How to Train a Dog Who Sits in the Middle of a Walk

If your dog sits down regularly during walks, this can be a difficult habit to break, depending upon the dog's age and personality. An important part of the solution involves figuring out why the dog is doing it. While it could just be a psychological power struggle, sometimes this behavior is a sign of an underlying medical problem.

Things You'll Need

• A leash
• Treats for rewards
• A huge supply of patience

Instructions

Observe Your Dog

1. Watch your dog while he walks. Does he favor a particular leg? Is he keeping his legs rigid during walks? Does he appear to tire quickly?

2. Visit your veterinarian and report your observations to her. Ask her to examine the dog's legs and hips. She will probably also want to take x-rays. Also ask her if the dog is overweight. One reason that some dogs sit down during walks, is that they are in pain. Knee problems, hip displasia, obesity, and arthritis can all cause this behavior. If there is a problem, follow your vet's recommendations regarding treatment. If there is not a problem, then you may confidently go forward with training, knowing that you are not hurting your dog.

3. Take some treats along with you when walk your dog. Use them as rewards, but be careful to only use them sparingly. Dogs are smart and they will quickly learn to manipulate you if you give them the chance. Do not offer the dog treats in order to encourage them to get up when they are sitting. If you do, you will find that your dog will never get up unless you give him a treat.Instead, reward the behavior you want. Only give out treats when the dog is walking along the way you want him to. Choose small bite-size treats, rather than larger ones. Otherwise, the dog may sit down to eat the treat.

4. Be confident and firm. Dogs are very adept at reading human body language. If you carry yourself in a weak or submissive way, your dog will pick up on that and get the idea that he is the boss. When he sits down, do not yell angrilly, as this is also a sign of weakness. Instead use a confident, commanding voice as though you were ordering a soldier. There should be no question in your mind about whether the dog will get up. You know he will, because you told him to. This is a hard skill to perfect, but it can be done.

5. Take an extra person along on your walk. If you usually walk the dog alone, the dog will find it exciting to have an extra person along, and this will encourage him not to be so stubborn.

6. Consider hiring a professional dog trainer. She may be able to show you what you are doing wrong in just a few lessons.