Q: My dog does not want to walk as far anymore, so I recently took them to the veterinarian. The doctor told me to push past that point to keep going. There doesn’t seem to be any pain, and nothing unusual was found at the clinic. What can I do?

A: It can be concerning to see your dog struggling during walks, and there are several potential reasons for this behavior change. Consider revisiting your veterinarian and sharing your concerns. Even if your dog seems pain-free and nothing abnormal was found during the clinic visit, there could be an underlying issue that requires further investigation. If needed, ask for a referral to a specialist to explore all possibilities.

If your dog has been given a clean bill of health, think about any new factors, changes, or potential sources of fear during the walks. Sometimes, fear can prevent a dog from walking farther from home. Environmental changes could also play a role. Have the seasons changed? Are there new noises, such as lawnmowers or sprinklers, which might be causing your dog stress? If you suspect this might be the case, consult a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. They can guide you in addressing your dog’s anxiety.

In the short term, stop walking your dog to avoid reinforcing any negative associations with the walk. Instead, focus on enrichment activities. Work on training games like the “123 pattern game” or “Look at That,” which are great for building communication and confidence without the distractions found on a walk.

Do not force your dog to continue walking if it is showing resistance. Try walking in a different direction from your home. Offer predictability, reward positive engagement, and allow your dog time to process the surroundings.