My Puppy Doesn’t Want To Walk: Why and What Can I do?

By: Matt
Last Updated:
dog-laying-on-ground

You have experienced a few weeks of organized chaos since your puppy joined your house. Finally, the jabs are done and it’s time to explore the world outside. Walks with your dog are one of the major pleasures of ownership but sometimes you may experience instances where your puppy doesn’t want to walk. It may be the first time you have experienced it or something of a habit, in this post we will look at the potential reasons your puppy doesn’t want to walk and how these may be overcome.

1. New Experiences & Equipment

Everything is new to a puppy, their senses are bombarded with unfamiliar smells and noises. Most puppies are initially cautious of new environments and experiences, an example of this may be around the introduction of a leash. The unusual sensation of pressure on the neck or the wearing of a harness may create a nervous association with the process of going for a walk. If your puppy doesn’t want to walk in these circumstances then don’t force them as the negative association will only increase.

2. Fear and Trepidation

Hopefully, you will have socialized your puppy well and it is eager to explore but even the brashest and confident puppy will find some experiences that fill them with some trepidation. This may be something as simple as the sound of traffic being experienced for the first time. They will be meeting different people and dogs it is all a voyage of discovery and acceptance.

3. Medical Conditions

In rare cases, it may be that your puppy doesn’t want to walk due to an injury or illness. Unfortunately, some puppies are not bred and tested in an ethical way.

Some puppies simply don’t like some forms of inclement weather. The likes of rain or snow may have your youngster turning their nose up at the front door. This may be a reaction to how they feel in those circumstances or they may genuinely be too cold or potentially on the flip side too hot.

5. Reluctance to Leave House

A lot of us like the comfort of our own home, it’s where we turn to if we want to feel safe and secure. Dogs are no different, hopefully, your puppy will have settled in nicely, got used to household routines, familiarized itself with the people and surroundings, and effectively become part of the family.

Hopefully, armed with some of the knowledge here you and your puppy are primed to leave the house and share the first of many great walks together. Socializing is key from the moment your puppy gets home. Do that well, throw in some training in the 4-5 weeks you are at home before you can leave the house, and you should have a well-rounded puppy eager to discover new things. Have fun together!

Photo of author

Author:

Matt
Enthusiastic Poochon/Bichpoo/Bichonpoo (how many names) Owner. Husband, Father and Dog walker extraordinaire.

Send this to a friend