Walking not happening.

[Beansandcheesearegood]

My dog won't walk with 1 adult. I mean he won't walk more then 2 houses from home with either me or Dh alone but if we are together, or with DC he's fine. Any help? He's 10 month old Springer. Even took him to a place he loves and let him off lead (ge loves this) and he turned back for car.

I would practice walking him in garden with one adult, then go out front door and walk one house down and back, but do a loop don't make an about turn. Keep doing this in addition to normal walks as a family.

Always be the one to turn for home when it is just dog and one person, increase the length by 4/5 foot literally . But always keep him under that threshold of wanting to turn for home.

What do you do when he stops and refuses to go any further?

We've done various things. Continue facing the way I'm walking, tug on lead "come on" . Tried treats, tried a stand off, tried encouragibg, tried fun running. Tried ignoring. All of these work but only for another meter then he stops. Obviously this has been fun for the neighbours to witness 🤣

OK haven't done this so will try it. It's just becoming so annoying . I don't know if it's anxiety, dominance both or something else!

You could also try setting off altogether then let one person walk ahead just out of sight like round the corner, then you and dog catch up with them.

Buy don't make it into a big thing, you want the dog to think its completely normal for the family to be separate at times. But don't let him get anxious doing this, one person could be out of sight for literally 2/3 seconds then catch up and do the walk altogether.

I would try something really fun that he only gets on walks with one person. A squeaky toy, or a rabbit fur tug, or a super duper high value treat.

Good idea! That might work actually. Off lead we use chicken and he will alway (so far!) Recall for that, so I think food might be the way to go too.

I would want a vet check before doing anything else.

When all of you walk together adrenlin and excitement may be masking pain which is more noticeable when on a quieter walk 121.

Hopefully the check will come back clear and then I would look at behavioural issues but do check out physical first.

Some more like the beginnings anxiety to me tbh - I’d speak to a vet first then a behaviourist.