Have you ever taken your dog for a walk and wondered why they refuse to walk? Sometimes it can even be a struggle to get your dog walking in the first place! Ari Pomo (CPDT-KA, PSRI) from Ollie offers us six reasons your pup might not want to walk.
And for additional resources, visit our blog: [ Ссылка ]
New to Ollie? Start here: [ Ссылка ]
------------
Today we're going to take a look at why your dog might be refusing to walk. When your dog doesn't want to walk, it can be frustrating and worrying, especially if they're usually active.
But there are some common reasons why this might happen, and it's important to figure out what's going on so you can help your pup. So, let's get started!
Check to see if your dog's collar or harness is pinching them in any way, and make sure protective and outdoor gear is not too loose or tight. If you're using a new collar, harness, or piece of gear, introduce it to your dog gradually so they can get used to it in the comfort of your home.
If your dog is afraid of walking on certain types of surfaces or around obstacles, that can make them not want to walk at all. They could be fearful of bikes, strollers, skateboards, or even pieces of trash caught in the wind.
So, if your dog refuses to walk, make sure to check for things that might be scaring them. Sometimes, just crossing the street or changing to a quieter route can help them feel more comfortable.
A move to a louder, busier city from the suburbs can be daunting not just for you, but your furry friend as well. Dogs react similarly to change; whether it's a dog you've recently adopted or one you've had for years.
In a new city, your dog will encounter a variety of sights and sounds – people walking around, new noises and smells to experience, and more skateboards and strollers. Your dog may be spooked by the unfamiliar environment and refuse to walk. If they're hiding or won't move, it could be a sign that they're feeling overwhelmed.
Another reason your dog may not want to walk is because they're in pain. This could be due to an injury, arthritis, or any other type of physical discomfort. If you think your dog might be in pain, the best thing to do is take them to the vet for a check-up.
Your vet will be able to help you figure out what's causing your dog's pain, and they'll give you specific instructions on how to help them heal. This may involve things like doing physical therapy exercises with them or simply taking shorter walks for a while.
Next – and this one is really common – your dog may be refusing to walk because they're scared. If your dog is a rescue, they may even have PTSD from something that happened before you got them.
This could be anything from a close call with a car to a bad experience with a child or another dog. It might take some time for you to figure out exactly what your dog is afraid of – but once you do, you'll be able to help them work through their fear.
If your pup only acts out when it's time to leave the dog park or go for a walk in the rain, they might be trying to tell you that they want to stay! If that's the case, they might lie down or run away.
Try working on your dog's recall skills to avoid tricky situations when you're outside. They should be able to come to you when you call them – even if they're in the middle of playing with their favorite toy. You can also try asking for another trick or behavior before you put their leash so they don't associate coming back to you with ending their fun.
So, those are some of the most common reasons why dogs refuse to walk. If your dog falls into one of these categories, don't worry – there are definitely things you can do to encourage them to walk! Here are a few more quick tips.
We all know dogs love food! So, if your dog isn't motivated to walk with you, try offering them something they really want. The trick here is to offer HIGH VALUE treats, like cheese, lunchmeat, or even peanut butter. Something they don't normally get – but that they really love.
If your dog is showing signs of severe anxiety or fear, it's best to get professional help from a certified trainer who uses positive reinforcement and fear-free methods. A trainer will be able to put together a customized plan to help your dog learn to walk confidently.
If you're out on a walk and your dog encounters something they are REALLY stressed by – like a skateboarder or a big crowd, it's okay to walk the other way, and try again another day. Forcing them to face their fears will only make things worse.
If your dog is refusing to walk, it's likely for one of these simple reasons, so don't worry. But if you're having serious concerns, remember to talk to your vet and get everything checked out.
