If my two year old dog is walking somewhere with someone in the house, he’ll circle around so that they’re leading the way, and he’s behind them. Even when he wants somenone to follow him somewhere, once you start in the direction he wants you to go, he’ll fall back so you’re in front. However, if he’s outside, running around, he’ll forge ahead without worrying where the human is.
Why would he be eager to be a follower inside, but not out in the yard?
WAG: You’ve trained him that way, intentionally or not. You’re the alpha male indoors, outside he can do whatever he wants?
Maybe he’s realized that he’s more prone to getting stepped on if he walks in front of the human in the confines of a house?
My guess, as well as I can guess the thoughts of an animal which may or may not have any, is that he’s given himself the job of “scout” in your little pack. His job it to find out interesting or dangerous things, by sniffing and running ahead. When he finds something interesting, it’s your job to go check it out. You’re the leader, and when you’re on a mission, his place is behind you.
How is he on the leash? Dogs who think they’re the scout tend to tug and try to wander on leash, they can be very difficult to break to heel. Generally, you have to convince them that this isn’t a scouting expedition, you have a goal, and therefore your position as leader is in front.
Interesting ideas. Actually it’s probably a combination of all of those things, now that I think about it. If we’re in the yard, and he’s on the long leash, he’s free to go as he pleases, for the most part. On the short leash, that we use if we’re somewhere with sidewalks (which is very rarely), he’ll stay at my side, but a little behind. He’s also a small dog, about 25 pounds, so it is possible that he got stepped on or tripped over as a puppy, and decided to prevent it from happening again.