If your dog stops walking, you'll likely wonder what is wrong and if you should be concerned. There is usually a logical reason for your dog to pause its stroll. In this post, our vets in Stockton share some reasons your dog doesn't want to walk and what you can do when they won't move.
Reasons Your Dog Doesn't Want to Walk
You're strolling on a local trail with your pup when they suddenly sit down and stop moving. This will probably cause you to wonder why this is happening. The first thing you need to know is that many pup parents have experienced this before. Our vets have had many dog owners ask about this issue, which can be frustrating and difficult to manage. This is particularly true if you're not sure why your pup may be stopping or what you should do next. Today, we'll discuss why your dog may have stopped walking and how to get them moving again.
Your Dog Has an Injury
If your dog has been injured, they may find it challenging to walk or even refuse to keep their paws moving because they are in pain. Potential injuries can range from a scratched paw pad or cracked nail to something more serious, like an open wound or a foreign object lodged in a limb.
If you suspect your dog has been injured, stop walking right away and examine their legs and paw pads for any visible injuries. Take photos if you discover the source of the wound, then contact your veterinarian to schedule an appointment. You'll likely be given first aid instructions to follow. If you are unable to find the source of the injury, you should still contact your veterinarian for advice and schedule an appointment.
By having a friend or family member pick you and your dog up, you can prevent the injury from worsening in the interim.
They Are Scared of Something
If a dog is afraid of something in its environment, they may refuse to walk or continue moving. Young puppies who are in their 'fear phase' and adult dogs navigating an unfamiliar environment often experience this (especially true if they tend to be fearful or anxious or have a history of trauma).
Physical symptoms of fear in dogs include laid-back ears, crouched body posture, and a tail tucked under their body. They may also breathe heavily or abnormally.
The first thing you'll want to do to start addressing this issue is to locate the source of their fear. This may include a trash can, a noise, another dog walking by, a person approaching, a scent you didn't notice, or even a sign. While the precise steps needed to desensitize your dog may vary depending on the specific fear they're experiencing, here are some basic actions you can take:
- Find the source of the fear and build resistance to it.
- Offer rewards (without rewarding negative behaviors).
- Use commands to redirect your dog's attention.
If you notice your dog is experiencing fear, contact your vet to book an appointment. Your veterinarian can help by offering specific tips and advice on how to appropriately manage your dog's fear safely and efficiently.
Your Pup is Experiencing Joint Pain
If your dog is in chronic pain in their joints, they may stop walking. Hip dysplasia and arthritis are two common causes of joint pain in older dogs. These conditions can be extremely painful for dogs, so it's critical to recognize signs of joint pain, such as favoring one leg over the other when stopped or whimpering or yelping before stopping.
If your dog exhibits any of the symptoms of joint pain, we recommend contacting your veterinarian and scheduling a comprehensive wellness examination to determine the underlying cause. Your veterinarian can also offer a treatment plan.
You Need to Train Them More
One of the simplest reasons why your dog isn't walking well is that they're not used to it.
If this is the case, keep in mind that your dog may find this an overwhelming or frightening experience, so begin slowly and introduce the process gradually. Begin by introducing them to one piece of equipment at a time, allowing them to sniff and get to know it while passing out treats. It is critical to let your dog get acquainted with the equipment.
Then you can begin putting the collar on them for brief periods of time at a time, gradually increasing the time intervals, beginning with a few seconds and increasing the time until they are accustomed to it.
It's also critical to choose a properly fitting and weighted collar for your dog after carefully reading the size guidelines and recommendations on the packaging. However, for training purposes, a lighter collar and leash are usually preferred.
Before taking your dog on a leash, let them wander around your house with the collar on for a few days to get used to the sensation. Then you can begin taking your dog on leash walks inside your home. You can gradually introduce your dog to outdoor walks in fenced backyards or enclosed dog runs.
Positive reinforcement is recommended when your dog walks well and responds to prompts. If you have any problems, contact your veterinarian for a consultation.
Some Other Reasons Why Your Dog Stops Walking and Won't Move
Here are some other problems to think about if the above causes don't seem to apply to your dog:
- Your pooch is fatigued or tired
- It's too hot or cold outside for your dog
- Your dog's walking gear (leash, collar) is uncomfortable for them
- They want to keep walking more
- Your dog needs to get more exercise and stimulation out of their walks
- Their walks are too long for them
How to Get Your Dog Walking Better
Here, our vets offer some advice on how you may be able to get your dog walking again:
- Start walking faster when going through interesting locations
- Choose one specific side for your dog to walk on to prevent pulling
- Spice up your usual walk and take other routes
- Stop walking and restrict their access to objects they are interested in (this will help them realize the only way to walk is with you).
- Implement proper leash training
- Reward good walking behaviors
If your dog stops walking and won't move, it's always a good idea to call your vet for advice and book a physical examination because many of the potential causes are due to an underlying medical condition or even a veterinary emergency.
It's important to remember that you shouldn't force them to go any further, as this may exacerbate your problem. Negative responses, such as yelling, can also have a negative effect and should be avoided. This is why we say, "When in doubt, consult your veterinarian."
