When In Doubt. Peanut Butter.

My dog is weird. He doesn't like to go on walks.  Now I know I bragged about how good he was on a leash earlier, but his walking skills have severely diminished. The funniest thing is, he's very choosey. He'll walk fine with a group or a strange place, but if I want to go around our apartment complex his reaction is to wiggle out of his harness!

The worst part is, I would often let him win! It gets embarrassing having a barking dog in public - especially right outside someone else's window. Determined not to be the loser anymore I employed a new creative strategy: Peanut butter. 

For the first few walks I would lure Scout along step by step with a spoon full of peanut butter.  We looked ridiculous. But it has started working! I'm slowly trying to wean him off of the peanut butter using it only as a reward for good behavior like "wait" and "heel."  He's done really well so far - about half way through the walk he even forgets that the peanut butter exists because he's so busy sniffing out new trails!

I imagine this is working because we had never rewarded him with peanut butter before, mostly dog treats or cheese, so Peanut Butter is an extra special reward We'll have to see if he keeps it up! My goal is for Scout to one day enjoy walking for the fun and adventure...not the peanut butter!