There are several reasons why a dog suddenly doesn't want to go outside. If you are reading this article on our site, it is probably because your dog is very afraid of the street. Normally, dogs like to go out for a walk and are usually happy as soon as you touch their leash. But when something bad has happened during the walk, it can happen that he suddenly feels afraid.
In this article we will explain why my dog is afraid of the street and what to do to solve it with a series of tips so you can help your furry to overcome his panic to the street. However, it is also possible that you are not actually afraid, but that another cause is preventing you from going outside. In any case, we will find out together and get him to trust and enjoy the rides with you again.
Causes of fear of the street in dogs
The causes of fear of the street in dogs are as different and special as your dog is, which means that analyzing the causes of the feeling of fear is complex. If your dog is suddenly afraid to go out for a walk, you have to observe him well, since his reactions and movements can tell you what the real reason for his behavior is. The most common are a bad experience during walks and poor socialization. It is also possible that your dog is simply fearful. We are going to analyze the different causes of fear of the street in dogs:
- Fear of a bad experience: during the walk or during the last few walks, has your dog had a fight with another? Try to remember if your friend was hurt on the ride or bitten. Trauma may also have gotten into your brain if you were startled by a loud noise, such as a speeding truck or construction work. It is possible that your furry suddenly does not want to go outside because there is a new construction in front of your house or because you live in an area with a lot of traffic. In short, a bad experience can be fighting with a dog, being startled by a noise, getting lost and feeling scared or being hurt.
- Poor socialization: what does it mean that my dog is poorly socialized? When your dog is not used to being with others of his kind since childhood, he has not learned the signs and body language of dogs, it is possible that he begins to get along badly with other dogs. Then he will not have any interest in meeting or playing with other dogs and, in turn, will not understand their calm signals. This can lead to poor socialization, causing problems and fights during the walk.
- It's a puppy: If you notice that your puppy is afraid to go outside, he may not have gotten used to it yet to all the new smells, noises and impressions. It is the critical moment for him to learn that going for a walk is something "super wow". To do this, take it to quiet areas and make sure it only hangs out with polite and social dogs so they can teach it how to behave around elders. It is also essential that you do not overload him with too many prints. Puppies do not yet have much capacity to take on new experiences, as they have to sleep many hours a day. In any case, remember that puppies can only go outside if they have already been vaccinated to ensure their he alth.
Is it really because of fear or is it for another reason?
Are you sure this is fear? There are several other reasons why your dog might prefer to stay indoors. It is advisable to consult a veterinarian if your adult dog suddenly doesn't want to go outside. The dog may develop symptoms that cause pain when walking. Hip dysplasia (HD), for example, could be a condition in older dogs that prevents them from walking normally.
On the other hand, some dogs avoid going outside during warmer or colder days Others are afraid of the night or the noises caused by the wind. If your dog suffers from the heat in summer, he should avoid the hottest hours and take him out during the early morning and late-night hours. It is also totally normal that your dog does not want to go out when it rains.
How to walk a scared dog?
During the walk, your dog needs you next to himYou are the reference person and he will be guided by your body language. It is essential that you make him feel safe, that there is no reason to worry. To do this, be consistent even if your dog does not want to go outside. He would notice your insecurity if you stare at him all the time, talk to him too much, or stand up. If he stops, take him with you with determination, but without violence. The dog needs to feel that there is no danger there, outside of his house. When a dog is afraid of the street, he constantly stops or runs home, it is recommended that you put a harness on himso that he does not hurt his neck
Dogs are very sensitive animals, they have very acute hearing and hear things that we could not even imagine. It is normal for certain situations or noises to frighten them, since they perceive it much louder than we do. So that your dog does not suffer any trauma or experience a bad association with the walk, he avoids taking him outside during a storm, at rush hour with heavy traffic or during parties with many people in the street. Dogs are very afraid of fireworks and firecrackers. They can be frightened by the sirens of police cars, horns and trucks. Therefore, protect your dog from these noises.
For more information, you can consult this other article on How to walk your dog correctly?
What to do with a dog that doesn't want to go for a walk?
Help, my dog is afraid of the street! Calm! The first thing you should do if your dog no longer wants to go for a walk is consult an expertTalk to your veterinarian to have him examined, it may be possible diseases or pain what causes his behavior. If your dog is in full he alth but still does not go outside, you have to work on his problem. Watch him and find out his fear!
The collar and harness
Dogs associate their collar, harness or leash with walking. It is the first step to go to the street and your necklace is the key to success. If he has any trauma connected to the walk, he will hide every time you show him the leash. Therefore, we must work how to prepare for the ride Patience and love are required to make him forget his fear.
Put on his collar or harness and leave it on at home so he can get used to it again without feeling afraid. When you see him calm, then it's time to take the first steps. If he doesn't want to go through the door, he takes walks at home on the leash. If you don't want to go outside, then you walk inside! Little by little, get him used to the strap that he has badly associated with his trauma from outside. Once you see him able to go outside, take him to quiet areas and keep walks calm and short.
If you don't know what is better for your dog, whether to use a harness or a leash, you can consult this other article on What is better, a harness or a collar for dogs?
