When Pete the Sprocker turned walks into tears
Has your puppy ever made walks feel more like a battle than a bonding moment?
True stories from the life of professional dog behaviourist Theo Stewart. She lives in a pretty town in South West England and has helped thousand of dogs and their owners to live happier lives together over the last 20 years.
What happens when a 19-week-old Sprocker decides walks are the worst part of the day?
Meet Pete.
He’s curious, full of energy, and turning every walk into an emotional rollercoaster.
Pete’s human was at her wits' end.
Walks that should have been joyful left her in tears.
At home? No better.
Pete cried through the night.
And when they left the house, his anxious howls filled the air.
The advice they got?
Let him cry it out at night.
Hold him tight on walks to force him to heel.
But Pete isn’t stubborn. Pete is a baby.
It all started on a hot summer day.
The trainer said to cover Pete’s crate and leave him to cry.
So they did.
But the more they left him, the worse he felt. His safe space turned into a prison. Walks became battles.
Pete would jump and bite at her legs—even her stomach—desperate to express what he couldn’t yet understand.
The turning point?
Something had to change.
With my help, Pete’s owner decided to try something different.
She gave him more space on the lead.
And for the first time… she didn’t cry.
Small changes, big shifts.
Instead of forcing Pete to heel, they let him explore. Walks turned into sniffing adventures.
Pete carried a toy or stick in his mouth, giving those sharp puppy teeth something to do.
They even swapped a stressful morning walk for garden play.
Little things made a big difference.
But what about the nights?
The crate stayed, but the cover came off.
They moved it to the bedroom, giving Pete the comfort of their presence.
Slowly, they’d work towards independence.
But for now?
Cuddles weren’t just allowed—they were encouraged.
Three days later:
“It’s only been a couple of days, but we can already see a positive change in Pete. Walks are so much more enjoyable, and I actually took him out by myself today—something I was too nervous to do before—and he was a star.”
Pete’s isolation anxiety hasn’t vanished overnight.
But the family celebrated two full minutes outside the door without a single whine.
It’s a start.
And sometimes, that’s all you need.
Does your dog need Theo’s help?
Click here if you would like to get Theo’s expert help tailored to you and your dog.
Theo’s virtual visit was really simple and I’m already seeing positive results from implementing her advice.
Feel so much better this morning, like a weight’s been lifted. Even Barney seems different today, he’s happily pottering about playing by himself. The meeting was really useful and empowering and things are definitely heading in the right direction!
Next time
Now that Pete and his human family are seeing a positive change, it’s time to meet a new friend who’s stirring up a different kind of frustration. You’ll meet Bella the Wire Hair Fox Terrier refused to walk on the lead
About the author
Theo Stewart is a dog behaviourist who lives in a pretty town in South West England. She has been a regular dog behaviour expert on local BBC Radio.
This is a true story. For privacy, names and details have been changed.
Remember, every dog is unique. Always consult a professional for advice tailored to your dog’s needs. Click here to get help that will be tailored to you and your dog.
Author: Theo Stewart
Editor: Sarah Hyndman (Theo’s daughter)
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