When you're walking your dog and he suddenly stops, don't make the mistake of jerking the leash or trying to drag him along. This will just make him want to move away from you, not walking with you.

Another mistake people make is by giving their dog attention when he stops suddenly. This reinforces his behaviour.

The best way to deal with your dog when he isn't cooperating on his walk is to stand still, facing away from your dog. Put gentle pressure on the leash and wait. If your dog moves even an inch towards you, start praising him. Dogs learn well by positive reinforcement.

Another option is to go to the end of the leash and kneel down, facing away from him. Wait for him to come to you and praise him every step of the way.

How long it takes your dog to start walking doesn't really matter, though it shouldn't take more than a minute or two. He eventually will resume walking. If he stops again, move another few feet away from him and repeat the process.

Sometimes dogs are afraid to walk on a leash. If this is the case, you'll need to take him out on a few confidence building training sessions on a leash. Don't take him out for a walk when you're running an errand and you're in a hurry. You'll get frustrated, and the right environment in which to teach your dog, and to overcome his fear and lack of confidence, will not be created this way. Save the errand walks for when your dog has settled into walking on a leash properly.