16 week old Austrialiamn/German Shepherd Pup - Leash Training

Question
Hello,

We have a 16 week old Austrailian/German shepherd mix. Our problem is really opposite of what most people ask when regarding leash training.

Barley loves the back yard, playing fetch, can sit, stay, and is very loving.  But she WILL NOT go for a walk on a leash.

She wears a collar and doesn't care about it. She even will walk around the house with a soft leash hanging from her collar and not really care, but the second you pick it up and say "lets go!".. she becomes solid as a rock and doesn't move.

When we tug, she doesn't nove. So, we take her outside by carrying her. and she will start freaking out - jumping, crying, trying to bolt for the front door.

We are not sure why. She hasn't had a traumatic experience at all.

Any tips would be most appriciated.

Nicole

Answer
If she's already 16 weeks old and has not had the experiences she needs with regard to socialization, or indeed leash walking, she actually has experienced a trauma of sorts.  She is probably fearful of novel situations.  You can try to make it easier on her by *not* tugging.  Instead, get some really good food (practice indoors first, where she feels safe, before you attempt any outdoor training).  Entice her to take a step forward and feed her the treat (I have no problem using roast beef, or other really cool food for this).  As she takes a step, say "good let's go" and be sure you don't tug or scare her.  Little by little she should learn that the leash and collar mean "good stuff is about to happen if I walk along with my owner".
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