Why has one of my dogs suddenly started laying down and rolling on their back mid walk?
Background:
I've been walking these three dachshunds five days a week for the past five months. One of them is older and loves to walk - doesn't matter how far we go. The second is a little over a year now, is very small (he was the runt of his litter), and absolutely adores me. He often gets tired mid walk, but can be coaxed along anyways - I make sure that he doesn't overexert himself. The third might just be the oddest dog I have ever met. He likes me well enough, but he's never been crazy about walking. He likes being outside and he likes moseying along - sniffing everything that could possibly have a smell, pulling earthworms out of the grass and eating them, finding hidden dead frogs, etc. But until the past few weeks I could always encourage him along. Give him a tug or talk in a high, excited voice. Sometimes just kind of getting on his level and giving him a few ear rubs.
Current Problem:
Over the past few weeks he has started to roll on his back any time he doesn't want to continue walking. He'll be really interested in eating some clovers and I'll give him a light tug or call him to keep up and he just rolls on his back and lays there. Most of the time, I've just been able to wait him out. Eventually, he'll get up and trot along. However, last Thursday it was so bad that we barely got to the end of his own street. Eventually he just wouldn't get up until we were going in the direction of his house. He'll literally let me drag him down the street.
Notes:
- The problem furbaby is terrified of cars and has been known to crouch down when they pass.
- I've tried using treats in the past and the other two will literally not walk an inch until they've been given a treat.
- I've never had a dog so uninterested in walking before, so this is uncharted territory for me.