Dachshund lies down rather than walk

Question
Hi:

We have a lovable 4 year old male dachshund, Mr. Darcy.  He spent most of his early life in a townhouse with a very small yard.  We have now moved to a home with a large yard and many quiet roads.  We try to exercise him with 20-30 minute walks daily.  At first, Mr.Darcy would walk and move along with no problem.  Then, he started lying down in the grass halfway through the walk and would not get up unless we were talking him back home.  We know that pulling is useless and we were not sure that taking treats on the walk was the right thing to do.  Any thoughts on getting him back up and moving again when he plops down?  Thanks for your help.

Answer
Remember that for every step you take, a small dog like yours must take at least ten.  your walks might be punishing for this dog.  If you have given in just once, he's learned that plopping down works.  If he stops at more or less the same place every time, next walk YOU stop there.  Just stop.  Ask the dog for a trained behavior (such as 'sit'), reward it, and turn around to go back home.  Next day go five feet further and repeat.  Each day go a little bit further, but remember that over exercise can damage your Doxie's spine.  You might also want the veterinarian to check orthopedic soundness to be sure the dog isn't suffering from a cervical problem.