There are dog breeds that are more placid than other breeds. They would rather stay at home and be comfortable sitting in zones that are comfortable to them. The dog would love a walk outside but sometimes it would refuse. Larger dog breeds tend to be so. There are also moments when a supposedly active breed will refuse walks outside. On the other hand, there are dogs that are shy and would occasionally refuse. Either way, dogs need regular exercise. When dogs refuse to walk for reasons that are not obvious to you at the moment, the following tips might help.
Release the dog from the leash and let him walk alone in the yard. Sometimes without our knowing it, dogs may not necessarily be ill but just the same, the dog is not feeling very well. When released from the leash and let to roam the yard the dog will look for particular herbs and plants to chew. This is his way to heal himself or at least to revitalize whatever lethargy that the dog is suffering from. The plant will later be vomited and after a while, the dog will start feeling better. This is not only true to dogs; all animals do this as well. It is nature’s way of healing ailments.
When there is nothing wrong with the dog, the dog may just be developing shyness. If so motivate the dog by building his confidence or allaying his fears. Treats usually do this. Comforting words, your presence, and assurances does it too. See, dogs more the most part are like children. They could suffer from associating with other animals and people. Negative interaction could reduce their confidence, or result to aggressiveness, sometimes in ways that we could not see or predict.
If your dog suddenly becomes afraid of walking it is not good to let the dog have its way. Less exercise will do the dog greater damage. If you would take him for walks, rebuild his comfort level by taking him outside for short walks. Places less frequented by other animals and people are better choices. Make the walk as pleasant an experience as possible and stay close to the dog. Reward the dog with treats to encourage better behavior.
Bring treats with you and make the treats visible to the dog. Use the treats to pull the dog towards you and to walk with you. There is a good analogy to this. People are motivated in the work place by the sticks and carrots approach. Even when employees do not feel up to doing a particular job, when the reward far outweighs the risk, people respond. This is true for most dogs, most creatures for that matter. For the meantime though dispense with the stick.
If the dog is being belligerent, use a harness instead of the leash. This way you can pull the dog along. Use teats just the same to make it easier on the dog to tag along.
If the dog is truly refuses to walk outside, let him run and play in the yard. There is always another day for exercising.
