Training a puppy to walk on a leash

Question
We have two Bernese Mountain Dog puppies born in Mid August 2009.  Same father, different mothers.  The female is 5 days older than the male.  We have previously had a male Bernese Mountain Dog that died from cancer at age 9 1/2 years so we have a good understanding of the breed.

We have been working in very short "workouts" learning to come, sit, walk, etc.  The female does very well. (using a training chain collar), however, male, which is very loving and sweet, does not want to walk.  He sits, walks backwards and sometime lays down.  We are hesitant to snap the collar because the breed can be slower and timid. We have tried using snacks to motivate him but it doesn't either.  Any suggestions??

Answer
We explain this in our dog training book and DVD.  Its called passive agressive. Basically the male is giving you the Paw.  

We've seen this a lot in many different breeds. Some had to be carried by the owner from car to training center, or dragged around the room, resisting, squeeling at every step. Not fun for owner or dog.

Keep in mind the opposite of reward is no reward. Find what the dog's hot button is. Not all dogs respond to food, many are toy oriented. Try whatever toys you have on hand one at a time to see what toy the dog has the most interest from the dog. We would start with a simple task, the dog has to get up and take a step to get the toy, then more steps.  Some dogs were so object oriented that they would immediatley follow the toy around the room.  Lots of "good dog" as the dog walks or steps.

This particular dog may also work for clicker training. Clicker training is fairly simple, every time the dog makes a correct (desied) motion, click the clicker. As teh dog moves around the room, multiple clicks and "good dog."  

Don't limit your effort to regular dog toys. We've found many dogs that will work for a Fisher Price type simple toy, rubber squeeze play toys, "tools" (hammer, screwdriver, spoons) of the plastic/rubber play type. Some just want something they can carry in their mouth, squeeky fuzzy toy or sticks or nylabones.  Once you find the motivator, the rest should be easy as your other dogs.

Regards,
Henry Ruhwiedel
Werstwind Kennels LLC