It's Walk Your Dog Month! And as dog parents, we know more than anyone that walking your dog isn't always...well...a walk in the park!
We’ve all been there - you’re enjoying the daily stroll with your pooch when they suddenly sit down and refuse to budge. While this can be frustrating, it’s just your dog’s way of telling you something, so take a moment before hurrying them along.
Read on for the most common reasons why dogs stop walking and what you can do to get them moving again, including tips for making walks more fun for your plonked-down pooch.
Common reasons dogs stop walking
There are lots of reasons your pooch might sit their tail down in the middle of a walk and refuse to budge - from the reasonable to the downright dramatic!
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They’re being stubborn. Your dog might dawdle or stop if: they’re bored or not stimulated enough, they want to go a different way, or they know you’re on your way home (and they’re not ok with it).
You’ll sense a general dawdling and hesitancy in their behaviour, and a sense of stubborn defiance when you try to pull on the lead.
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They are in pain or injured. Your dog may have joint pain (especially if they’re a senior dog or prone to joint issues), or may have sustained an injury you aren’t aware of. Check for any limping or changed gait, and examine them if they hold up a paw and whine.
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They’re anxious. For whatever reason, your dog has suddenly become too anxious to walk on. They may have been triggered by something they saw or heard, or sensed a shift in their surroundings. Look out for signs of anxiety like a stiffened body, widened eyes or alertness. If your dog is prone to anxiety on a walk, perhaps try giving them a relaxing treat an hour or so before you go.
Our Calming Probiotic Meaty Treats are packed with naturally calming ingredients like hemp and valerian root that can help chill out your pooch, ready for their walk.
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You deter from their usual routine. Sometimes dogs like their usual route and dislike going in another direction. If you try to walk your pooch a new way and they sit down in refusal, you can assume they just don’t like breaking out of routine.
You’ll know if this is the issue if they get back up as soon as you go on your usual route.
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They’re exhausted. If this is a particularly long route for your dog or you’ve walked a lot lately, they may be too tired to carry on.
They may also be ill or coming down with something, and become exhausted a little quicker than usual. If your dog is slow moving and yawning a lot, fatigue could be the issue.
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They’re over-stimulated. Your pooch may be startled or overwhelmed by traffic sounds, other dogs, people or goings-on in the area. They may be turned towards the source of distraction or keep looking back at you for reassurance.
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Strong weather conditions. Harsh winds, rain or storms can cause a pooch to freeze in their tracks if it’s too stressful for them. This can also happen in hot or sunny weather, which can cause them to overheat and get fatigued quickly.
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They’re a puppy. Puppies are more unpredictable on walks, and may sit down in the middle of walking for all kinds of reasons - mostly distractions, tiredness, anxiety or just wanting to play instead. This is where lead training will come in handy!
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It’s worked for them before. If you’ve given in to your pooch before or even carried them home because they’ve sat down, they will be very keen to try this technique again! This is why it’s important to be consistent in getting them walking again (if they’re physically able to, of course).
How to get your dog moving again on a walk
Once you've double-checked they're not injured, in pain, overheated or severely exhausted, your pooch should carry on walking with a bit of encouragement, consistent lead training and the following tips:
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Check for discomfort. Make sure your pooch isn’t in pain before you encourage them to move. Inspect their paws and joints for cuts, thorns, swelling or irritation, and watch them as they move for further signs of discomfort.
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Bribe with incentives. If you’re sure your dog isn’t injured, try to boost their spirits by speaking to them in excited tones about the fun walk ahead and what’s coming next. Perhaps use a toy or a treat as a bribing tool to move the walk along!
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Try changing direction. Your dog may just want to go a different way. Bowing to their preference can be tricky, because you want your dog to know you’re in control of the walk - however if it’s still a route you can use, it may be easier to just walk the way they want to go. Just be wary of this becoming a habit.
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Offer a drink of water. Your pooch may simply be hungry or thirsty. Offer them a drink of water (you should take some on every walk) - as this may be all they need to soldier on until you reach home.
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Take breaks if necessary. Once your dog gets moving again, take breaks if you think they’re tired or exhausted. Remember to check your pooch has regained their energy before going on the next walk.
How to make walks fun for your dog
When your pooch regularly refuses to move on walks, it can become a problem that puts them off walks altogether. These tips and techniques will help your dog develop a positive association with walking so dragging them along on the lead can be avoided!
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Proper lead training from a young age will instil discipline and consistency in your dog so they’ll have no issues knowing to walk when you tell them to.
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Try different walking accessories, such as a new harness, walking booties or an extending lead, or get them a coat if you think your dog feels uncomfortable going out in cold weather.
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Adopt a fun and positive attitude around walkies, even if you also don’t feel like going sometimes! Your pooch will pick up on your mood during walks and respond in kind.
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Consider if your usual walking route is the best way. Does it pass stressful distractions such as lots of traffic, noise or playing children? Socialisation is important, but consider other routes in peaceful, wide open spaces that your pooch may enjoy more.
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Mix up your walking routes. Changing up your dog’s environment sometimes can engage their brain, and the new sights and smells will excite them.
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Bring toys to fetch or play with, a pocket full of treats and plenty of water for them to refresh themselves.
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Go to places where you can safely take them off the lead and allow them to run. When they can really raise their heart rate, the subsequent endorphins will have them loving walks and excited for the next one!
When trying new things with your usual dog walk, introduce changes gradually so that your pooch isn’t shocked by unfamiliarity or breaks to their routine.
Should I pick up my dog rather than coax them to walk?
In an emergency, if your dog seems injured, or they’re on the verge of passing out with exhaustion and taking a break doesn’t help, you can pick them up (if possible) and either carry them home or take them to your car.
If this isn’t possible, either because you’re very far from home or you aren’t able to carry them, call a vet if they’re injured or call someone to pick you up and take you home.
It’s not a good idea to pick your dog up regularly when they refuse to walk, or they’ll get used to this and try their luck the next time they feel like being carried!
When to get professional help for your dog
If your dog regularly refuses to walk and you can’t understand why, and none of the above tips seem to work, it could be time to get some professional help.
Your vet or a pet behavioural therapist may be able to give your dog an assessment to work out what the problem might be, and offer some training exercises to get your pooch happily walking along with you every day.
FAQs
Why does my dog stop walking and want to go home?
There could be lots of reasons your dog suddenly stops on a dog walk - from exhaustion to an injury, to being distracted by something in their surroundings. Sometimes, they’re just being stubborn.
Check over your pooch for any signs of pain or injury - you’ll need to call someone to pick you up if this is the case. Take a short break if they need to simply regain their energy or cool down.
Otherwise, in most cases you should try to encourage your dog to keep moving until you get home.
Should I force my dog to walk if he doesn't want to?
This depends on why your dog has stopped moving. If they have reason to feel completely exhausted, or they’re injured, you shouldn’t try to force them.
Don’t force your dog to walk in extreme weather, such as midday heat, if they insist on sitting in some shade to cool down.
However, you shouldn’t pick up your dog and carry them every time they refuse to walk. This can develop into a bad habit - you’ll be picking up your dog every time you go out!
Why does my dog keep stopping and looking back on a walk?
If your pooch keeps pausing and glancing at you, they may be anxious and just need some reassurance that you’re nearby.
They may also be looking to you for confirmation that something familiar is about to happen. Look around for any distraction in the area, and give your dog verbal reassurance to keep moving.
If you're looking for ways to keep your dog happy, healthy, and motivated, explore our range of nutritious grain-free dog food and healthy dog treats made with whole, natural ingredients.
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