pup reluctant to walk

Hi,
Here's the nanny for the 7 month old doxie. Just this past week he's become very reluctant to go for walks again. He had this issue as a younger pup and it took some time to build up his confidence. Learning loose leash wallking seemed to work well for him.
I usually had been taking several walks a day, some 30 minutes, some 15, depending on the temp. (it's US very hot now). But this week he has not wanted to go. Doxie stubborness, teenage moodiness? Early in the week he acted like he'd never touched a blade of grass in in life, fortunately that stopped.
He's always been a little on the timid, easily startled side and it is a busy street. But he for several months did not have a problems. Now he will just either sit or lie down and not move. When it's time to go home - he's running as fast as he can.
I think he has some fear of the out doors-that's been a complication of housetraining. But i'm not sure why it cropped up again. He's bright and knows what he wants, so he keeps this novice trainer on her toes!
Suggestions welcome.

Comments

Thinking outside the box...

If he wants to go home, then let him - on contingency.

Use "returning home" as a reinforcer for "loose leash walking". Initially you'll spend a lot of time going back and forth (so what?)

The by-product of this is that you will also be gradually and systematically reinforcing him for walking further and further from home with you.

There is everything to gain from this, both for you and him.

Regards,
Aidan
http://www.positivepetzine.com

reluctant walker

Hi,
Thanks for your reply. I had already come to a similar conclusion. I know I have to keep at, and be patient and consistent. Keeping the training diary helps. More enticing food helps. He likes liverwurst more than I - I just can't stand it. But homemade live treats and cheese work well. All in miniscule amounts of course. And squeaky toys are also good distractors-or any weird noises I can make.
Many thanks again!

reluctanct walker update plus fetch question

Hi,
The last 4 days I have had 24/7 care of the pup while the owner's away. He seems to have almost completely lost his fears of going for a walk. He is ethusiastically heeling even as I reduce the treats- to and from home. I found a squeaky toy that he adores, so I carry it on walks as distraction and incentive. He's like a different pup in terms of the amount of energy and enthusiasm.
He normally sleeps in bed with his owner, but I had him sleep in the crate. The first night he barked 15 minutes, the next night he barked once, last night not at all. He has had one potty accident, totally my fault.
I have also kept him off the couch-when he's up there he seems barkier and nippier.

One question- he fetches perfectly when I toss the squeaky in the house, but in the field, he just runs to it and keeps it. I know - dogs do what works for them - it may just be more joy than he can handle, laying in the green grass squeaking away! I always follow the walk with an indoor game of fetch for some extra exercise. I wll try to use my noggin on this one!
Many thanks

a hint...

fetch

This worked beautifully! It took him a few minutes to figure it out, now we are both enjoying lots of fetch. He's a big fan of tug, but knows the give command and will allways give up a tug toy. Thanks!