Walking your dog is a special part of your routine because it is strengthens your unique bond together and provides benefits for you and your pet. Dog walking reduces stress levels and boosts your mood! It provides dogs with mental stimulation, exercise, toileting and lots of opportunities for socialisation. However, training your dog to be well-behaved on their lead is not always a walk in the park.
Many owners discover that their dog refuses to walk or notice their dog often stops walking and won't move.These are two of the most common dog-walking issues that owners encounter and they can happen for several reasons. In this article, we will guide you through the reasons why your dog is refusing to walk, focusing on practical solutions and preventative measures you can take. Understanding the underlying causes of this behaviour is crucial to addressing and resolving the issue swiftly.
Why Does My Dog Refuse to Walk?
We understand that dealing with a dog refusing to walk can be stressful for everyone involved because walking is a core foundation of their health and well-being. It is important to recognise that when a dog refuses to walk, there are usually psychological or environmental factors at play.
Psychological factors can include fear, anxiety and pain. Environmental factors include your dog’s preferences, such as weather conditions, the environment or the route you choose to walk. Improper lead training can also cause problems when walking your dog, so it is important to invest time into getting it right and understanding your dog's overall walking needs and preferences.
There are many different kinds of dog walks and picking one that suits your dog’s preferences is key. Some dogs will prefer to walk certain routes or terrains over others, and their level of enthusiasm and willingness to walk will help you determine how they truly feel.
Is My Dog Refusing to Walk Due to Fear or Anxiety?
A dog that doesn't want to walk could be suffering from fear or anxiety. This is a common issue and can manifest in many ways. Look out for the following signs when walking your dog if you suspect they may be suffering from fear or anxiety.
- Cowering
- Panting
- Shaking
- Crying
- Inappropriate urination
- Disobedience (trying to escape)
Dogs can be fearful of the lead if they have not been trained properly; they may also exhibit signs of anxiety with other dogs, people or when visiting new
places/environments. If you have rescued your dog, it is important to be mindful that they could have had a bad experience in the past that has triggered this anxiety.
Luckily, there are many different methods to calm an anxious dog. We suggest
identifying their specific triggers first so you can avoid them or ease them into stressful situations more slowly. Walking your dog along short routes located within quiet, open areas can also help calm their nerves. Utilising treats and lots of praise can help an anxious dog feel more at ease during difficult walks, as dogs respond well to positive reinforcement techniques. Make sure they have comfortable walking gear too. They may be more comfortable in a Y-shaped harness versus a collar.
You must not punish your dog for their behaviour, as this can make them distrustful of you and ultimately harder to train. Your dog won't understand why they are being punished and will associate the negative experience with being outdoors (on a walk), making the problem worse.
Is My Dog Refusing to Walk Due to a Medical Issue?
If your dog doesn’t want to walk or your dog stops walking and won't move, they may be trying to let you know that they aren't feeling their best. Several common health problems may cause your dog to avoid walking including joint pain, hip dysplasia and arthritis. Other signs to look out for include limping, slower movements, stiffness and lethargy.
Consult with your veterinarian quickly if you think your dog is refusing to walk due to a medical issue, as they may already be in pain.
Is My Dog Refusing to Walk Due to an Injury?
Have you noticed that your dog has stopped walking and won’t move? Common injuries or trauma may be behind your dog refusing to walk. Be vigilant of signs of pain after a walk. Common dog walking injuries can happen to paw-pads and nails when walking on rougher terrain. Thorns, twigs or sharp objects could get stuck in their coat or paws, grass seeds can penetrate the skin on their paws too. Broken bones, strains, pulled muscles, soft tissue damage and wounds can also occur during walks. It is important to visit your vet if you think your dog has suffered an injury that is affecting their mobility. They can also advise you on how to adjust walking routines post-injury, if required.
Is My Dog Refusing to Walk Due to the Weather?
