When our best walking buddies don’t want to go along, it’s worrisome, especially if they are usually rarin’ to go. The above reasons are two of the most common triggers that may cause a dog to be scared of going for a walk. The more of an issue you make out of it, the less likely they are to want to. I realize I have a sassy dog and he will get real big soon. Dogs live in a world of associations, so there are chances that your previous cue has come to assume negative connotations. 1. It's like they feel left behind from their family and abandoned. but many times searching for a clue is unrewarding and some behavior professionals think it's also a waste of time, considering that the time spent investigating could be used more productively in helping the dog feel comfortable again in going for a walk. Even staying with him outside up to where he is comfortable. This is how it can be set up: your friend (with her dog on leash,) rings the bell and stays a bit at a distance from the door. Some dogs who are scared of going on walks, may not have pain, but their vision or hearing could have deteriorated, making them perceive things differently than before. For example, it could be normal for us but the sound of fireworks or thunderstorms could absolutely freak a dog out. The little guy just decides he’d … Once health problems are ruled out, then dog owners can move on to solving the problem which often means tackling the underlying emotion of fear. A dog lover almost always has a friend ready to go for a walk to jump-start the day or wind down after work. But what could have scared a dog to become so afraid of going on walks? When we try to take him with them, He’ll move out the door, but then freeze again. As mentioned, pain can also be a culprit for the onset of fears and phobias. It could be that stress from other happenings at home or a stimulus that happened to be slightly louder, bigger or for some reason, scarier, than other times, could have created fertile grounds for fear to set in and put roots. Just walk out and if your dog follows you, feed the treats and praise like crazy and then go back inside. Extreme caution is needed here to make the dog feel safe and the activity rewarding, otherwise you can end up with a dog who is not only scared to go on walks, but is also scared to go on car rides! why is my dog scared to go for a walk?She used to be ok when out for a walk, although sometimes just stopped and refused to go further, but this week she has refused a walk every evening and tonight when she saw me put my shoes and coat on she ran and jumped in the bath to hide. For this reason, it's always a good idea to see a veterinarian any time a dog develops a behavior problem out of the blue. I have been working my border collie for the last for years but she won't now go out with out my wife, she gets excited to go out but will only go out side the front door, my wife is now on a holiday .? It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Here are some of the most common reasons for this development. Take baby steps. I didnt realize dogs suddenly being scared of putting lease on and going on walks is not abnormal...One thing i learned is dont force dogs walk more when they show fear. I know it isn't health related, because she still wants to go in the car and runs and plays at my parent's house and in their yard. It's not like you encountered a monster on a walk or your dog was attacked by another dog, so what is the big deal? My dog who is fearful is an 85lb (very strong) German Shepard Husky mix.) These sudden fears are often referred to as phobias. And for those wondering, just like annoying food allergies, fear can set roots at any time. But at the moment she is refusing a morning walk. I'd love to take my time and follow these instruction, but I live in an apartment. But some pets form such a tight bond that they … A dog that is suddenly afraid of the stairs could be affected by a number of things, some of which may require the vet’s attention. And again, make sure you rule out any pain related problems such as arthritis, age or illness. Pain: Dogs who are reluctant to go for a walk, or who suddenly refuse to walk, might be suffering from undiagnosed pain. If she has to pee, she will go out a little bit but then pull me to come back in. The bad news is that it will most likely take time to get your dog to enjoy his walks again. Any thoughts on getting him out the door if I have 7 hours instead 2 weeks to build up to it?? Keep doing this for longer walks, but mix in some short walks too every now and then. 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