Troubles getting my springer to come out for a walk!

I have a springer that is 7 months old named Oscar. For some reason whenever I get the lead out to take him for a walk he hides under the table. I try to coax him out with a treat but this doesn't work. I then try to pick him up and he starts weeing. The wee can go up the walls and everywhere! I wish this would stop but just don't know how. When he is out he loves the walks.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks, Chris

From Anna@love-springer-spaniels.com

Hi Chris
welcome to the site. I know how it feels to have such a Jessy for a Springer, George still pees when he is nervous as he is the runt of the litter.

However the good news is yours is still young so there is plenty you can do.

1. It sounds like he would benefit from some structured socialization classes that would give him greater confidence to go outside the house.

2. Try and get him to associate his lead and collar with pleasant times. Just sit in your garden or a safe area with him and the lead beside you, don't pay attention to the lead or collar but when he goes near it to sniff it, reward him with a treat. then when he is relaxed progress by putting the collar on, and reward him with a treat. Keep this progression up until he is happy on the lead. Remember to remain calm and relaxed at all times, as your Springer will pick up on your energy. Don;t try to push him too far too quickly

3. Try to distract him outside by using his favorite toy, Springers are toy orientated and cannot resist. Make high pitched fun excited noises so he associates going outside with fun.

Hope that helps. Good luck and let us know how you get on.