English Bulldogs are one of the most lazy and stubborn dog breeds, and this is never more present than when you are trying to walk your bulldog and it doesn't want to walk. Their large bodies, short legs and low center of gravity can make them an unmovable object when they decide just to sit down whilst walking on the leash!
Begin teaching your English Bulldog from young age, they are more susceptible to your teachings and will take the training in better. Be consistent with your teachings and always ensure you give your dog treats and plenty of praise when they display the correct walking behaviour.
Why is my English Bulldog refusing to walk?
Your English Bulldog is most likely refusing to walk out of laziness. Bulldogs would much rather be laid in bed than out walking as they are a lazy dog breed.
If your English Bulldog is usually quite active, then your dog may be hurt or suffering from a condition which makes it uncomfortable for them to walk, in this case it would be worth seeking professional advise from a vet.
How to teach your English Bulldog to walk on a leash
Ensuring that you teach your English Bulldog to walk on a leash is extremely important. Walking your dog is a great way to help them keep fit, strong and healthy. It's also a fantastic way to keep your bulldog entertained.
Below is our step-by-step guide on how to train your bulldog to walk:
Get the correct equipment: Before you start training your bulldog, you'll need to ensure you have the correct equipment. You'll need a harness, a high-quality leash and some treats to reward your puppy.
Begin practicing in your home: The first major step to teaching your dog to walk on a leash is to get it comfortable with the walking equipment. Practice walking your dog in your home in a room with minimal distractions and continue to reward your dog with treats as it shows the correct behaviour on the leash.
Begin walking outside: Find an area outside with minimal distractions. To begin your walk, hold the leash in your right hand, with your bulldog positioned on your left side. In your left hand, hold one of your dog’s toys. As you begin to walk, encourage him to follow the toy. After a few feet of walking, stop, let your English Bulldog play with his toy, give him some praise, and deliver a treat. You want to let him know he’s on the right track!
Repeat the process: Continue to repeat the process and continue to reward your dog with treats as it shows the correct behaviour on the leash.
Is a collar or a harness best for an English Bulldog?
We would always recommend that you use a harness when walking your English Bulldog and avoid collars.
Bulldogs lack a full neck like most other dogs, can easily slide out of a collar if they become uncomfortable wearing it. If they pull, a collar will also put pressure on their throat, making it more difficult than it already is for them to breath.
Frequently asked questions
What age should I start leash training an English Bulldog?
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying you can’t reach an old dog new tricks? Well, it’s important that you start leash training an English Bulldog at an early age, this is when they are more impressionable and easier to train.
English Bulldogs should start leash training at around 8-weeks old.
How do I stop my English Bulldog from pulling on the leash?
Training your English Bulldog to stop pulling on the leash is no easy feat and will take time and patience.
To stop this behaviour, you need to ensure your bulldog thinks that they won’t be able to move forward unless the leash is slack.
To do this, once the leash becomes tight and your bulldog starts to pull, simply stop moving and wait until your dog stops and the leash becomes slack. Once the leash becomes slack you can proceed moving again.
Also ensure that you positively reinforce the correct behaviour your English Bulldog displays with treats or praise.
How often should I walk my English Bulldog?
English Bulldogs aren't the most active dog breed, and you’ve got to be careful you don’t over exercise your dog.
Walking your English Bulldog for 20 to 30 minutes every day is more than enough for an adult English Bulldog.
Why does my bulldog keeping sitting down when walking on the leash?
I can’t think of much things worse than when your English Bulldog sits down and refuses to move whilst your trying to walk them on the leash, it’s like trying to move a cannonball.
Your dog will be sitting down on the leash for one of two reasons, the first is that they may be tired and want to rest, the second is that they are being stubborn and lazy and refusing to walk.
Should I drag my English Bulldog when it refuses to walk on the leash?
It can be a frustrating experience when your English Bulldog refuses to walk on the leash, and this frustration might lead to you dragging your English Bulldog along with you.
You should not drag your English Bulldog when it refuses to walk on the leash. They are a stubborn breed and this will only lead to them digging in further. When you drag your dog on the leash, your also putting your dog at risk of being injured.
Conclusion
If you are struggling with your English Bulldog refusing to walk then you need to ensure you have plenty of patience as you begin to try and teach them correct behaviour. Be persistent with your training and always reward your dog so that they know they are on the right track.
English Bulldogs aren't an easy breed to train, so don't expect miracles overnight and understand it will take time and plenty of practice to establish the correct walking behaviour.