[AshleyLou]

Hi, I was hoping for some advice.
My dog barney is a 1 year old sproker spaniel. Up until about a month ago he would sit at the front door waiting to go for a walk and would happily get in and out of the car, now we tell him we're going for a walk and he gets very excited but as soon as we get the lead out to go out he runs up the stairs and refuses to come down. After eventually getting him out of the house, he then won't get in the car.
He loves being out and really makes the most of his walks and is very well behaved around other dogs etc.
I'm just worried about the change in behaviour when trying to leave the house- any ideas?
Thanks

[Dash]

Hi, there are several reasons why your dog does not want to walk,
I suggest the following:
1-Take your dog to a different place to walk.
2-Check the dogs paws for any injury.
3-When the dog is out walking watch carefully how the dog walks any sign of discomfort?

Above all keep asking the question why and watch and observe with an OPEN MIND. The Golden rule is Dogs can not tell us what is wrong, it is up to us to search and find out.

All the best of luck
Dash

[lange]

Have you incorporated treats? Take baby steps and mix up what you do & where you go. Reward like crazy and ignore any scared behavior & just keep moving. Sometimes dogs go through fear stages when they're pups (1 year old counts). Just don't baby him or encourage the fear by petting or giving him attention when he's scared.

Whatever you do don't over think things instead; move & reward. Through out your day incorporate his leash even if you're just home or in your yard. Incorporate going into the car, treating him, then taking him out. Then move up to going around the block in the car, treating, then going back home. Shake things up but keep it positive while ignoring any fear.

Good luck!

[dogs rule]

Everything Lange just said, is exactly whay I would do. Renforce the positive behaviour, with treats, petting, keeping your voice light and happy. While down playing the negative behaviour, ignore it.
Take your time and it will happen.