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Original poster

Working cocker puppy doesn't like walks, help.

34 replies

DelphiniumHolly · 16/04/2025 13:52

Hi,

I've posted about our puppy previously and got some really good advice on here, so thought I'd dip into the wisdom again!

Puppy is 16 weeks. Really settled, training going well etc...

BUT, she won't go for a walk! She refuses to walk from the house, she just lays on the pavement outside and whines until I turn around and go back through the gate (not even treats will tempt her further). Going out in the car is a bit better, this morning I took her to the woods and she was enthusiastic for about 10 minutes but then went on strike. When she realised we were going back to the car she couldn't get there quick enough, straining on her harness and lead.

Is this normal? How can we get her to enjoy her walks?

It seems like she just loves being at home curled up on the sofa! We'd prepared ourselves for a super high energy puppy/dog that needed a lot of exercise and stimulation, but she is the most chilled dog I have ever come across. She's happy just pottering around the house helping me with jobs etc. and playing with our young children.

I know she's just a puppy so things could change, but for context my mum has a working cocker puppy who is 5 weeks older (different litter) and she is as mad as a box of frogs. Since 8 weeks hasn't been able to sit still, runs everywhere, needs a lot of walking and playing with. The polar opposite to our puppy!

Are some working cockers just super lazy? 😂

OP posts:
Sick · 16/04/2025 14:05

Is she possibly overwhelmed and/or scared? She's very small still.

Both my working cocker spaniels are very chilled and calm in the house and it's easy to mistake them for lazy.

They love walks but only if they have a job to do. If we do on leash walk only (eg. quick toilet break) then they are desperate to go back home and all their leash manners disappear. I think it's very boring for them and they don't like being restricted. They would rather be free even if that means being at home.

However, once they have a job to do, whether that's retrieval or scent work or even a game of fetch, they absolutely come alive.

So perhaps she's like mine and takes the working part of her name very seriously. She needs a purpose.

Original poster
DelphiniumHolly · 16/04/2025 14:11

Sick · 16/04/2025 14:05

Is she possibly overwhelmed and/or scared? She's very small still.

Both my working cocker spaniels are very chilled and calm in the house and it's easy to mistake them for lazy.

They love walks but only if they have a job to do. If we do on leash walk only (eg. quick toilet break) then they are desperate to go back home and all their leash manners disappear. I think it's very boring for them and they don't like being restricted. They would rather be free even if that means being at home.

However, once they have a job to do, whether that's retrieval or scent work or even a game of fetch, they absolutely come alive.

So perhaps she's like mine and takes the working part of her name very seriously. She needs a purpose.

That's really interesting! She doesn't need a lead on her walk in the woods, her recall is incredible for such a young dog. I only put her back on her lead when she gives up and goes on strike, so I can safely get her back to the car.

What job do you give them when you're out and about? Should I try taking a ball with me and throw it for her in the woods, to see if she enjoys that more than simply just walking around?

OP posts:
Sick · 16/04/2025 14:20

Yes, absolutely, take a ball or other toy. She's been bred to fetch and retrieve so let her do what she's designed for.

I don't throw things as far as possible, I throw in interesting places. In to water, in to long grass etc. so they have to use their brains and noses. Mental stimulation rather than physical.

You can try hiding treats and having her find them. Try a flirt pole (drag it around on the floor, don't let her jump too much while so young), have your children run and hide and let her find them.

There are so many fun things you can do with her! They don't have to be complicated. There are tons of good videos on YouTube and even tiktok from other spaniel owners. You don't have to do traditional working to give her a purpose.

LandSharksAnonymous · 16/04/2025 14:24

She refuses to walk from the house, she just lays on the pavement outside and whines

This worries me tbh. What sort of whining? Is it scared? At her age she should be super excited to go out and about into the world - even if she is bored on a walk (but tbh I think at 16 weeks she's likely far too young for that). Sniffs etc, should be more than enough.

Do please be careful throwing anything for her - at her age, her joints need protecting. Likewise, no jumping on or off furniture etc.

Roselilly36 · 16/04/2025 14:29

My pup was like this, different breed though, we worked out he was absolutely terrified of the wind, soon got used to it though.

