Trouble with walking puppy

Puppy class is a GREAT idea! Can't second this enough. It gives him a safe and controlled place to socialize with people who are smart and won't force themselves on him, and with dogs whose owners won't let them totally overwhelm him, but also hooks you up with a trainer in person who can see your pup and show you tips. The dog park might be OK depending on the park, but it's a less controlled environment and you definitely don't want him to have a bad experience with people or with dogs at this delicate point. Local SPCAs and Humane Societies probably have fairly-priced puppy classes with APDT certified trainers who can also show you how to do marker based training. Herders can be very sensitive dogs so it's best IMO to avoid heavy correction especially with a puppy who's on the more timid side. In the obedience part of the class, the trainer shouldn't have you luring or bribing, but rather marking and rewarding (with treats or a tug toy) desired behaviors. If you got your dog from a breeder you can also ask them for local trainer recommendations, especially if the breeder competes with or works their dogs they will know people.

Is he OK with the leash and pressure on his collar/harness? If not yet, you can literally just clip it on & let him drag it around the environment he's most comfortable in, like at home/yard. Introducing one new thing at a time is good, sometimes pups get overwhelmed by first being on leash and also in a new environment.

If he has a super outgoing, social adult dog buddy who can be a role model that helps to smooth out scary stuff. My older dog gets to teach pups and scared dogs about stairs, benches, fountains, etc.

And if he's over his personal limit, he won't take treats or play tug. The trick is to keep him under his limit (or threshold), where he can still take yummy treats (tiny pieces of hot dog and cheeze in a spray can are kinda gross but usually dog-favorites) or play, and be engaged without just shutting down and feeling flooded. He can absolutely raise his limits over time and get more accustomed to things in a super positive way. You may want to just sit outside with him on the front steps so he can watch the world, give him some treats if he'll take them, when he's more comfy even sprinkle treats around for him to explore the grass, steps, sidewalk, at his own pace.

Sorry, that got really long. Oops.

 

While I was typing others posted, good posts!

And you're right, working with him without the other dog is important, in short sessions a few times a day. 5-10 minutes since he is just 5 months old, keep it happy! Woo!

You can use playtime with the other dog as a reward though! My dog gets to go nuts and roll in the grass as a reward for obedience and his heeling has never been so sharp and animated. For him/me it works better than treats and keeps him less manic and bouncy than the tug. Use whatever your dog loves as his reward and slowly his world and comfort zone will expand.

Also many people have strangers feed a shy dog treats. Sometimes this puts the dog closer to the stranger than they are actually comfortable with and the dog is leaning forward tense and afraid, still unsure of people. Instead I was taught to mark and give a reward for a shy dog looking at the stranger, maybe the next time stepping towards the stranger, maybe day 5 sniffing the stranger, and eventually the dog is like "hey, I see a person! I get chicken!" And since dogs are dogs, this turns into "person means chicken! You're so great!" Haha

 

You mentioned that he eats a lot of stuff in the yard. Our puppies did that a lot, too. I always wanted to try to stop them, but my dad didn't. I think that instead of eating stuff, they're just chewing on it (unless you actually see him swallowing or it disappears when he's done...then he's either eating it or practicing vanishing acts behind your back ). The worst that could happen with bark chips and sticks and stuff is that he'll get an upset stomach, so I wouldn't worry too much.
I think it's more important that he gets to explore the outside so he becomes familiar with it.

 

Here he is. He is doing better! Treats are starting to work with him.

 

Sounds like he needs lots of socialization. Get him out there! Be careful where you take him. Not too many people. Single people/dogs at a time. A fearful puppy is not a good thing. He needs to know that sounds and objects aren't out there to hurt him.

 

He is doing better in comparison to when I first posted. Walks are much easier but still gets startled by loud noises, like cars blasting their music.

Just took him to his first training class the other day, walking him everyday and thinking about taking him to the dog park this week. He seems eager to meet other dogs when they pass by but the few I have passed in the neighborhood seem to keep away, maybe the gentle leader is scaring them off lol. I use to think it was some sort of muzzle myself.

 

That's great to hear.