Dog lays down and refuses to get up?

Question

We have a 4 yr old male 90 lb purebred Golden Retriever. I will walk him out to the mailbox and he'll just plop down and refuse to get up! It's not exhaustion, it's stubborness. He'll completely ignore me and just look around and watch the cars go by. I'll say, "Want a treat?" "Wanna go to the park? For a walk?" and he continues to act like I'm not even there. Sometimes he'll sit there for 20 minutes. I try to drag him but he'll just lay flatter and play "dead". Any suggestions?

Answer 1

My lovely shepard mutt was just like that! Finally I got upset and just MADE her do what I wanted. After many times of making her do the different things, she realized that I was in control, and not her. Later, after watching many episodes of the Dog Whisper, I realized I was doing right. How Ceasor? does it, is by using a leash that is up high around the neck-which apparently works much better up high, like under the jaw bone. Put the leash on this way, and make him do what you want-not by screaming or anything like that(your dog will love it if he thinks hes getting under your "crawl") but just be persistant and firm and MAKE HIM DO IT! Best of luck, as I know how frustrating it can be. But my dog is 13yrs now and minds quite well......;-)

Answer 2

Golden retrievers are typically full of energy and happy to go somewhere. Without seeing a picture of your dog, it sounds like he is slightly overweight, and maybe is tired. I'm guessing though that he just doesn't want to go inside. My dog learned my routines very quickly and also learned how to avoid going in. If you're leaving shortly after the going to the mailbox...that's probably why he's doing it. It could also be he wants your attention and knows he'll get it if he's stubborn. I've read a few books on dog training and most of what I've read doesn't work. My dog has selective hearing. What I've found works for him is more time outside during the rest of the day, more attention the rest of the day, ignoring him when he's being stubborn, and treats/rewards for coming inside. Besides that, talking to a trainer that specializes in problem behaviors would be a good idea. In addition, talk to your vet to make sure he doesn't have something physically wrong with him. And, if you can't see a waist line and slightly feel his ribs...he's overweight, get him on some reduced calorie food.

Answer 3

My golden retriever does the same thing. She doesn't do this all of the time, though.

Our trainer said that she could be scared of the surroundings. Once, I noticed after she got spooked (by someone when we were walking at night), she started this again for about 2 weeks.

It could be something that is scaring your dog. Try going for a walk when it is less busy outside, until he better.

Also, he may be stubborn because he's having too much fun with a favorite toy at home. Maybe bring that toy along...

Good luck!

Answer 4

He's a little heavy for a Golden (check the breed standard - www.akc.org). Maybe he needs to lose some weight, get in shape. If he's convinced that exercise is a fun thing to do (make a game of it), he'll have more jump in his legs.
Good luck.

Answer 5

how often do you let your dog spend time outside? He probably just wants to sit out in the sun. My parents Toy Rat Terrier will go do his business then find a nice comfy spot in the lawn and bask in the sun. My Chihwinnie does the same, she does her business and chills afterward. she loves to be outside instead of cooped up in the house. it's just changing the surroundings that's pleasant. When you've been cooped up in the house day after day, you want to change your surrounding and, what, go to the mall, or some other place, right. well, perhaps your dog just wants to enjoy outside the house instead of inside the house.

Answer 6

Ha, a dog who's head of the household. You have to be the boss, not him. Don't coax, order him. Give him a sharp yank and make him follow you. You're the problem, not the dog. He knows he's got you.

Call your vet and see if he knows a dog trainer or behaviorist who'll do a Cesar Milan on your bratty Retriever. They're very beautiful dogs, but stubborn as hell - a close friend had one named Magnum. They loved him but he was like a donkey.

Good luck!

Answer 7

I saw the same thing on the dog whisperer.http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/dogwhisperer/episodes.html Its the episode with Chip, Lucy, Hank & Betty, and Leo a stubborn Bassett Hound has to literally be dragged places he doesn't want to go.

Answer 8

my dog did that when it was time to go in for her walk, and she didn't want to . try useing treats, that should work

Answer 9

Obedience training! The dog is in control, not you. It should be the other way around.

Answer 10

it is probalbly because he is entering his golden years. maybe it is because he knows you are going to leave and he does not want you to. or maybe somthing is bothering him like he has some sort of illness or maybe he is just straght out lazy :)