Refusal to walk!!

**Jo Jo** · 01-03-2012, 11:18 AM

I could do with some advice on Elsa and Jed refusing to walk unless we BOTH go out!! My husband sometimes takes them on his own in the evening and I sometimes in the morning and sometimes of course we go on a nice family walk. Lately though when my husband tries to take them out without me or me without him, they get outside the back get and Elsa just sits on her bum! I literally have to drag her and then she wiggles out of her collar and runs back to the house. After a lot of patience I did have some luck with getting her to follow treats in my hand - but god it was hard work and time consuming and wondered if anyone could offer any other solutions or why they have suddenly started doing this.

**BauersMom** · 01-03-2012, 11:25 AM

How old is Elsa?

**Mark_J** · 01-03-2012, 12:57 PM

When you both take them for a walk are the dogs excited to walk? Or do they look like they are just going through the motions?

**Jo Jo** · 01-04-2012, 02:38 AM

Elsa & Jed are both 15 months old and previously have never had any problems. They are both always really excited to walk as it takes me 5 mins to make sure they are calm before they go out and to wait at the gate as we are training them to not rush out the gate before us!! They are enthusiastic to get out the gate but as sooon as we are out start wanting to go back! I tried again last night without my husband and again the same problem. This is becoming a real nightmare as sometimes I want to take them on their own or vice versa.

**BigBrownDog** · 01-04-2012, 09:44 AM

I'd be taking out Jed alone if Elsa voted to stay home. See how that goes over.

You should really be investing one on one time with each dog anyway - it's good to reduce the dependancy that they (likely) have on each other.

**Luvmydog2much** · 01-04-2012, 09:46 AM

I know some are against it, but get a slip collar, ie. choke collar. She can't slip out of it, and won't have a choice whether to walk or not. Keep walking, and ignore her. If she's not up on her legs at half a block, I'll eat my words.

**Mark_J** · 01-04-2012, 10:37 AM

If this were happening to me, I think the first thing I would try is changing the entire walk. I'd not take them out the same gate and change the course of the walk entirely. If that didn't work I'd put them in the truck and take them to an entirely new place to romp, it wouldn't have to far away, just entirely different. Then gradually I'd add back in an occasional walk on the old course we used.

**Belles mom** · 01-04-2012, 05:02 PM

Originally Posted by Luvmydog2much

I know some are against it, but get a slip collar, ie. choke collar. She can't slip out of it, and won't have a choice whether to walk or not. Keep walking, and ignore her. If she's not up on her legs at half a block, I'll eat my words.

I would do the same, plus taking each out individually for awhile. If your dog is slipping out of her collar, then it is too loose, just for starters

**Jo Jo** · 01-05-2012, 03:33 AM

Thanks everyone for their advice. I also agree and know that we should be taking them out separately more frequently so they get time apart. I think I have dug my own hole as we have not done that for a while! Jed is really easy and will go anywhere on his own but I think to get Elsa out without him will be a bit of a nightmare, but I think we have to start NOW otherwise we will never be able to separate her. I am going to try a few of your tips and see how I get on so will keep you all updated! Thanks everyone for your help, it really is reassuring to hear people with the experience and how to resolve some problems.