Hi folks, I've been walking my new 2-month old GSD pup for about a week now and I've noticed that he isn't the type that's excited about walks (getting up front and pulling the leash). I noticed that he's a sniffer. He always stops to sniff anything and everything as I walk ahead. I understand that's he's exploring his new environment at such a young age. Interestingly, there are some streets where he doesn't mind walking and looks rather excited and does some sprints on his own. One good thing is, he totally ignores the dogs that bark at him or try to approach him (I step in to prevent this): he just looks at them then goes on.
However, is it wrong to assert my status as pack leader by demanding him to follow me if I want to walk continuously by popping the leash 3x to get him to walk? He responds to this but after a few moments he goes to the side again to sniff. I end up doing a lot of light pops to get him to walk continuously. I'm afraid it might harm his neck bones and muscles.
Mike Arnold Webboard User Reg: 07-09-2004
Posts: 1344
Loc: CNY
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Mr. Laurel,
Your dog is 8 or so weeks old.
Let me write that again: your dog is 8 or so weeks old.
Just walk him. Why pop the leash if it is demonstrating the characteristics you describe? Just walk him, he'll run out of leash and follow you if you just keep walking.
8 weeks old is what it is. The dog is a puppy. Is it possible your expectations are for a bit older a dog?
Mike A.
"I wouldn't touch that dog, son. He don't take to pettin." Hondo, played by John Wayne
Michele McAtee Webboard User Reg: 02-05-2006
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Loc: Iowa City, Iowa
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I am having a lot of success with pup on leash by changing up my pace. Faster, slow, stop, go, boy is it fun. Keep it fun and strive to make yourself interesting enough to follow. Imagine his perspective, it's a big crazy world out there with LOTs of smells and sounds and sights. TOTally distracting. Keep your walks short, sweet and be patient.
Another thing that I have noticed and found helpful is he's already getting the watch me part, I believe the fact that I have been constantly marking the eye contact with "watch me"...he's really getting into focus.
Sandy Moore Webboard User Reg: 07-25-2006
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Loc: AZ
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Agree with Mike A., again
Your puppy just got born, literally. Every smell, every sight, every place is a completely new experience. He is learning about the world with his nose, eyes and ears. Just walk gently forward and when he runs out of leash he will probably immediately follow and if he doesn't, that might be a good time to call him to you and when he comes, give him a treat and praise him and keep walking. You'll be reinforcing the come at the same time as teaching him (eventually) that being next to you is a good thing.
Jan Williamson Webboard User Reg: 08-10-2005
Posts: 483
Loc: NE Pennsylvania
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My dogs are 22 months old, and I am getting help from one of the posters here for the same problem you have with your 8-week-old. After a long, cold winter of not too many structured walks, we are trying to regain our manners for our normal leisurely walks together.
Mine want to ‘stop and smell the roses’ too, but they are ADULT dogs. This is a whole new world for your little guy, and besides, he doesn’t have the capability of staying still long enough to just walk beside you. They are go-go-gadgets at this age. And it’s a wonderful age! Like my helper-friend here said, “every smell has its own story.” Stop and read the stories with your pup! You have forever to teach him how to behave.
Many thanks guys! You are all correct. He's changing and is more receptive to walks. In fact, he's very much into sprinting lately. I do limit the time to 15 mins max. I let him sleep whether he likes it or not: by putting him in the crate even if he's begging for more "out time". His whines eventually turn into a nap in a few minutes. Amazing how pliable puppies are.
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Walking puppies
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