Cries on Walks

[mitzy ditzy]

Loving my 12 week old puppy who is doing very well.  I have just started taking him for walks.  As I know not to walk him too much so far I have taken him just down the road and on another occasion a brief visit to the park.  He cries quite a lot when walking I guess he is just a little frightened.  I think I will take very small steps in socialising him thought I would drive to the park and maybe just sit on a bench to see how he gets on.  Would welcome any tips

[elaine.e]

Hello and welcome to COL

It sounds like your puppy is feeling a bit overwhelmed with the outside world at the moment. Driving to the park and sitting on a bench is a good idea. Take some treats and if he's happy to sit and watch the world go by, or play with a toy, or just have a sniff around, quietly praise and reward him for anything positive. If he's afraid of something try not to react to his fear by making a fuss because that may reinforce his fear.

I don't know if you're a first time dog owner or not, so apologies if this is something you already know, but don't assume that all other dogs will love him and be nice to him because he's a puppy. Many adult dogs tolerate puppies but some don't and some adults and puppies may be too rough if they play with him. So be careful when other dogs approach you or you approach them.

If your puppy is relaxed enough in the park try and do some training with him. While he's still so young he'll probably want to stay close to you so it's the right time to start training a solid recall in preparation for when he's a teenager and less likely to listen to you . You can practice things like that at home and in the garden and then try them out in the park.

Would love to hear more about your boy. Is he a show type or worker and what's his name?

[penguins87]

Hello

Elaine has given some really great advise and tips for your little one . 

My Dora also cried a lot  when we first took her out ,she is my sixth dog. she took longer than any of my others to build her confidence . She always wanted to stand and look at things for quite sometime and not until she was a lot bigger and older did she want to meet people or other dogs . I never forced her to be petted by people she was allowed to approach them and sniff them when she was ready . She is really good now and much more confident, she will be a year old soon . 

 You are quite right to take things slowly all puppies are different and yours will be fine as you obviously care a lot about him.

Please let us know how you get on.

[Ruby Tuesday]

Sitting in a park is a great idea.

Another thing to add is, if she seems to be scared of something (a bus for example) don't make a big fuss of her to try to reassure her. She will think that you are praising her and that she was right to be scared. Just be fairly matter of fact, and praise her when she is walking along happily.

Our Jem went through a phase of doing this too, but if you don't make too much of it, it will pass.

Enjoy your walks!

[Rolo12]

I symaphise with you on this one. When i take Rolo out he doesnt cry but he just sits down and refuses to move. He is fine when were with other people and or other dogs though. Very strange! Also, i find he is fine if i take him in the car somewhere but if he has to walk there from our house then he doesnt want to go!

[maddy74]

Have you taken him around different noises, sights and environments whilst in your arms? I did this before we could walk Willow and it really helped.

[mitzy ditzy]

Thanks for the advice.

In reply to Elaine my dogs name is Bobby and he is a show type.  Bobby isn't crying as much on walks but is very nervous of other dogs and goes a bit loopy.  I think because he is nervous he is jumping up at me a lot and sometimes nips the back of my legs.  Also when my son or daughter holds the lead he does not walk well at all he pulls towards me.  In training at home he will Sit, stay and gives his paw but outside of home I've no control.