Original poster
DelphiniumHolly · 16/04/2025 14:30

LandSharksAnonymous · 16/04/2025 14:24

She refuses to walk from the house, she just lays on the pavement outside and whines

This worries me tbh. What sort of whining? Is it scared? At her age she should be super excited to go out and about into the world - even if she is bored on a walk (but tbh I think at 16 weeks she's likely far too young for that). Sniffs etc, should be more than enough.

Do please be careful throwing anything for her - at her age, her joints need protecting. Likewise, no jumping on or off furniture etc.

It doesn't seem like she's scared, she doesn't cower or have her tail between her legs etc. Its more of a whine out of stubborness, as if she's saying 'no thank you I'd rather be playing inside at home'.

She does enjoy the sniffs in the woods/down the river, but only for around 10 minutes then seems to have had enough. She does like to play fetch with her little tennis ball (gently, we don't let her go mad with it as we want to protect her jonts, like you say). I wonder if I throw it a little on her walk if that'll help.

OP posts:
Original poster
DelphiniumHolly · 16/04/2025 14:31

Roselilly36 · 16/04/2025 14:29

My pup was like this, different breed though, we worked out he was absolutely terrified of the wind, soon got used to it though.

Thats interesting, I wonder if this might be an issue, or other sounds shes hearing when outside. We took her out a lot in a dog sling before she was allowed down to walk, so was very well socialised from being tiny which we hoped would prevent this problem!

OP posts:
LandSharksAnonymous · 16/04/2025 14:44

@DelphiniumHolly - just keep half an eye on it. Obviously you won't always be able to drive her for walks, so you do need to be able to trot her down the road. Sometimes dogs do freeze rather than exhibit other fear symptoms.

You could also try training whilst you walk her? Not just recall, but teaching her commands like sit (at a distance), wait/freeze (so stopping walking and waiting for you), down (at a distance) etc. If she loves her ball, you could try rewarding her every time she does a command well by giving her the ball? Make the walks mentally and physically tiring for her.

I don't have working breeds, but three or my four have SWGC and I always do training with them on walks (admittedly part of that is because they're an absolute rabble otherwise) and it exhausts them wonderfully.

Also...obligatory puppy pohoto (please)

survivingunderarock · 16/04/2025 14:45

Drive or carry her to some grass and just let her explore. Preferably somewhere very quiet. Pups don't need walks. They need fun experiences.

Mine was the same at that age but she gradually gained confidence and we could walk from the door. Now she's a walk all day anywhere dog - cities, woods, beaches, country. So don't sweat it.

Original poster
DelphiniumHolly · 16/04/2025 15:10

That’s brilliant, thank you everyone! Lots to think about and try with her. Hopefully she’ll get there as she gets a bit older. Here’s the cutie, on her favourite spot on the sofa with her cupcake squeaky toy 🤣

Working cocker puppy doesn't like walks, help.
OP posts:
Invisablepanic · 16/04/2025 15:17

What is the lead attached to when you take her out? We found our puppy wouldn't walk with a harness at first, only a collar. He's 7months and is now fine with a harness but that's only been in the last month or so.

Winky2024 · 16/04/2025 15:26

@DelphiniumHolly she’s adorable. I also had a brown (or liver) working cocker. He was an amazing dog. I loved him so much 😍

PhilippaGeorgiou · 16/04/2025 15:27

LandSharksAnonymous · 16/04/2025 14:24

She refuses to walk from the house, she just lays on the pavement outside and whines

This worries me tbh. What sort of whining? Is it scared? At her age she should be super excited to go out and about into the world - even if she is bored on a walk (but tbh I think at 16 weeks she's likely far too young for that). Sniffs etc, should be more than enough.

Do please be careful throwing anything for her - at her age, her joints need protecting. Likewise, no jumping on or off furniture etc.

I suspect the problem is that the OP turns around and takes her back where she feels safe! Almost all puppies go through this phase. My current Border Collie (and you know how mad they are for walks) spent a week having to be cajoled to walk (especially on a lead - he was a little keener if he could do what he wanted). He would hug the pavement like he was glued to it.

