They say a walk with your dog is good for your health. However, they don’t mention the negotiations, stubborn pauses, and silent standoffs that can happen along the way. For Lennie, the idea of walking past a café without a puppuccino or ignoring a tree without a sniff is unthinkable. In a video now making the rounds on Instagram, his owner shows just how many “valid” reasons this English Cocker Spaniel has for bringing a walk to a standstill.
Cocker Spaniel refuses to walk for a number of reasons in video
Lennie, an English Cocker Spaniel, has developed a reputation for putting his paw down (quite literally) whenever he wants something. Uploaded to the Instagram account @lifewith.lennie, the dog’s owner shared a compilation of moments from the previous week when Lennie simply refused to move forward unless his demands were met.
The first clip shows him stopping abruptly outside a café. According to his owner, Lennie was lobbying for a puppuccino and wouldn’t take another step until he got the treat. In another moment, the pup stands firm next to a tree, focused on getting a good sniff. Even gentle leash tugs from his owner couldn’t pull him away.
As the video progresses, the “reasons” become even more specific. Lennie halts again outside a local restaurant, a spot his owner says he visits almost daily. This was to campaign for a ham and cheese toastie. A beach trip offers no escape from Lennie’s routine. Instead of following the intended route, he pauses and insists on walking along the shoreline.
On yet another walk, he freezes upon spotting another Cocker Spaniel, eager for a meet-and-greet. The same thing happens when a Golden Retriever comes into view. And in perhaps the most relatable moment, Lennie encounters a slice of pizza and seems determined to take it home. His list of walking delays may be long, but it’s hard to argue with his enthusiasm for life’s small pleasures.
While Lennie’s antics are adorable to watch, dealing with a stubborn dog mid-walk can be a different story when it’s you on the other end of the leash. If your pup likes to stop and stage a protest, start with short, positive walking sessions and reward them with treats or praise when they move along with you. Avoid dragging or yanking the leash, as this can make them more resistant. Instead, encourage them with a happy tone, gentle guidance, and breaks for sniffing to keep the walk enjoyable for both of you.
