When a dog stops walking and lays down, it can be quite frustrating and time-consuming.
The reason a dog stops walking and lays down includes fatigue, boredom, and/or not getting its way regarding where you’re going.
Each dog is going to be unique and the situation is going to lead to this type of behavior. As a dog owner, it’s important to understand what’s going on in that moment along with making life easier for your dog during walks so it doesn’t act out.
The benefits of doing this include:
- Improved Energy Levels
- Improved Mood
- Enjoyable Walks
If your dog stops walking and lays down, it’s recommended to follow a set strategy that’s going to ensure improvements are made.
It should never be tolerated as “acceptable” behavior because the dog will only get worse!
This guide is going to help shed light on what to do when a dog stops walking and lays down along with potential long-term solutions that need to be used.
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Tips to Follow If Your Dog Stops Walking and Lays Down
Tip #1 – Use a Retractable Dog Leash
A retractable dog leash is wonderful especially if a dog gets upset in the middle of the walks.
A lot of dogs don’t like being dictated to as they are walking. This means they don’t want to get pulled by the leash all the time.
The benefits include:
- Easy to Control
- Gives the Dog a Bit of Freedom
- Modern Design
- Safe to Use
To mix things up a bit, use a retractable dog leash.
This is going to ensure the dog feels happy while walking and won’t know that you can pull on the leash if they wander off.
Tip #2 – Buy Dog Treats
Dog treats are a great motivator when it comes to keeping the dog happy during a walk.
Before the dog stops walking, you can take out the treats as an incentive. This will make sure the dog continues to move forward.
It’s important to note, using dog treats doesn’t mean you are prmoting this type of behavior.
As a result, you want to make sure to give those treats during the walk especially when the dog is moving. Don’t give it to them in the middle of their protest.
Tip #3 – Change the Route
What route are you taking every single day?
Some dogs aren’t going to be stimulated enough with certain routes and that is what leads to their boredom. When a dog stops walking and lays down, it’s essential to see what the route has to offer.
In general, a good walking route is going to provide a wide array of sights and sounds for the dog to enjoy.
By changing the route from time to time, you are going to keep the dog happy and excited. Otherwise, it is easy for your dog to get bored after a while.
There is only so much value in the same route, especially through a conventional neighborhood.
Taking the dog to a park or through the woods can bode well for how it feels.
Tip #4 – Increase or Decrease Walking Time
This strategy is going to entail understand the root cause of your dog’s behavior.
If a dog stops walking because it’s tired, the best solution is to reduce the amount of time you’re walking. However, if the dog is eager to keep walking, you need to increase the time per walk.
It’s these simple adjustments that go a long way!
The benefits include:
- Customized Walking Range
- Keeps the Dog Energetic
- Improves the Dog’s Mood While Walking
A lot of dog owners worry they are not walking their dog enough, but sometimes it is the opposite. Don’t assume a set amount of time is a must.
There are several breeds that don’t like walking outdoors and may not prefer going for 1-hour long walks through the neighborhood.
In these situations, it makes sense to take action by cutting down on the time.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to understanding why a dog stops walking and lays down, you want to focus on what leads up to the behavior.
For example, some dogs will stop walking and lay down because they are bored/tired while others are going to stop because you didn’t walk long enough!
This is all about focusing on what is upsetting them and then making sure they realize this type of behavior is unacceptable. While it’s going to take a bit of time on your end, there is no reason the dog won’t change with a bit of hard work!
if your dog stops walking and lays down next time, make sure to implement the tips listed here and remain as proactive as possible.
For more on how to make walking with the dog enjoyable, here are a few guides to go through – how to build confidence in a dog afraid of walks, finest leash for walking your dog, top dog whistle while walking, and safest dog muzzle to use when on a walk with your dog.