Hi All:

First post. My fiancee and I adopted a 7 week old GSD female who is now 3 1/2 months old. We walk her twice a day, walking to a local grassy area and then playing fetch or general play with us, not other dogs and then walking home. The problem we're having is that she will only walk on the leash for me or for my fiancee only when I walk with them. She will not walk for my fiancee if I'm not there. She sits down and either whelps/whimpers or puts up a hell of a fight. I'm curious if this is a pack acceptance/acknowledgment issue or if my fiancee is doing something wrong. We just started using a choke collar and have to give her very little if any corrections when I'm walking her. She walks on my left very easily and comfortably. With the two of us and the fiancee holding the leash, she walks between us. Please help.

Just my unproffesional opinion, get rid of the choker, get Ed's basic Obed video. The puppy is still a little too young to heel. Clicker training is great for pups. Try some peanut butter on a spoon and have the pupster follow it, hold the leash loose, if you get more than ten paces count your self lucky.

Thanks, we'll try a basic leash. I just ordered Ed's 8weeks to 8 months video. I'll get the basic obedience video as well.

We've tried the food/treats, she's not very food motivated.

I agree with not using a choke collar on a puppy that young, mostly because what if the dog really gets spooked or something and injures herself while spazzing out?

I use a halter on my 6 month old, have been from when I got her at 7 weeks. I feel like its much easier to control her this way, if its needed.

Something about your fiance's issue - I had this problem a few weeks into getting my puppy. Shed just plant it and refuse to walk, and then cry and cry and cry. Nothing was wrong with her. She was just being stubborn.

I was totally paranoid that people would think I was awful if I dragged her along, so I was practically begging her to walk. Nothing. And then finally, after some advice on here, I stopped making eye contact and just started walking, as if I wasnt going to 'consult' her to see if she wanted to walk or not.

It worked.. havent had problems with that since.

Your fiance might be like I was.. if shes worried that the dog wont walk for her.. the dog might sense it and use it to her advantage..

Just my two cents.. good luck. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />