Dog doesn't want to go for walks

Dog doesn't want to go for walks

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Oliver Hardy

Original Poster:

3,001 posts

81 months

Friday 10th November 2023
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Have a 4 year old Labradoodle, I was asked to look after him in may for a short while, but guy never took him back.

I used to take him for a walk every day, well I drive him to a nature reserve a few minutes away where he can run off lead. He used to always take his time to get in the car unless it was raining heavily then he refused to go out, although when I do take him out I can't keep him out of water. Recently though he has refused to get in the car, stands by the front door and when I let him back in the house he is happy

Anyone else have a dog whoi doesn't like walks.

Add he gets excited when he nears the walking spot.

I guess it might be my driving?

Boosted LS1

21,198 posts

267 months

Saturday 11th November 2023
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If you're hesitant about getting him into the car he may sense that. Have you tried going straight into the car without any fuss or drama? As in, just do it. Could he be in pain or discomfort if he has to jump up to get in the car?

garythesign

2,280 posts

95 months

Saturday 11th November 2023
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Has anything happened on his free run to make him wary of going there again

Maybe an altercation with another dog

wraggy

161 posts

212 months

Saturday 11th November 2023
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Our dog (2 year old American Cocker Spaniel) doesn’t like walks. Especially if it’s raining, she just refuses to leave the house. At the start of any walk she stands still with her head down stubbornly refusing to move. Sometimes we give up, and go back home. Others we persevere and try and entice her to walk with treats. Once we are out walking she seems ok and only occasionally will just stop and refuse to move. If we are in the park and she is off lead she has a lovely time and really enjoys it, it’s just getting there that’s the hard work. (It’s only a 3-4 minute walk away). Don’t know what the issue is…nothing bad has happened on a walk that we know of. I think she’s just a diva and has to have her own way.
irked

Jamescrs

4,871 posts

72 months

Saturday 11th November 2023
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Have you tried taking him for a walk straight from the house instead of going in the car to a nature reserve? I'm just wondering if the car is the issue for him rather than the exercise itself?

Mark V GTD

2,434 posts

131 months

Saturday 11th November 2023
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Was going to say the same thing. He may associate the car ride with a trip to the vet!

PositronicRay

27,526 posts

190 months

Saturday 11th November 2023
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A couple of sessions with a trainer will probably work out what's going onl

Smint

1,984 posts

42 months

Saturday 11th November 2023
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Dogs are funny about rain, our cockers take one look at the weather outside and despite holding it overnight decide they don't need a wee for hours yet, once out running free doing dog stuff the heavens could open and they couldn't care less, soon as they see a lake pond or seashore they have to be in it whatever the weather.

Has the dog missed the jump up into the car, possibly shaking its confidence, as our older cocker isn't as sprightly any more we get her just to put her front paws up on the back bumper then give her a bunk up to get her in the boot, maybe food for thought there.

Oliver Hardy

Original Poster:

3,001 posts

81 months

Sunday 12th November 2023
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Thanks everyone, I can't think of anything that could have happened that puts him off, not had a fight with another dog, not had problems with jumping up or out, he has not been to the vets with me yet.

If I do get him to hos walking place he gets all excited runs around happily.

Will book him into a trainer I guess

I he will walk from the front door on the lead but i have no where to take him near were I live

EmailAddress

13,566 posts

225 months

Sunday 12th November 2023
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Is he okay in other cars?

General Price

5,444 posts

190 months

Sunday 12th November 2023
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He doesn't like your car,buy him a new one.biggrin

EmailAddress

13,566 posts

225 months

Sunday 12th November 2023
quotequote all
General Price said:
He doesn't like your car,buy him a new one.biggrin
It could be the smell.

Either lingering from previous animals, or the artificial smell of fresheners, plastics etc.

smn159

13,416 posts

224 months

Sunday 12th November 2023
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Some dogs don't like cars. I'm pretty sure that's he issue here

Oliver Hardy

Original Poster:

3,001 posts

81 months

Wednesday 15th November 2023
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EmailAddress said:
Is he okay in other cars?
smn159 said:
Some dogs don't like cars. I'm pretty sure that's he issue here
He was OK in my car, the only other car he goes in is my sisters, but not been in it for a while.

Oliver Hardy

Original Poster:

3,001 posts

81 months

Wednesday 15th November 2023
quotequote all
General Price said:
He doesn't like your car,buy him a new one.biggrin
LOL, I could try to take him out in my MRS, but don't want him on the seats this time of year and it is rather small

Boosted LS1

21,198 posts

267 months

Wednesday 15th November 2023
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What if you put a treat in the car or his breakfast kibble? That's if he eats kibble and will be hungry. It's a distraction from getting into the car.