Walking your dog regularly is essential for their health and wellbeing. Not only do they need to be taken out three to four times a day to relieve themselves, but they also need physical exercise. If your puppy is particularly active, having them sit cooped up indoors will affect their health and wellbeing. And yet, not all puppies are that excited to go for a walk. Sometimes, your best friend simply will not budge, no matter how much you tug at the lead.

If your puppy refuses to walk from the first try, don’t be discouraged. Their behavior might seem random, but there’s always a good reason behind it and, if you understand that reason, you can make your little pooch be more excited about walks.

Why does my dog refuse to walk?

When your puppy refuses to walk at the most inconvenient times, it might seem like they’re doing this to spite you, but dog trainers point out that this isn’t why they do it. When a dog refuses to walk, it’s usually for these reasons:

• They are physically uncomfortable: perhaps the collar or harness is too tight, and your dog can’t move freely.
• They’re afraid of their surroundings: if you’re trying to walk your dog in a busy area or an area they’re not used to, they’ll be overwhelmed with anxiety and freeze on the spot. Sometimes, even a familiar neighborhood can be scary on a rainy or windy day.
• They’re in pain: if your puppy is injured or is recovering from an injury, they might not be in the mood for a walk. This can also happen if you have a senior dog who started to have muscle or joint pain.
• They need to work on their recall skills. Sometimes, your dog is comfortable where they are and doesn't want to move. In this case, you will need to work a little more on their recall skills so that they come when you ask them to.

Here are some things you can try when your dog refuses to walk:

Make sure the collar and harness fit.

If the walking equipment is too tight and scratches your puppy, it’s understandable that they don’t want to go for a walk.

Familiarize your puppy with the walking gear before going for a walk.

Let them smell the lead, harness, collar, and raincoat, and put them on around the house before going outside.

Work on your recall.

This way, your dog will learn to direct their attention towards you. Small treats can be useful in rewarding good walking behavior, but make sure you use high-quality, nutritious treats, not those cheap ones from general stores. You can also alternate treats with verbal praise and reassuring pats.

Know what sparks your puppy’s anxiety

If your dog is prone to anxiety, pinpoint the triggers and try to avoid them as much as possible. For example, if they’re afraid of bikes and skateboards, don’t take them to a park where kids play. If they’re easily scared by other people, choose a time when the park is less crowded, or walk them in a more peaceful area. In case your dog is experiencing extreme anxiety, don’t hesitate to ask a dog trainer.