Puppy Won’t Walk? Vet Tips for Leash Strikes & Training 2025 🐶✨

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Your puppy sits down midwalk and won’t budge. Or maybe they freeze at the door and look at you like walking is the last thing they want to do. This behavior—commonly called a “leash strike”—is common, confusing, and completely fixable.

I’m Dr. Duncan Houston. In this article, I’ll explain why puppies stop walking and exactly how to build their confidence to enjoy calm, happy strolls.

🛑 What Is a Leash Strike?

A leash strike is when a puppy sits, lies down, or pulls backward and refuses to move while on a leash. It often happens on first walks, in new environments, or after overstimulation.

🔍 Common Causes of Puppy Leash Strikes

• 🐾 Overwhelm or sensory overload (new sights, smells, noises)
• 🚫 Fear or hesitation (cars, bikes, loud people)
• 🧠 Confusion about what the leash means
• 🪢 Discomfort from gear (harness too tight or leash tension)
• 🥱 Tired, overstimulated, or undernourished puppy

🧠 StepbyStep Fix: Leash Strike Recovery Plan

Step 1: Check the Gear

• ✅ Use a frontclip, padded harness like the 
• 🪢 Choose a soft, bungeestyle lead to reduce tension
• 🧊 No heavy collars or restrictive head halters during puppy stages

Step 2: Practice Leash Walking Indoors

• 🧸 Let your pup wear their harness around the house
• 🚶 Use short training games—“walk 3 steps and treat”
• 🎁 Reward forward movement with a treat from your 

Step 3: Choose LowStimulation Environments

• 🌿 Start in your backyard, quiet driveway, or hallway
• 📉 Reduce distractions until your puppy gains confidence

Step 4: Let Them Explore at Their Pace

• 🐾 Allow sniffing—this builds confidence
• ⏳ Don’t pull forward—use gentle encouragement, crouch down, and call them happily

Step 5: End on Success

• 👏 If they walk 5 steps forward—end there!
• 🏆 Reward generously for small wins early on

🚨 When to Seek Help

• ❌ If your pup panics (pulls backwards, screams, won’t eat)
• ❌ If this continues despite trying low-stress strategies
• 👩⚕️ Vet or behaviorist may need to assess for anxiety, fear reactivity, or pain

📋 Sample 3-Day Confidence Walk Plan

| Day | Activity | Goal | |||| | 1 | Walk in house/yard, 5 mins + treats | Movement without pressure | | 2 | Walk to mailbox and back (quiet street) | Positive first exposure | | 3 | Walk 10 meters, treat every 3–5 steps | Build pace and flow confidence |

🐕 Pro Tips for Stubborn Sitters

• 🎯 Keep treats moving ahead of the puppy—not beside or behind
• 🔄 Practice loose-leash walking separately from potty walks
• 🛑 If they freeze—pause, let them reset, then crouch and call them forward

🎁 Walking Gear for LeashStrike Puppies

• Explorer Harness – Designed for comfort + movement
• Bungee Lead – Reduces leash pressure and helps with confidence
• Dual Pocket Treat Dispenser – Quickreward system to motivate forward steps

💬 What Puppy Parents Say

“Our pup just sat and refused to walk. We followed the stepbystep plan and by day 3 he was trotting proudly!” – Jenna & Buster

“The Woopf harness and bungee lead combo gave us better control and made her feel more secure.” – Felix & Mocha

👩⚕️ Want a Custom LeashWalking Plan?

Send your puppy’s age, breed, and walking behavior to Ask A Vet for a vet-reviewed confidence-building leash training routine.

Final Thoughts

Leash strikes are your puppy’s way of saying, “I’m not sure.” Don’t force it—guide with patience, structure, and fun. Once your puppy understands that walks are safe and rewarding, you’ll be on your way to smooth, confident strolls together.