Walking JRT

Question
I have a 6 month year old Jack Russell, and I enjoy walking , but she is either pulling the leash or lagging behind sitting , laying and not budging for anything. I like to walk on a trial that can run anywhere from 1 -3 miles, and I understand if she is tired and needs to rest, but sometimes as soon as she gets out of the car to start the walk she sits and does not want to move , I usually pick her up and walk a while then put her back down and we will do this usually for the whole walk. Is there a way to get her to walk on a constant basis?  Thanks

Answer
Hello Mike,

She's still too young to be going that distance which is why she is sitting before you even begin. One mile at that age is more than enough. She will definitely grow into being able to handle the 3 miles as she gets older. Just take it in steps. Start with half a mile for a month, increase to a mile for a month, then 2 miles for a month and by the time she's a year old, she'll have lots more stamina and energy to join you for the full walk.
You need to train her right away to stop pulling but this has to be done separately (at a different location) so she doesn't get confused as to what you want while you're on the trail.
Train her on the sidewalks near your home - and when you are walking her on the leash and she starts to pull ahead, stop in your tracks and refuse to walk until she "heels".  You'll have to do it a hundred times before she completely understands. Make sure to praise her and say the word "heel" each time she is doing it correctly. Gently pull back on the leash and have her stay at your side continually guiding and correcting when she does it right and stopping completely when she starts to pull ahead. She will eventually understand what is expected of her and will learn to walk with you instead of pulling you along, or having to be dragged. Best of luck with your new pup!