I got a dog to go for walks
Did you get a dog and looked forward to enjoying long walks with your pup? Are you finding that your dog doesn’t want to go for walks with you?
Whether you have a puppy or an adult dog, they speak the same language – the dog’s own language. Yes, when your dog doesn’t want to go for a walk, it’s trying to communicate with you. Isn’t that great? We can learn something new if we just listen.
Why Doesn’t the Dog Want to Go for a Walk?
Some dogs take on too much responsibility within their pack and struggle to handle it.
This is why they may try to refuse walks – to avoid taking on the responsibility for the pack in the larger world. It might sound trivial, but in the dog’s world (and in the wolf’s world, too – only a 3% difference in DNA between wolves and dogs), everything is about survival.
And if the wrong dog/person is leading the pack, it could have consequences for the survival of the pack. So, if your dog feels responsible for your pack (through your unconscious signals), the task becomes too much for it, and the dog doesn’t want to go for a walk.
It’s Often Dogs with Gentler Personalities Who Don’t Want to Go for Walks
Let me try to paint a picture of dogs who don’t want to go for walks:
– A dog that is often a bit nervous or insecure
– A dog that is often reserved or doesn’t want to greet guests
– A dog that often has trouble relaxing – either following you everywhere or hiding and maybe shaking
– A dog that doesn’t always want to play with other dogs
And there’s a lot more that could describe dogs that struggle with going for walks with their owner.
Tips – What Should I Do with My Dog Who Doesn’t Want to Go for a Walk?
First and foremost, you need to think differently about walks and your dog. I know we often hear that we should take our dogs for walks and stimulate them, and I agree – but first, we need to focus on the basics: the security within the pack. Once that’s in place, you can do everything else.
Don’t Go for a Walk with Your Dog If It Doesn’t Want To
Do you notice that your dog starts acting strange when you begin putting on your shoes? Does your dog even hide when it’s time to go out? Think of it this way: your dog only needs to go outside to potty and then come back in. Inside, you can begin working on your relationship so it’s strong when you’re ready to go for walks later.
A few simple tips are:
– Don’t go for a walk with your dog
– Call your dog when you want to pet it, preferably with a treat
– Play with your dog – you start the play and finish it
– Let your dog have time to rest
It’s important to let your dog rest and not rush the training. This isn’t a quick fix, but patience will pay off, and your dog will love it when you speak its language.
At Home, the Dog Feels Safe
And so do you. Make sure to get a good start and foundation at home by guiding your dog and showing that you are taking care of it. Then, you can do whatever you want together.
Contact me for tips on how to create calm and peace at home so that you and your dog can enjoy a walk.
