Why Dogs Refuse to Walk Sometimes (And What to Do About It)

leashed brown dog lying in grass and refusing to walk

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.

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.

Hip or elbow dysplasia is another cause of pain in dogs. This genetic condition causes the hip or elbow joint and socket to not fit correctly. Other physical injuries like sprains, wounds on the paw pads, and fractures, can also affect walking.

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.

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!