leash training

Question
We have adopted a 1 yr old terrier/shitsue mix. Having a problem walking her on a leash. We walk for 10 paces or so and she sits, doesn't want to go any further.  Loves it when we turn around a walk home. I walk around our home inside with her on the leash and she does fine. How can I train her to go for a long walk outside.? Thanks for your help.  Sandy

Answer
Observe the point at which the dog balks; take a look around (is it the same spot every time? what do these spots have in common? what just happened -- car pass by? honking horn? -- distractions from above? more people than usual?) find the common denominator (if you can!)  What are YOU doing when she balks (getting anxious? pulling at leash? walking swiftly?)  What is the dog doing IMMEDIATELY BEFORE balking?  There's a cue in here somewhere; it may be difficult, but with persistent observation you can discover it.  This may also be developing generalized anxiety regarding leaving "home" (since she happily goes back in the other direction.)

Take a different direction each time you leave home so that external cues (dogs observe everything) don't provoke an automatic balk at the same intervals during each walk.  Walk in the opposite direction A LOT, keep it busy and upbeat and positive.  Don't get angry or lose patience, ever.  As you're walking in an about face (toward "home", her favorite way to walk), quickly turn, praise her for coming, then turn back, etc.  Keep it very versatile, meanwhile:

Learn about how to use a clicker: ClickerTraining.com.  Introduce the clicker in YOUR POCKET (the sound may startle her at first) and teach her one basic command ("Sit", but use a unique word.)  This should take only a day or so because your main objective is not the command itself, but developing a strong response to the clicker in the dog.  Once she clearly knows what the click means (and you'll know this easily), use it ONLY when she's moving forward outdoors VOLUNTARILY with no sign of hesitancy.  Be sure to provide treat within a few seconds of click (you'll learn about this when you get your clicker and pamphlet.)


"Tricking" a dog to go forward by making a lot of about turns usually works and then introducing the clicker while the dog is HAPPILY going forward teaches the dog that walking on leash is rewarding.  Whatever provokes her fear or unwillingness will extinguish, but this will take time (days or possibly a week or two) and patience on your part.