Walking your dog isn’t just for exercise, it’s also a great way to spend time with them. However, it can be frustrating if your dog sometimes refuses to walk. You might be tempted to write it off as your dog just being stubborn, but sometimes there’s a legitimate reason behind the behavior. Here’s why dogs refuse to walk sometimes and what to do about it:

Why Does My Dog Refuse to Walk Sometimes?

If your dog has ever just suddenly stopped walking or refused to move while you’re out on a walk, you know how frustrating it is. It’s even more frustrating when you don’t know what’s causing the behavior or how to encourage them to move. There can be many reasons why dogs refuse to walk sometimes and here are a few of those reasons:

1. Your Dog is Feeling Anxious

While a lot of dogs get excited to go outside for a walk, some may have anxiety. This may be because of a previous negative experience or they haven’t had enough exposure to their environment. Puppy training classes can be a good resource to help with this.

One of the biggest benefits of puppy training classes is that it helps your dog become socialized and used to new environments. This helps build their confidence which can help them enjoy activities like walking. Positive reinforcement can also go a long way in helping them associate walks as a positive activity.

If your dog typically enjoys walks and is confident, but all of a sudden exhibits signs of anxiety, they could be reacting to an unusual sound or sight. This may cause them to refuse to walk to stay away from the unknown stimuli. Be sure to always pay attention to your dog’s body language and if they seem anxious, try to leave the area calmly.

2. They’re in Pain

Pain can often be a cause of your dog not wanting to walk. Signs your dog is in pain can include stiffer movements, shaking, not wanting to put weight on a leg or legs, unusual or heavy breathing, or licking or biting a certain area.

Joint Pain

Another reason some dogs refuse to walk sometimes is they might be experiencing some joint pain. If pain is causing your dog to not want to walk, there can be a few causes. This can be a sign your dog might have arthritis, which is common in older dogs and the joint pain can make walking difficult.

If your dog has either arthritis or other forms of joint pain, you should see your vet. They can determine the best course of action for arthritis treatment and the best types of exercise for your dog. Even if your dog has arthritis or joint pain, there are some exercises they can do, such as swimming, that don’t put as much pressure on their joints.

However, hip and elbow dysplasia can be another cause of pain in dogs. These conditions usually have genetic predispositions in several breeds, but can also be caused by injury especially injuries that occur when puppies are still growing. This can be very painful for dogs, so be sure you know different signs of pain in your dog. You probably will notice limping, whimpering, or your dog favoring one leg.

Injury

Your dog also may refuse to walk if they have an injury. These injuries can be fairly minor, such as a broken nail or irritated paw pad, or they can be more severe, like a sprain. If your dog refuses to walk, take a few minutes to look them over.

Focus on their paws and legs, making sure to be gentle with your touch. If you find the source of pain, you may be able to do first aid on your own. However, if you’re unsure of how to proceed, take some photos of the area and get in contact with your veterinarian.

If you suspect your dog is in pain, give your vet a call. They can help you determine whether your dog should be seen for treatment or if resting and staying off the affected area for a few days can help. Try a short walk in a few days to see how your dog reacts. If they still show signs of discomfort, give them a few more days of rest and report back to your vet.

3. Your Dog’s Collar or Harness is Uncomfortable

If your dog feels restricted or uncomfortable with their dog collar or dog harness, they may refuse to move or go on a walk. Check your dog’s equipment to see if it’s too tight if it’s rubbing on an area, or if something is poking them. Make any adjustments and see if that fixes the issue.

If they still seem uncomfortable, see if your dog will walk when they’re not wearing anything. Try this in an enclosed area, like a fenced backyard or dog park. If they seem happier, you may need to try a different harness or collar.

Knowing how to choose the right dog harness or collar is essential in making your dog feel comfortable. Of course, some dogs simply hate any harness or leash so you may need to try some positive reinforcement so they learn to at least tolerate their walking equipment.

4. They Might Need Leash Training

Good leash training is important for any dog. Not only can it help make walking easier, but it keeps both your dog and you safe. Using a leash or harness isn’t natural for dogs so proper leash training helps them adjust and learn how to walk with it.

The earlier you start leash training, the better. However, it’s never too late to leash train your dog or brush up on their training. It’s especially important if you want to prepare your dog for a dog walker or for doggy daycare. Use training treats to reinforce positive feelings with their leash or harness. Daily practice is helpful, even if it’s for a short period.

5. Your Dog is Unhappy or Uncomfortable With the Weather

If your dog doesn’t want to go outside or refuses to walk once outside, it could mean the weather is too extreme for them. Some dogs are snow dog breeds who thrive in winter and the cold, while others are much happier in a warm and cozy home. Summertime can be challenging for dogs since they have a harder time regulating body temperature.

It’s important to be aware of both weather extremes. In cold weather, making sure your dog has the right gear to be outside is a winter safety tip for dogs. Even dogs who love the cold need to have their paws protected, especially on ice and snow. Small dogs may require sweaters or jackets to stay warm.

In hot weather, you should be aware of heat exhaustion or heatstroke in dogs. Dogs can get overheated from too much exercise in hot weather, leading to disastrous consequences. If it’s hot and your dog seems unmotivated to move, take them back inside to cool down with plenty of water and attempt a walk later in the day. If they do want to walk, stick to shady areas, take it nice and slow, and stop for frequent water breaks.

6. They’re Afraid of Their Surroundings

The majority of dogs love going out on walks! However, some may be scared thanks to a previous negative experience on a walk. You may notice some different dog behaviors when they refuse to keep walking. They may shake, pant, or have a tucked tail. These often indicate stress or anxiety, meaning something in the surroundings is upsetting them.

If you see any of these signs of fear, you should do your best to help your dog adjust to these surroundings. You’ll need some treats and patience as you set out on a walk. Starting in your yard slowly lets them feel safe and build confidence; with time, you should be able to continue.

Offer treats along the way and head back home at the first sign of hesitance. This may take some time for your dog to adjust and grow comfortable in their surroundings. Remember to stay calm and self-assured since this can help your dog feel safe.

7. Your Dog is Unsure About Their Dog Walker

A dog walker is a nice option to have if you work long hours. However, if your dog doesn’t feel comfortable with that person, they may refuse to go on a walk. If your dog seems hesitant to walk with a dog walker, there are a few ways to prepare your dog for a dog walker. This should help them be more comfortable.

You should let your dog get to know their dog walker in a setting they’re comfortable in, like your home or their favorite park. You can then try going on a few walks with the dog walker so your dog associates them with a positive walking experience.

Gradually distance yourself from the dog walker and your dog, but be sure to give your dog praise for being so good. Make sure the dog walker has some treats to give your dog, too. Lots of praise, a positive attitude, and a few treats can go a long way in helping a dog enjoy a new person.

This is just an overview of why dogs refuse to walk sometimes. Being able to pinpoint a reason behind their refusal helps solve the problem. Hopefully, you and your dog will be back to enjoying walks very soon!