training puppy to walk

Question
Hi Fred, I have a 4 month old golden retriever and am having trouble taking him for walks. When I have someone else with me he is fine and walks happily, but it's not always possible to have someone come along.  Every time I have tried to walk him by myself he refuses to walk and resists every step of the way and tries to go back in the direction of home even when I try to coax him with food.  I usually end up so frustrated and embarrassed by his behavior that I give up and turn back to go home. The second I turn back he immediately starts walking perfectly the whole way home.  That is the most frustrating thing because I am wondering why can he not walk that way all the time, not just when he is going home? Any tips you might have which could help would be greatly appreciated because I want my dog to enjoy his walks and he really doesn't seem to right now!
Thanks, Julianne

Answer
Hi Julianne.  I was just talking about people's frustrations with dogs today, and how it does result in it being no fun, and the people do not want to continue in some cases.  I think that is why our many businesses throughout the country have been so successful, and that is because people want result oriented stuff.  With that being said, a few points about your post.  You mention that the dog walks fine if someone else is along as well, and as you said, that is not realistic to have to find someone else, every time you take your dog out.  Furthermore, before too long this can lead to a million other excuses of why the dog may or may not walk.  You need to be consistent in that walking with you means the same thing everytime, and it's your job to enforce it.  The dog obviously knows how to walk with you, and it's now your job to enforce it.  I wouldn't be bribing him in this situation, in fact, he may even be slowing down or not coming at all partly because that is what is bringing the food out.  When he slows down, you need to just speed up, and get him up to your pace.   He'll pick up his speed, especially when he sees that he does not have a choice in the matter, and as soon as you keep your consistency of him walking with you.  Yes, he's a young dog, but it sounds to me like he definetly knows how to walk with you.  I think if you just keep on walking right through this, that he'll stop it in pretty short order.  Your job will still remain though, that you oversee that this habit does not continue.  Keep him moving, and good luck.