Walking

Question
We have a miniature female poodle, her name is Piper.  Piper is 12 weeks old.  She will not go for a walk!  We have tried and tried!  We take her out and she just puts all four legs out and won't budge.  She is being quite a stubborn little pup. Is this a puppy issue or a Piper issue?

Answer
Hello Lisa,
Sounds like a little of both.  When walking her, you might try to encourage her to walk by using a toy she likes or a treat.  Also encourage her with a higher pitched voice.  Try saying "Come On Piper!  Theres a good girl!"  Squeak the toy for her and see if she will follow it, or offer her a yummy treat and see if she will walk toward you for it.  Praise and let her have a bite if she takes a few steps.  
You might try this inside before you take her outside.  If you can get her to walk around inside, she will be more likely to go with you outside.  You can also let her walk around the house with the leash left on her.  This way, if she steps on the leash, she will get used to it tugging on her and it will help her get used to you leading her with it.  
If all else fails, when she refuses to walk with you, go ahead and drag her a bit.  She will learn that if she doesn't want to walk with you that this won't stop her from having to go with you.  As soon as she attempts to move with you, praise her, but keep going.  She has to realize that just because she started to go with you that it doesn't mean that you are going to stop walking.  

Give this a try and if you have other questions for me, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim