- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Puppies are full of energy, cuddles, and unpredictable behavior. Why did they eat that shoe? Why are they running in circles? Why do they sleep on their back? One question that often comes up during this phase is why your puppy doesn’t want to walk.
While refusing to walk is unusual in an adult dog, puppies might turn down a walk for a variety of reasons. We spoke with Annie-Mae Levy, a certified dog trainer at Woofz, to learn more about why puppies might opt to skip a walk, how to get them going again, and when it’s time to talk with a professional.
Is It Normal for a Puppy To Stop Walking?
A puppy stopping in the middle of their outing isn’t usually cause for concern, especially if they’re young—under six months. That’s because at this stage, puppies are still learning to walk on a leash for exercise.
“A puppy walk should match their age and development,” Levy explains. Here’s what you can expect.
| Puppy age | Walk time | Normal behavior |
| 8-12 weeks | 5 to 10 minutes | Short attention span, wandering, and stopping |
| 3-6 months | 15 to 30 minutes | Exploring, sniffing, and refusal to walk |
| 1 year | 30 to 45 minutes | More focused behavior and destination-motivated walking |
Reasons Your Puppy Refuses to Walk
“To be honest, most refusals boil down to fear, discomfort, or overstimulation,” says Levy. You might also see a puppy turn down a walk because they’re:
- Experiencing a fear period
- Too excited about other activities happening indoors
- Concerned about a new environment, especially one with loud noises or lots of activity
- Not comfortable in their harness, perhaps because the harness doesn’t fit right or the harness hasn’t been properly introduced
- Tired from other activities
If your puppy is stopping mid-walk, their short attention span might be to blame—they may enjoy stopping to sniff more than walking.
In rare cases, a puppy may be refusing to walk because of pain or discomfort resulting from a health issue. That might include:
- An injury, like a sprain or a scraped paw pad
- Parvo, a contagious disease that affects the digestive system
- Worms, which are especially common in puppies
If you notice your puppy limps or winces in pain when walking, seems lethargic, refuses to eat, is vomiting, or has diarrhea, it’s important to call the vet to evaluate them.
How To Get Your Puppy Walking Again
To get your pup walking again, it’s important to determine the root cause of what made them stop in the first place.
If it’s due to fear, Levy recommends letting your puppy observe from a safe spot and using positive reinforcement to reward them for staying calm or looking at the scary thing. Don’t pressure them to go toward a scary object. “Always keep walks positive and pressure-free to build confidence,” reminds Levy.
If you think it’s discomfort, check your puppy’s gear to ensure it fits correctly. You’ll also want to give your puppy time to adjust to new gear, like a harness, as they may take a few sessions to grow accustomed to it.
If your puppy is just distracted, try redirection. Let them do some sniffing, then try getting their attention by calling their name and making an interesting noise. When they look at you, reward them with a good puppy treat. Keep doing this until you’re moving in the right direction.
CBCK-Christine via iStock
Is ever okay to pull on a puppy’s leash?
Levy recommends against pulling on a dog’s leash to get them to move or walk. “It can hurt them physically and damage their trust,” she says. In this case, it’s best to use treats and praise to get them moving again.
Can I pick my puppy up and carry them if they refuse to walk?
It’s okay to pick up your puppy to get them moving occasionally, especially if it’s a matter of safety (like crossing a street). But Levy recommends not making it a habit. “Puppies need to learn how to navigate the world on their own,” she explains.
Should I skip walks if my puppy doesn’t want to go?
Skipping walks occasionally is fine, but Levy says you shouldn’t do it regularly. “Sometimes puppies genuinely need a break, especially if they’re teething, tired, or had a busy day,” she says.
When you skip a walk, make sure to find another activity, like playing in a secluded green space or doing indoor training sessions.
Alternative Exercises to Walks
When it comes to walks, Levy explains they’re an important tool for socializing a puppy. “For dogs, it’s really important to get out and experience the world; otherwise, they may become undersocialized,” says Levy.
If your dog is unable to go on walks for physical or health reasons, she recommends training sessions, like teaching them a new cue or trick, to keep them physically active. “Exercises don’t necessarily need to be long—make them short but regular, and reward your dog for participating,” she recommends.
When To Seek an Expert’s Help
If your puppy still refuses to walk after you’ve tried the tips above and offered consistent positive reinforcement, it’s time to call in the professionals. Your first stop is the vet, who will make sure there aren’t any physical or health issues preventing your puppy from enjoying outings.
If your puppy has a clean bill of health, your next stop is to find a professional trainer. Levy explains that they’re a great resource to build a training plan for a puppy who shows fear, anxiety, or aggression during walks. They’re also good at diagnosing the difficulty if your puppy’s behavior has you stumped.
