Lazy retriever

Question
I have an eleven year old female retriever who refuses to go for walks longer than five minutes. She has always been a strong-willed dog and when younger would occasionally decide that she didn't want to go in a particular direction. This wasn't a problem as a short sharp tug & command would get her on her way. However she is now doing it a lot and as she is a big framed retriever its becoming hard to keep her moving plus the less she walks the more weight she is putting on. We thought the bit of arthritis in her front elbow might be a factor (which we treat with medication) however once she knows you have a biscuit in your hand shes all bouncy and ready to go. How can we get her moving again and make walking her a pleasure rather than a pain?  

Answer
You may want to talk to the vet about a more aggressive pain prevention program.  You should also reduce her food to match her activity level.  Letting her gain weight will only make things worse.  Evaluate her as illustrated in this link, http://www.puppychow.com/products/popup_body_condition.aspx and adjust her food level as needed.  You may even want to look at switching to a senior formula.  

A slower pace and more time to sniff might help too.  I have started telling my wife I am taking our 13 year old Lab out for a sniff.