took a long time for him to get the idea about going for a walk. He would sit down and “process” the world around him. Good luck!
