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Digby is 4 1/2 months old and as good as gold, until we take him out. He won’t budge and just sits shaking. Tried EVERYTHING!!! Any advice please?
Will not budge when try to take for a walk
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If he sit shaking he is telling you he is scared not naughty. Just go outside and sit and watch the world go by and give him lots of tasty treats and encouragement to explore a little knowing he will not be forced. Is he any happier if you got to a park or green open space? If he is drive him there and again let him explore slowly with no force and plenty of encouragement
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Thanks for this. He’s frightened no matter where we take him
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Poor lad 
I would be taking things very slowly and probably get a good reward based trainer involved who can visit you at home to help you help him learn to cope https://apdt.co.uk/find-a-trainer/
I would be taking things very slowly and probably get a good reward based trainer involved who can visit you at home to help you help him learn to cope https://apdt.co.uk/find-a-trainer/
Hi Donna there are lots of games u can play with him at home to build his confidence like cardboard chaos , scent work ,puzzles if u build up his confidence he'll hopefully start enjoying his walks or u could carry him so that he gets to see it's not so scary after all ull find loads of games on absolute dogs they're on you tube hope it helps take plenty treats on your walk or let him carry his favourite toy 💙 good luck it'll all work out
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Hi Donna, do you have a garden?
If so make the space fun, create dens and make jumps, play ball ect...have fun.
Sometimes l think we overate the whole dog walking scenario..like its PARAMOUNT that your dog must be walked a trillion times a day or else...relax about it...play and have fun.
Xx
If so make the space fun, create dens and make jumps, play ball ect...have fun.
Sometimes l think we overate the whole dog walking scenario..like its PARAMOUNT that your dog must be walked a trillion times a day or else...relax about it...play and have fun.
Xx
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Thank you all who gave advice. He’s still not budging!!! Play with him all the time and he loves it, but see’s the lead and stops dead. We put it on him everyday for a while, and he won’t eat or take a treat or anything ☹☹☹, otherwise, he’s perfect (still is)
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Will he walk on his lead in the garden and house?
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No, not at all. He won’t take his food or treats either. He doesn’t move at all
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Have you tried attaching the lead to the harness and alternatively on the collar? Just thinking 🤔 maybe put the lead next to him when he eats not out it on him yet and start with a super light indoor lead. Not sure if any of that will help, just thoughts. If none of it helps, maybe best to get a trainer and behaviouralist involved
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We had a dog who completely froze if he had anything more than a collar and lead on him. Have you tried attaching a very light lead on him in the house and then garden and just letting it trail so he can get used to it being attached. Lots of rewards with high value treats, we find coked chicken to be a winner, but some dogs seem to be sensitive. We’ve had a couple of rescue dogs that were anxious and we found a thunder vest or even just an equa fleece t shirt helped calm and give a bit more confidence, again getting used to wearing it in the house first. We have a Digby too 🥰- he usually loves his walks but if it’s dark he does his business and then turns for home- not that I’m complaining😀.
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Sounds like he is totally overwhelmed poor lad, you need to find the lowest point at which he copes and very gently build up from there, whether that is a lead in sight on the floor, a harness or collar being put on or just those things within sight, and then very slow steps to help build up. No force whatsoever it all needs to be pups choice and a level he can cope with - I would get a good reward based trainer in to help
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He won’t even walk once the leads on him, just doesnt move a muscle till we take it off him ☹☹ desperate to take him out. He needs to get used to every day life, rather than his home and garden
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What were first lead experiences like and when did it go wrong? What happened?
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We put his lead on in the garden, and admittedly tried to walk with him ( didn’t realise he wouldn’t like it), he went berserk poor thing, was squealing and crying. It sounded like we’d hurt him (very upsetting). Dropped the lead right away and took it off. Never known this before and we felt awful!!! He’s got a light lead, yes
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OK and since then when the lead goes on he freezes and will not move or take treats?
Sounds like that experience has really terrified him and you need to break it right down.
Will he take treats when the lead is on the floor near him, when it is in your hand, when you lift the lead slightly, when you move it towards him? You need to find the step at which he copes and then very slowly and carefully work with him to teach him it is safe, you need to work at his pace and when he says enough and stops wanting to take treats and join in you need to respect that at stop for that session and try again later.
Sounds like that experience has really terrified him and you need to break it right down.
Will he take treats when the lead is on the floor near him, when it is in your hand, when you lift the lead slightly, when you move it towards him? You need to find the step at which he copes and then very slowly and carefully work with him to teach him it is safe, you need to work at his pace and when he says enough and stops wanting to take treats and join in you need to respect that at stop for that session and try again later.
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Yes I think that’s what’s triggered it ( I should of mentioned that in the beginning). He won’t take treats when lead is on, but I’ll try doing what you said when it’s near him. Thank you
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