Walking cocker pup

Question
Hi Delores, My 13 week old sweet little cocker pup, Maddie, wants to come with me on my 1/2 hour walk every morning at 6:00 am, but doesn't want to walk on the leash. I tried both halter & collar & took the time to get her used to it. If I leave her at home she howls. When I 1st got her, I carried her in my back pack on my walks so she could come out for some fresh air. Now, of course she's grown & should be able to walk, but prefers to lay on the road. I always show lots of enthusiasm and allow her to explore a little! I can't win with Maddie, any suggestions? Thanks, Jill

Answer
Hi Jill,
Hmmm...looks like you have a stubborn little girl :)

Do you have/have you tried an extendable leash, which gives her 20 ft to roam around?  Also..remember at that age a long walk can really tired them out and I remember my own Amy at that age would just flop down and refuse to move.
Like little toddlers they do have a ton of energy but it's in spurts.

So..I'd put her leash on her at home as part of her training..walk her up and down a hall..take leash off..reward...put it back on, etc.  Make her associate the leash with attention and goodies and don't worry about it.
She's 13 weeks and will quickly outgrow almost any tendency or behavior.

You could also take her to a safe area (fenced) and let her off leash.  They're not too hard to catch at this age :)
Call her..put leash on..reward..walk 5 ft...take leash off again.
This will give her the idea that leash on/leash off is no big deal.

Second thought:  Take her to the safe area in your backpack (and that's such a cute picture)..let her loose..play the leash "game"..and do leash on when you walk home.

Here's the thing...she's just saying "what the heck is THIS thing around my neck".  Put her leash on her at home and let her run around with it dragging behind her (supervised, of course) for awhile before trying to walk her.

In short order, she'll associate that with "getting out for exciting stuff".

And finally...be patient and don't get stressed.  I can't tell you how many times I've agonized over puppy behavior and by the time I've figured out a brilliant solution..they're over it and onto some new mischief.
Delores