My 3 month old female likes going for walks. We go for at least 1 hour long walk a day - sometimes 2, depending on how her energy level is.

( I read something about it being bad to overwalk them.. if thats not true, please share opinions! )

So.. this huge park is a 2 min walk from me. Its lovely. And has a paved walkway/bike path all the way through, which I like because it keeps the ticks away. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

(She'll be allowed in grass after her lyme vac is done. Its a VERY common illness here and I know 3 puppies who've died from it. I'm very anti-vaccine (for people also) so trust me when I say its invaluable here.. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Anyway..

In the last week, she's started this VERY annoying habit. We leave the flat, shes all excited, pulling on the leash and ready to go -

And 1 minute into the walk - before we even get out of the courtyard - she plants it and wont move. And cries the whole time.

Wont listen to 'come' (which shes pretty good at usually)
Wont come if I offer her favorite to die for treats.
Wont come if I beg..

I mean, to people outside it looks like Im forcing this poor little puppy outside.. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Then she'll catch glimpse of the security station and she'll remember that the officers love her to pieces and she'll suddenly start running towards it. The steps are right next door (probably 25 steps down to the street) and we detour that way.. and she'll plant it again and start crying.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

At first I thought maybe the steps were hurting her legs.. but then if she sees a dog on the sidewalk below, forget about it -shes charging down the steps - or trying to.

Then shes good for the 2 blocks that lead to the park entrance, which is a long long paved walkway uphill, in a bunch of trees. If there is no one in sight, she plants it.

If a person or dog passes us, shes trying to RUN the whole way up.

This happens now everytime - and continues once we're in the park until we reach the summit. Once we are halfway home, shes in trot mode and will trot almost the whole way back.

What can I do to make her stop planting her little butt and refusing to move??

If I let her, shed do it for an hour. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

Luckily, shes only like 10 pounds right now and I can pick her up, carry her 10 feet and then shes whining to get down and will start walking again..

I know she wants to walk..

What should I do??

(also, we only do the long walks at either 0700 or 2000, so we are not out when its very hot.. suns out, but nice temp)

ANY help appreciated at this point..

PS, I have her wearing a halter and her leash is maybe 6ft long.

TIA!

note: she's not thirsty, because I take water with us and she drinks before we leave too.

And she does this even after she's gone potty..

Beleive it or not, she didn't do this tonight. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

And she heeled for the first time ever - and did it for 3 whole blocks I was very happy with that. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Unfortunately we had an unpleasant experience so I think we will be finding a new place to walk tomorrow.

Talking to myself here, I know. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

sounds like quite a pup you got there Reesie <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
what happened last night?

Thank you. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Well.. to make a long story short.. she was doing great and then when we got into the park we were ambushed by these 2 teenage (about 17 yo) punk boys who actually lunged for her and PICKED HER UP despite my yelling at them to put her down. They came from behind and to the side.. I didnt know they were coming to us until they were right there..

I didnt want to get too crazy, beause I didnt want her to think she should be afraid. She handled it ok, but then when they put her down they kept trying tp rough house with her and when I tried to pick her up they were getting in the way and blocking me like it was all so funny.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

Yes, you can all blame me for this, yes I know its my fault.

I did manage to get her away and told them to go away in the most unkind Czech I could think of. They backed off, but then followed us awhile. She kept wanting to go to them to play, and while I was not thrilled with thta, I was happy she wasnt afriad of them.

And then on our way out of the park some slip of a girl was walking a pit off leash who charged us. The girl was clearly worried about what might happen so I picked my puppy up and hoped the pit didnt jump for her. The girl caught up with the dog just as he reached us..

Anyway. The least these people could do is muzzle these dogs. It IS the law.. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

For me, that was enough of that park. Extreme reaction? Maybe. But I dont need that to happen again... Ill just walk her around the city blocks until shes older I guess. When shes older no one will come running to 'pet the cute little puppy anymore'.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

QUOTE: For me, that was enough of that park. Extreme reaction? Maybe. But I dont need that to happen again... Ill just walk her around the city blocks until shes older I guess. When shes older no one will come running to 'pet the cute little puppy anymore'. END

Good plan, IMO.