If your dog doesn’t want to walk, it could be extreme weather conditions affecting your dog’s willingness to walk outside, so it is best to avoid walking your dog during extremely hot or extremely cold weather.
Depending on the size, age, breed and health of your dog, you should aim to walk them when the temperature is under 20°C. In the hot summer months, it is best to walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when it has cooled down. Avoid walking a dog during the hot midday sun, as that is when they are most likely to suffer from heat-related problems. It’s best to choose shady walks on grass, as pavements and tarmac can become too hot and burn the dog’s paws. Be mindful of how to care for a dog during hot weather, too.
Walking your dog during the winter months can also cause some issues, especially during icy weather, as the salt and chemicals in grit can irritate a dog’s paws. Cold weather also makes dogs tense their muscles, which, alongside icy conditions, can be more likely to cause injuries to dogs or owners. Despite having a fur coat, dogs still feel the cold, so extreme cold calls for extra protection from the elements to keep your dog comfortably warm. Dog jackets are not only practical but adorable too.
Extremely windy or rainy weather should also be avoided.
Is My Dog Refusing to Walk Due to Improper Lead Training?
Why does my dog not want to walk on the lead? Improper lead training can also cause problems when walking your dog, so it is important to invest time into getting it right! If your dog is pulling on the lead too much, wrapping the lead around your legs or jumping and lunging at other people or dogs often, it could be a sign that you need to revisit how to lead train your dog.
We advise that you practise lead training your dog in a quiet, safe space, making sure to reward them for their good behaviour with their favourite treat or toy.
How Can I Motivate My Dog to Walk?
Positive reinforcement techniques using motivational tools such as tasty treats or your dog’s favourite toy, are one of the best ways to encourage good behaviour and ensure you train your dog to walk on their lead well.
Dogs also love routine, so maintaining a consistent schedule during your lead training will also encourage positive walking behaviour. Remember to be patient with your pet to keep your bond strong.
Why Does My Dog Suddenly Refuse to Walk?
Dogs can refuse to walk for many reasons, so observing them closely for other simultaneous changes in behaviour or health is key to narrowing down the root cause. Generally, psychological or environmental factors are behind your dog refusing to walk. Psychological factors can include fear, anxiety and pain from trauma or injuries. Environmental factors include your dog’s preferences such as weather conditions, the environment or the route you choose to walk. Improper lead training can also cause problems when walking your dog.
What to Do With a Dog Who Doesn't Want to Walk?
It is important to be kind and patient when your dog refuses to walk, as your pet may exhibit this behaviour for a multitude of reasons, including pain or injury. We suggest that you observe your dog for any other changes in their behaviour or health so you can clarify the root cause and act appropriately. If you suspect your dog is suffering from an injury, underlying condition or trauma you should take them to the vet as soon as possible for a checkup.
Alternatively, if you suspect your dog is anxious or poorly lead trained, you can follow some of our advice below.
- Ensure you walk your dog during appropriate weather conditions
- Pick quiet and safe walking routes
- Utilise positive reinforcement techniques by using treats and toys to encourage good behaviour
- Maintain a consistent schedule
Should I Force My Dog to Walk If He Doesn't Want to?
No, you should not force your dog to walk if your dog is refusing to walk. This can cause them to be distrustful of you and make it even more difficult to train them. Forcing your dog to go for a walk when they don’t want to is ultimately harmful and counterproductive. Your dog may also be in pain, and forcing them to walk will hurt them. If you suspect this is the case, you should book an appointment with your vet immediately.
Alternatively, if you suspect your dog is anxious or poorly lead trained, you can follow some of our advice below.
- Ensure you walk your dog during appropriate weather conditions
- Pick quiet and safe walking routes
- Utilise positive reinforcement techniques by using treats and toys to encourage good behaviour
- Maintain a consistent schedule
If you are unsure as to why your dog doesn't want to walk, seek advice from a dog
behaviourist; they may be able to help identify the triggers preventing your dog from wanting to walk. Your dog behaviourist can also offer solutions and a training programme.
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