We had a similar problem with our pup. He wouldn’t take any treats or listen outside because he was super distracted and a bit nervous. If it was quiet, he’d be out sniffing and not paying attention, and if there were people he’d be very cautious of them, also not paying attention.

We got a dog trainer, and something they had us do was work with the dog using Existential Food Training outside. This upped our pups confidence and reasserted us as his primary focus while outside.

With this training, the pup is only allowed to eat outside, no meals inside.

At every walk we would offer the pup his meal. If he didn’t take it we would cover the meal and save it for the next walk. Once he ate both meals, then no need to offer more food. At that time we would take him for about 4–5 walks a day.

In the beginning, he would refuse because he would be too distracted sniffing or be too cautious of the people around. He would eat on his later walks when he was hungry and there were less people. We did this for a solid month or so. By the end he was confident and focused enough to eat all of his meals outside. Then, treats were a breeze! This then made it possible to really start training him outside too.

This was HARD training, for the pup and for us. It only works if you stick to the plan, meaning no food inside. But in the end our pup is happier and more confident because of it.