My Dog Doesn’t Like To Go On Walks…?
February 22, 2010 by admin
Filed under Care & Training Q&As
I recently adopted a Westie/Maltipoo from my local SPCA. He’s a year and a half & has lived in the shelter his whole life. He’s doing really well– no major behavior problems & pretty good with house training, but he does not like to go on walks!
I’ve been trying to make sure he gets exercise because he has been chewing his paws and I know this can be a sign of a nervous habit. However, he does not like walks. He does okay to sniff around & use the bathroom, but he hates walking with me. He will just stop and lay down when I try to walk with him. I’ve tried treats & calling his name, but he won’t budge. I’ve also tried grass vs pavement. The only time he likes to run around is when he chases me around my apartment. Also, he doesn’t really understand how to play with balls and other toys. How do you teach a dog to play with toys? I’m hoping if he gets better with walks and playing he won’t chew his paws as much. We’re signed up for dog classes in Jan., but we need help now!
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Slow down a bit there!!! You answered your own questions if you stop and think where he has been for all his life—in a shelter. Even in the best of shelter situations these dogs do not get to lead a “normal” life as in romping in the grass and playing with neat toys and being spoiled, etc. They rely a lot on volunteers to exercise the dogs with limited time to spend on each dog they care for.
Training is fine when the dog is ready to train. What you have right now is a dog that is learning what it means to be in a real home. Take baby steps on this. Gotta crawl before you can walk so to speak.
The first month should be mostly letting the dog settle in and get accustomed to being in a home, not a run or cage. Exploring the house and yard at his own pace. Getting use to a full bowl food/water down at all times to give a more secure feeling.
Chewing paws can be a nervous or “bored” response or could indicate a possible problem with his pads. Take a close look, especially if he was on concrete all the time. The solutions used to clean and hose down those runs can be very irritating and could have set up a fungal condition.
I urge you to quit worrying over what he has not accomplished and just be loving and reassuring to him. This is a big new world he is in now. Not even sure about classes for awhile. He just needs time and patience and lots of love. Make sure the stuff toys are his size, probably never had any before. Just follow his lead for now. Do not rush things.
This comes from years of rescue and adoption of dogs like this, most kept in cages to be bred. Not knowing just how good a dog’s life should be. Thank you for rescueing one more.
Have a doggy play date for him! Find a friend or acquaintance that has a dog about the same size that has a history of playing well with other dogs. Take some of the toys you bought him and let them loose! Hopefully you won’t have a fight or anything, but your dog might get the right idea about toys by seeing the other dog play.
Also, you might want to join an obedience class so that he can be properly socialized and learn to walk on a leash.
Probably the most common type of Allergic Dermatitis seen in dogs is Atopic Dermatitis. This situation is triggered by a number of antigens including inhaled substances such as molds, dust, pollens and other static and airborne microscopic organic substances. Dogs with Atopy lick and chew at their paws (see photo on right) and scratch their face, eyelids and ears. This disorder can be very troubling for dogs and frustrating for the owner. One minute the dog may look and feel normal, the next it will chew its paw or face raw from the intense pruritus.
Carry him outside, then put him down. If you could take him off a leash (where he won’t run away) then do that and try chasing him. Also, try other toys. Sometimes a dog just doesn’t like a toy. Try having him meet with other dogs- maybe he misses being in a shelter. Good Luck.