stubborn walker sit n stare

[reuben]

so reuben our 12 week old flashy brindle boy has been progressing quite well although he was once very happy to be on the leash/harness walking the past few days,once his harness is put on he becomes imobile. just sits and stares nothing.. i try treats and pleasantries but nothing . to the point where i have to pick him up to get him outside and eventually once he's on the grass he gets into it but making it out the door is somewhat of a hassle any help
?

 

[Cami]

Have you tried just a regular collar and leash and eliminating the harness?
I'd start there versus trying to get a 12 week old "comfortable" with something. Not saying to nix the harness altogether but getting him used to going outside on his own before reintroducing the harness would be a simple solution.
Sometimes we just have to change things up with them when they are so young in an attempt to keep them from absolutely hating something long term.
By letting him just "sit & stare" HE is training you!
Eliminate the harness for a bit to see if you get a different reaction.

 

[Althea]

LOL! Been there, done that...still does, some days. Suki gets stubborn if you walk ahead of her. She'll sit down and fight you to move her. We've worked passed it, but she still does it with the hubby, especially if I'm nearby.

I'm w/Cami. harness, schmarness, at least for a while. And if you have to, physically stand him up, and gently coax him out the door. ooo, they are so stubborn...but you gotta love 'em.

 

[RockyCody]

Statue doggie

Rocky is the same way. I put his easy walk harness on - and it has been this way for the past 2-3 months. He has been using the harness for 4 months at least so it's not like it's anything new here. As soon as we put the harness on him he is frozen. Just sits there. We then go clip his leash on, still sits there until I grab the leash and start walking. Then he follows.

I don't quite get it - I thought maybe he was just being nice staying in one place to let me put his leash on but I'm pretty sure he is creeped out by the harness. He wears it every walk and to obedience class adn what not, so it's not like it's a new thing. Just doesn't make sense.

I guess it's not a bad thing right? Although now when he sees the harness he starts moving away from me. I get a treat set the harness on the floor and have him come to me. I give him the treat, put the harness on and then frozen dog. Not sure why they do this.

If anyone has any other suggestions or reasoning behind it, please let me know. i almost wrote this as a new thread - glad someone else did!

Good luck with it - your pup is so young maybe they just aren't comfortable yet.

 

[reuben]

Thanks all!

yeah we've got a regular collar for him which i'll have to alternate with. also bring him outside unleashed alot and give him lots of rewards for coming back to us when he finds something intresting. it seems he's more happy to comply when he knows he's got the freedom.