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Your dog doesn't want to go for a walk and refuses to take any more steps - what's going on?
Almost every dog owner has experienced it: it’s time for a walk, but the beloved pooch simply won’t budge. Discover possible reasons why your dog might be reluctant to go for walkies in this article.
Dogs have an important need for exercise. So, when an adult dog refuses to go for a walk, there may well be cause for concern. Watchful observation is key to untangling the potential reasons behind this behaviour.
Both physical problems and psychological factors can play a role. But worry not: Often the issues are minor and can be swiftly resolved.
Cause 1: The dog is in pain
If your dog actively resists going for a walk, then physical discomfort could be the issue. Perhaps it is experiencing pain that’s preventing it from wanting to walk.
Attempts to motivate your dog in this case will lead nowhere. When in doubt, it’s a good idea to let a vet take a look at your furry friend. The professional will quickly identify the problem and have the right solution for you and your dog.
Cause 2: The dog is injured
When checking for injuries, always start with the paws. Cuts, embedded splinters, or burns from hot tar in the summer can occur quickly and are uncomfortable for your pet.
For sensitive dog paws, there are special dog shoes available. They are particularly useful if you frequently walk your dog on modern, man-made surfaces. These can be harder and heat up more quickly than grass and forest floors.
Cause 3: The Dog Has Hip Issues
Often, problems with the hip joint are to blame when a dog doesn’t want to go walkies. Some dog breeds are genetically predisposed to such conditions, while for others, they may develop with age.
Arthritis in the joints can lead to stiffness and pain, which can deter your pet from enjoying a walk.
Support Your Pet with Arthritis! There is specific pet food recommended for animals with arthritis or other joint complaints. In severe cases, medication may help. Alternatively, consider consulting an osteopath for animals. This gentle treatment can make wonderful progress for your pet.
Cause 4: Fatigue and Stress
Even dogs need their moments of rest and recovery. Perhaps their current living situation is not allowing your dog to relax? Environmental noises like construction sounds and cars can lead to sustained states of exhaustion in dogs.
Seasonal Stress
Extreme experiences like fireworks can leave sensitive dogs with lasting fears. Especially right after New Year’s Eve, when the memories of explosions and flashes of light are still fresh, your four-legged friend would probably rather curl up in its dog bed. Patience and gentle encouragement help the animal to regain its confidence.
Cause 5: Boredom
If you walk the same route with your dog every day, it may start to get bored. Animals, too, appreciate a bit of variety.
Try to have several different routes in your repertoire. Added fun and excitement can come from catch, search, and retrieve games, a stream to splash in, or a canine companion for frolicking.
External Causes: Cold and Dampness Affect the Dog
Each dog breed has a different comfort climate. Short-haired dogs are more likely to feel the cold and are not nearly as well protected from the elements as long-haired breeds.
Running Through the Rain Shivering? No, Thank You!
Some dogs develop a real aversion to rainy weather if they have once been cold and wet. When it’s pouring outside, such a pooch may prefer to stay indoors.
A Raincoat for Your Dog
We humans feel much the same: we’re generally not fans of wet weather. However, we have clothing to protect ourselves.
So, for your rain-shy dog, consider arming it against the elements with doggy clothing. It will thank you for it and become more willing to venture outdoors in less than perfect weather.
A warming coat can help protect dogs from the cold in the winter.
Your Dog Won’t Go Walkies? The Collar or Harness Might Be the Issue
An acute lack of enthusiasm for walkies could also be due to the collar or harness. Perhaps it chafes, pinches, or causes pain? Naturally, your dog would then prefer to avoid walking.
Check to see if the collar or harness fits your dog comfortably and make sure there are no sore spots on the neck or chest area – and your dog should have ample freedom of movement when wearing the harness.
Tip: Experiment to see which solution suits your dog best. There are many different models of collars and harnesses that can feel very different to your pet.
Checklist: How to Encourage Your Dog to Enjoy Walkies Again
Ensure that your dog is neither hurt nor sick.
Allow your dog some downtime if it’s been particularly active.
Eliminate stressors and create a relaxed atmosphere.
Stay calm and friendly yourself.
Introduce variety: with new paths, new toys, or perhaps a new harness. Another dog can also be helpful.
Rain or cold? Wait for better weather or outfit your dog with a raincoat.
Puppy or Young Dog Won’t Go Walkies
Is your puppy refusing to walk? Young dogs are a special case in this context. Here, you should consider several additional points that may not be as significant in adulthood.
The Puppy is Physically Overwhelmed
A puppy is not yet fully able to handle a lot of physical activity. Sometimes they simply lack the necessary training to handle a particular route. When a puppy refuses to move, it’s often not disobedience but a reaction to acute exhaustion.
Breaks: Always a Good Idea with Young Dogs
In such cases, allow your puppy a break: If the puppy can’t go on due to exhaustion, carry it and show that you care, take responsibility, and can be trusted.
Additionally, the following tips may help:
Avoid taking your puppy on strenuous or long walks.
Take your puppy’s refusal seriously and do not force them.
Overexertion of the musculoskeletal system can lead to inflammation and pain in puppies, and potentially even developmental disorders.
Fearful Dog Doesn’t Want to Go Walkies
A major issue with young dogs is also fear when going walkies. The world outside is still unknown. New impressions and contact with other animals can easily overwhelm puppies. The following tips can help motivate even a fearful puppy to go walkies.
Provide Your Puppy with Safety
In such cases, it’s important that you maintain control over the situation. Your authority in handling the scenario gives the dog a sense of safety and reinforces your role as the owner.
Tip: Your dog cannot correctly assess danger in the environment and traffic. A lead ensures you have more control in risky situations.
When Other Dogs Are Involved
Generally, contact with other dogs is very important for developing healthy social behaviour. It even makes sense for you to actively encourage it. However, not every dog behaves perfectly. Some are downright aggressive on the lead.
If you encounter other animals, pay close attention to your dog’s body language. A tucked tail and attempts to flee are clear signs that your dog is overwhelmed by the encounter.
In such situations, immediately give your dog the opportunity to find protection and safety with you by:
stepping in front of your dog,
physically preventing further contact with the other animal if necessary, and
picking up and comforting your puppy right away.
Physical Contact Helps Puppies Relax
Tricky situations can go wrong. When they do, it’s important that you are there for your puppy with physical contact. Reassure them with a calm voice that the situation is under control and the danger has passed. Patience and empathy are keys to success here.
Puppy in the arms of its owner – closeness and affection create security and trust.
Conclusion: Your Dog Doesn’t Want to Go Walkies? Look for the Reason
In conclusion, it’s important to remember that dogs have their reasons for not wanting walkies. Always be attentive when trying to understand these reasons. Take the time to observe your pet.
Examine your four-legged friend’s body for wounds and develop a feel for its mood and behaviour. Often, this will quickly lead to an understanding of why your dog is acting in a certain way.
With patience, time, and love, you’re well-equipped to address potential walkies difficulties.
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Franziska G., Veterinarian
At the Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen I was extensively trained as a veterinarian and was able to gain experience in various fields such as small animal, large animal and exotic animal medicine as well as pharmacology, pathology and food hygiene.
Since then, I have been working not only as a veterinary author, but also on my scientifically driven dissertation. My goal is to better protect animals from pathogenic bacterial organisms in the future.
Besides my veterinary knowledge, I also share my own experiences as a happy dog owner and can thus understand and enlighten fears and problems as well as other important questions about animal health.
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