Frustration outside, evening walks, help

[Maximo]

Originally Posted by margaritaville

Aging has helped but my two are a handful on walks. The walk starts out with excitement but they finally calm down. When they do I go to "nice walk, nice walk". We generally follow the same route with directions such as, "left, right" and at crossings "wait" and "go" after checking that it is safe to cross. They are use to the "let's go" after he stops to smell the 3,000th bush and "leave it" after the pile of poop. And of course, the TREAT when we get home.

Be consistent. Don't give up.

I love your whole description, but the treat really made me crack up. Max and Teddy receive a reward when we return home too. Aren't we the ones who should get the treat?!

Love our silly babies.

[Shicks]

Yes, I like the treat thing. I too, only walk for fun & adventure. When Ruger would stop or want to sniff too much, I would get his attention with a treat, then toss the treat a few feet ahead.
We also keep potty time closer to home. Treat with good job.

[DBlain]

another good thing about going potty at home, you don't have to carry a little bag of crap with you for half the walk Lola likes playing fetch much more than going for a walk so sometimes I let her take a toy along, then I throw it for short distances and she runs and gets it then I catch up, this can go on for quite some time. When walking by ourselves we do use a retractable leash so she has some space, but our area is not very busy with traffic.

[karen24]

As with so many things I have learned, it is not Jack who needs to change, but me! LOL Life is much better now. Walks are better, taken all the advice and much helps. I have accepted that I need to carry him home sometimes. I found where he is aiming to go when out on a walk. There is a plaza within walking distance with a PetSmart. I gave him the chance to lead me to see where he wants to go, and he led me right to the store and inside. I have been taking him out and staying around the house more for pottying. He is coming to realize that every time we go out it is not for a walk. I have relaxed about lots of stuff on the walk and stopped fighting with him, and gently lead him with a treat, or if thing are not going well, then I just pick him up and that's that, rather than letting myself get so frustrated. Thank you all for all the great advice!

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by Maximo

I relate to your situation in both the setup of your neighborhood, and a doggy who thinks he controls the walk. Things get easier with age though.

First, safety: make sure you are wearing light color clothing with something reflective so that drivers can see you.

Do not allow frustration to take over. Be confident, relaxed. These little guys can read us easily and frustration seems to feed their stubbornness. Or it breaks the lines of communication.

Max responds so much better to sweet talking. If I say "baby" at the end of something, he follows right along. Sweet voice vs harsh voice always wins with him. "This way, baby."

Use a short leash, no more than 4 feet, especially in the evening. Shorten the leash even more to keep him closer to your feet.

Use keywords and phrases like "Let's go" when you want him to move. Say it happily and move your feet in the direction you want to go.

Use the keywords to mark other things like, "car" for instance, to get off the road.

If all else fails, I would pick him up and move him. There is a little risk that he may never learn then, but my boys have learned that they may as well listen to me because they are going to get moved anyway.

Good luck!

Just awesome as advice!

Originally Posted by karen24

As with so many things I have learned, it is not Jack who needs to change, but me! LOL Life is much better now. Walks are better, taken all the advice and much helps. I have accepted that I need to carry him home sometimes. I found where he is aiming to go when out on a walk. There is a plaza within walking distance with a PetSmart. I gave him the chance to lead me to see where he wants to go, and he led me right to the store and inside. I have been taking him out and staying around the house more for pottying. He is coming to realize that every time we go out it is not for a walk. I have relaxed about lots of stuff on the walk and stopped fighting with him, and gently lead him with a treat, or if thing are not going well, then I just pick him up and that's that, rather than letting myself get so frustrated. Thank you all for all the great advice!

Wonderful news! I'm really happy things are going so much better now, yay.