Why doesn’t my dog ​​want to go for a walk? – Dog behaviour

In the coming weeks I will publish a blog series in which I will let Google finish sentences, and answer the question that arises in the blog article. So Frequently Searched Questions!

Today: Why doesn’t my dog ​​want to for a walk?

With ‘not wanting to walk’ it is extremely important to first rule out if there is something medically wrong with your dog. There are many medical reasons that can cause your dog not wanting to go for a walk, so my very first advice: make an appointment with the vet. Explain to the vet as extensively as possible what you notice about your dog, even if you notice few other complaints.

Juno

A good example of this problem is my own dog Juno, who has been walking slower and slower for the past few years and is less and less willing to go along. At first we couldn’t find anything, but further examination by a specialist showed that she had two places in the back and one in the neck where there were blockages in her muscles and joints. So she had severe back pain, of course she didn’t like walking! She is now under treatment with a dog physio, and that does wonders for her mobility.

Older dogs can experience similar physical limitations to aging humans. Joint stiffness and reduced mobility are common problems. Older dogs can also suffer from arthritis, which can affect their willingness to exercise. If you notice that your dog is less enthusiastic about walking than before, it may be advisable to talk to your vet about modified range-of-motion exercises and possible pain relief.

Weight management is also vital for older dogs. Excess weight can put extra strain on the joints and reduce the comfort of movement. Together with your veterinarian (or even better, with a specialized dog nutritionist!) you can set up a suitable diet and exercise plan to ensure that your dog maintains a healthy weight and experiences as little discomfort as possible while walking.

Not feeling like it

Another reason why your dog doesn’t want to go for a walk could be that he simply doesn’t feel the need to. He may be tired from a busy day, or it may be too hot. If it happens every once in a while that your dog doesn’t want to come along, you don’t have to worry about anything. Don’t force your dog to go for a walk at such a time, but just try again later. He really will let you know if he suddenly has to do his needs in between!
Changes in the environment can also make your dog reluctant to walk. Choosing a new route may involve unfamiliar smells, sounds, and even other dogs. Take the time to acclimate your dog to new environments and gradually make the walks longer.

Stress and fear

Stress and anxiety can play a significant role in your dog’s behaviour. A move, the arrival of a new family member (human or animal), or even loud noises such as thunder or fireworks can upset your dog. If you notice your dog behaving differently or seems reluctant to go for a walk, try a calm and reassuring approach. Create positive associations with walking by, for example, taking very tasty sweets with you during the walk and giving them to him at random times, when the dog is walking along in a relaxed way.
If your dog does not want to walk because, for example, every walk there are one or more confrontations with a frightening stimulus, try to avoid confrontations with that stimulus for the time being and contact a behavioral therapist to work on the underlying emotion. Please note: in such a case, a good behavioral therapist will always want to rule out medical issues and not just look at the behavioral part.

Not fitting right!

Another reason why your dog may not like going for walks is an ill-fitting collar or harness. If walking causes discomfort, it is not surprising if the walk becomes less enjoyable of course! Therefore, always make sure that you have good material. Of course I can also help you with that, if you don’t know where to start. Feel free to send me a message, via email or via social media!