Socialize Your Puppy to the Outdoors
When you move your training outside, remember that the great outdoors can be more than some puppies can handle. All the sights, sounds, and smells can be overwhelming. Proper socialization will help conquer your puppy’s anxiety and build confidence.
Introduce your pup to people of all shapes, sizes, and ethnicities. Don’t forget about all the ways people can look different to a dog such as glasses, wheelchairs, and hats. You also need to expose your puppy to many different dogs and environments. However, don’t force any of these encounters. Let your pup initiate contact and move at their own pace. Keep things positive and pair new outdoor experiences with play, praise, and treats. This will help your dog become comfortable with the world and to see other people and dogs as friends rather than threats.
Your dog is tired or fatigued.
Not all dogs are designed to be running buddies or cover miles and miles at a time, and it is possible that your dog is simply fatigued by the duration or frequency of your walks.
So, try to look for some of the signs that your doggo is tired, such as excessive panting, a slower-than-usual pace, and unenthused body language. Also, be sure you speak with your veterinarian regarding the recommended amount of exercise for your four-footer.
If your dog is fatigued but needs to get more exercise on a regular basis, it may be helpful to try taking several small walks instead of a few long, strenuous walks. You can also consider getting your dog some indoor exercise to supplement your walks.
Just be sure you don’t push your dog’s limits, especially in extremely hot weather.
Your dog is in pain.
It’s possible that your furry friend is stopping your walks because he’s experiencing long-term pain — particularly joint pain, caused by conditions like arthritis or hip dysplasia.
So, it is important to learn to recognize the signs of joint pain in dogs. For example, you may notice your dog trying to put less weight on the affected area while stopping, or letting out a whimper or yelp shortly before planting himself on the sidewalk.
If your dog is stopping because he’s in pain, you’ll need to have him examined by a veterinarian to identify the problem and determine a solution. This could include things like medications, physical therapy, or potential surgery.
How To Fix A Dog or Puppy Refusing To Walk On Leash | Wittle Havanese
You and your dog are taking a walk on a beautiful day, but they stop suddenly and wont move. In this post, our vets in New York list some reasons why this may happen and what you can do.
