refuses to go on walks

Question
I have been walking my jack russell since he was about 10 weeks, either 2 miles or 3.5, depending on weather.  The past two days he has laid down and won't walk until I turn around and head home then he's his usual perky self.  He is now eight months.  The first time this happened I picked him up and carried him a ways and then he was fine.  Today he just refused.  Nothing bad has happened on our walks.  I'm just perplexed.  I don't want him to be the boss but I don't want him to be uncomfortable either.  Any clue on what is going on?  Is he training me????

Answer
Hi Carol,
The first thing that comes to mind is there might be an underlying medical problem, maybe nothing serious but this same thing just happened to a friend of mine and it ended up that the dog was sick (fever, with aching joints) and tested positive for Lyme disease.
Is there any chance that this could be the case with your dog? Maybe it's painful to walk?? I see you say he turns into his perky self when you head home... Maybe he is bored (poor thing... NOT!)- and he's yearning for some new sights and smells? Maybe you could go a different way or try a new park or something? They are funny aren't they?! When you picked him up and carried him a little way, you were sending a message to him that he has no choice but to walk! He definitely might be testing you....  So, I would suggest watching him for any signs of lameness, illness first and if he's fine, try a new route for some change and if he still refuses, you're just going to have to MAKE him go. He will definitely test you and your authority any time he can.... he's a Jack!  
Good luck with him Carol, hope I helped at least a little bit.
Take care,
Carol