Lesson one is, lead is on, no matter how long it takes you are going for a walk puppy! Get in front of her and try to get her to you with motivation - call her, food, toy, whatever is her thing. If she walks even a few steps, big praise, treat - repeat, repeat, repeat. But you decide when it is time to go back, not her. If you let her decide then she will always demand what is easiest for her. Wouldn't we all, given the chance? It is a huge world for a puppy, and at times engaging and other times overwhelming. When overwhlemed her safety should be you, not home. If that makes sense?

faerietales · 16/04/2025 15:27

I would be a bit worried about pain on hard surfaces - has she had a proper check by a vet with all her joints etc. being manipulated?

21ZIGGY · 16/04/2025 17:34

Watch last weeks bad dog academy. This was addressed

Original poster
DelphiniumHolly · 16/04/2025 18:03

21ZIGGY · 16/04/2025 17:34

Watch last weeks bad dog academy. This was addressed

Bad dog academy sounds terrifying! What was the outcome?

OP posts:
faerietales · 16/04/2025 18:05

DelphiniumHolly · 16/04/2025 18:03

Bad dog academy sounds terrifying! What was the outcome?

Show quote history

It's actually a really good programme run by very reputable trainers and behaviourists - don't be put off by the awful name!

Gattopardo · 16/04/2025 18:10

It could absolutely be behavioural but I think I’d want a vet check to check for joint problems. Is she KC from fully health tested parents?

Original poster
DelphiniumHolly · 16/04/2025 18:16

Gattopardo · 16/04/2025 18:10

It could absolutely be behavioural but I think I’d want a vet check to check for joint problems. Is she KC from fully health tested parents?

Yes to both of those. I don’t think it’s any problem with her joints, she runs around the house playing with no problems at all. Loves being in the garden playing and running with a football with the kids etc. she just seems to prefer being in her own house and garden!

OP posts:
21ZIGGY · 16/04/2025 18:16

DelphiniumHolly · 16/04/2025 18:03

Bad dog academy sounds terrifying! What was the outcome?

Show quote history

Its easier to watch than for me to do a bad job explaining. As pp says, reputable trainers on it

Original poster
DelphiniumHolly · 16/04/2025 18:17

21ZIGGY · 16/04/2025 18:16

Its easier to watch than for me to do a bad job explaining. As pp says, reputable trainers on it

Show quote history

Brilliant, thank you. I’ll take a look.

OP posts:
Original poster
DelphiniumHolly · 16/04/2025 18:18

faerietales · 16/04/2025 15:27

I would be a bit worried about pain on hard surfaces - has she had a proper check by a vet with all her joints etc. being manipulated?

Sorry for the delay! Yes she’s been fully vet checked with no problems identified. She’s actually there tomorrow for her flea and worming treatment so I can get them to check again.

OP posts:
Vitrolinsanity · 16/04/2025 18:21

When our dog (admittedly a dachshund) was a puppy he was scared of walks. So we went out with people who had older dogs that he could follow.

allthemiddlechildrenoftheworld · 16/04/2025 18:52

@DelphiniumHolly so is she going to be used for working then?? Our pup is 15 weeks but she is also a nightmare on a lead even just trying to go to the vets. my dh says that is fine, she will come into her own once she starts her training. remember they dont need collars and leads when they are out shooting. take the dummy out into the garden and let her play and practise with it. we have the added problem of car sickness!!

Gattopardo · 16/04/2025 19:42

DelphiniumHolly · 16/04/2025 18:18

Sorry for the delay! Yes she’s been fully vet checked with no problems identified. She’s actually there tomorrow for her flea and worming treatment so I can get them to check again.

Show quote history

That’s good, it’d be very unlucky to have congenital hip or elbow dysplasia if both parents have been imaged and scored.

The vet will be able to try some gentle manipulation to work out if there could be a physical cause. One thing I would say, before you go tomorrow, is, do you have cast iron ongoing lifetime pet insurance up to a very high annual threshold ? Important to get that in place and in force before even mentioning this to a vet. If you’ve run on the breeders’ insurance you’ll be fine, and also if you’ve taken out other insurance straight after pet plan came to an end…

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