Any tips of leash training? My new 4 mo german shepherd is scared to go outside. He's fine out back, when I take him out for bathroom detail, but when it comes to going out for walks, he's very hesitant. If he's got the leash on and the slack's taken up, he just sits and resists.

I've tried food rewards and praise, but he just seems to be too scared to understand that walks are good things.

Hi. Do you have a clicker? You can make the walk like a game for your dog. I think you do not want to push her too much,because it may contribute to negative side. I wonder outside for her is scary place because they can see trash bins on road (my dog used to be scared of Trash bin),or trash pick up guy's track's sound got my dog scared,and maybe if somebody were mowing the yard,it makes loud noise which can be scary to dogs.

Maybe,you can start teaching her "Touch" command inside the house first. Let your dog touch your palm on her nose,click and treat.You can forget about outside walking for this time.Then,you can try this touch game in your yard.Then,if she were comfortable doing this in the yard,you could take the game to actual road. I do not think you need to go for real walk when she is scared of something. You can do 5 feet and come back to house,and if 5 feet were ok,try 10 feet etc and get the distance longer.

If you could identify what makes her scared,you can train not to be so scared of,rather let her feel scary thing brings yummy treats.When my dog were scared of trash bin, I did touch game and gradually let her come closer to bin and she can now sit right next to the trash bin.

Sometimes,dogs tend to come to you when you lower yourself;not standing up but sitting.So,I think you can try sit and call her not pulling her forward as well.I am not a dog trainer so,it is just from my experience but you can try many different ways and see what works for your dog will be good idea.

Yassy,

Yassy has a great suggestion on the clicker training. I also found that if we do something "fun" outside then they will associate going outside to having fun. I bring along some favorite treats and encourage obedience after she's gotten over her "fear". I would also start clicking and treating when you walk past something that seems to scare your pup. (i.e. trash bins, cars, other people, etc..) This will give him the confidence he needs to continue the walk. Also as yassy said, be careful not to cause this to be an intimidating experience or he may never enjoy his walks. Short 5-10 min. walks at a time will keep the fear level down and you can gradually increase the time out as you see he's getting used to the things that may frighten him. Good luck!!!

Hey,

You're definitely on the right track when talking about doing something fun outside! By trying to make walking fun, your dog will just want to do more and more and more of it! Maybe take you dog to the park to play fetch or something next time youre walking, this will help get the positive association going.