[yorkietalkjilly]

I have owned and fostered many dogs so I've seen the loving to be outside in the back yard vs. some anxiety about being out front and leash-walking in many dogs - some of which were more than anxious - they were absolutely phobic of leashes and walks out front at first. Those were usually unsure, troubled dogs without much self-confidence and a bad or unknown history.

I finally came to some kind of understanding that some dogs definitely behave differently out in the front yard where there is no fence and there are all kinds of sounds and scents, cars, people, other dogs, cats, kids laughing, shouting, riding bikes and playing, and comings and goings vs. being out in their back yard playing, pooping, peeing and chilling all protected and alone within the peaceful and quiet confines of the fence. I think they know they are safe in the fenced-in back yard. It's their safe haven.

Every dog I've ever had in this house loved his back yard but not all of them enjoyed the front yard or walks at first, especially if something worried him the first time or he had a traumatic history, was a nervous or anxious dog. I finally came to believe they sense they are not as protected or something out in the front yard with all the activity and where just anything can come along and come right up to them. Also some of them sense that we sometimes are a bit anxious about walking out front - worried if our dog will enjoy the walk, will be accosted by other dogs or people or we'll be safe or whatever. With so many unleashed big, powerful dogs out on the loose these days, I'm a little worried each walk, especially since I had a dog attacked on a walk.

But there is definitely a difference in many dogs in how they behave out front or in the back yard. Others absolutely love the extra excitement of the front yard - Tibbe is one of those. He adores walking and all the sights and comings and goings. He loves his back yard but going out front - that's like a super vacation for him. He gets so excited going out in the front yard that he can barely contain his joy - even just to sit on the porch - and he has no equal reaction to going out back. Maybe your little one has a similar feeling about being out front. Just keep working at it and he'll get used to it all given the time.