To be honest it was quite the opposite you experienced with Pheobe. Because Millie had never really been out at all (spent her first 10 months in a small garden running in circles tearing up the lawn running the same route)and was 10 months old she was slightly 'mental' Had so much inbuilt energy, she didnt understand that walks were a bonding / pleasent experience and was so crazy at being outside she was oblivious to us.

Honestly I came hoe in tears so many times So angry with myself for letting Millie play up! So frustrated we seemed to be going back wards, it really was one step forward two steps back at one point.

We spent a good 6 months walking with head control (Which I didnt like but my shoulder couldnt cope with her strength!), practising sitting at roads to slow her / get concentration, walking past different situations took a while. I had to get her to sit every time we were to pass another dog / horse etc to teach her she cant charge forward like a loon.

I reckon it took a good year before we had the completely chilled / relaxed dog who trots along with no pulling forwards / backwards / sideways and will confidently walk past other animals without rying to say hello without permission.

You mentioned seeing a local trainer - This sounds like it could be a good idea. Maybe ring a few and ask about techniques (To avoid any whom you arnt happy with) and ask if they have seen this behaviour before. To have the support of someone who has experience of this could be really beneficial.

It's such a shame her breeder didnt help her with this when she was a wee one

You will get there though and youl be be giggling about it one day!! (Sorry this response turned into an essay!!- I always babble on when im talking about the pain in the bottam Millie was when she was younger!)

__________________

I bet that was lots of hard work, well done for having the patience with Millie

Hopefully I can call some local trainers on Monday, for the time being Phoebe gets more than enough exercise so she isn't missing out but as I said it would be lovely to wake up and take her for a nice long walk before breakfast.

__________________

Best of luck :-)

__________________

I'm pulling random ideas out of the air now, but is she timid when she's out somewhere?

If not, how about trying taking her somewhere REALLY exciting and new e.g. the beach and just plop her down (with the lead on) and see if her curiosity gets the better of her?

__________________

Random ideas are always welcome

She loves being outside, she's absolutely fine when we're out, nothing really seems to faze her at all which is a bonus. Eventually she will have a very small wander but that's about it really, she'll just sniff the grass, eat bugs and then sit there doing nothing.

__________________

And she'll run around the house and garden fine normally? I.e. there's not possibly a medical condition that makes her prefer to sit than walk about?

__________________

Nope, she's a maniac in our garden, she'll run around chasing small insects or run after sticks/toys. Thank you for the suggesting it though, means a lot to have people trying to help us

__________________

Well I'm out of ideas sorry I'd be interested to know what the trainer says if you take her though

__________________

I found one in my town so I'll give her a call Monday morning, hopefully we'll be going out for walks soon!

__________________