Zephyr, my sheltie, refuses to walk with me

Treats, treats and more treats!

The first times I tried to walk Timber and then Bacca outside, I thought I was dragging a dead rabbit behind me...

Then I learned small, baby steps. And learning to understand what was terrifying them. We would start by only going to the end of the driveway, then we would sit and get used to the traffic and noise. Praise and treat.

Cross the street! Praise and treat! Going further and further every day.

For very difficult cases, my puppy school recommended a lure. Attach a wooden spoon to a stick. Put a big dollop of peanut butter or cheez whiz on the spoon.

Hold the leash with your left hand and the lure in your right, crossing over the front of your body. Put the lure in front of pups nose and start walking. When they cooperate for a few steps by chasing the lure, let them have a few licks and gradually extend the distance. Eventually you replace the lure with just simple hand treats, and eventually they go away altogether.

One final comment: this is really common. But once they figure out that walks are fun, they'll normally beat down the door to go.

Don't get discouraged.
 
I don't quite know how to say this politely, but here goes. Please don't suggest that people drag their dogs by their leashes or harnesses.
:(
 
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At 10 weeks she doesnt need a lot of walking, rather its about getting her to experience the world so you don't want to make it scary. At this age dogs go through a fear imprint period, which could be why she is reacting like this. You need to be really careful not to push her into doing anything she is scared about or it can have a lasting impact. Short sessions, leaving the lead on at home, taking extra yummy treats as suggested will help, and if she doesnt want to walk just have a little play, maybe even just sit with her and let her look around then go back inside.
 
Emma was 10 weeks old when I started her on the leash, as was Noah. Short periods of time are good. Both learned to walk on the leash in the house within 15 minutes. Outside took longer because it was an unknown area - more things to investigate, to check out, to be afraid of, as well as unknown surface under the feet. Keep up and you will find your puppy will be walking on the leash in no time.
 
Everyone has given you great advice and just wondering where in Florida are you living? We are in southwest Florida. We do have a few Floridians here now. Love the name...is he a blue?
 
Thanks everyone. :D

Thanks for all of the advice. I've been working with Zephyr. Today she made it across the street. :D

And I live in Gainesville, Florida. :D Zephyr is a female blue merle.
 
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