You love your puppy and you want to take him on walks, but he’s always crying. It can be hard to figure out why a dog is crying when they’re outside. There are quite a few reasons that it could be.
The most common reason a puppy will cry on walks is because they’re not used to it. It’s a new experience for them and they don’t know how to handle it.
Just like with us, it takes time to get used to new things. It’s perfectly normal for a puppy to cry on their first few walks.
It could also be other things causing the crying. Here is a list of common reasons your puppy might be crying on your walks:
- Not being able to relieve themselves
- Meeting unfamiliar dogs and people
- Loud noises like construction or cars
- Hunger or thirst
- Being cold or hot
- Separation anxiety from their owner
- Illness or injury
In the rest of this article I will dive deeper into the subject of puppies crying on walks and help you figure out what is causing it with your puppy.
Table of Contents
Is it normal for puppies to not like walks?
Some puppies may not like walks because they are not used to being outside or they may be anxious about new people and objects. Other puppies may not like walks because they are not in good physical condition and become tired quickly.
It is not normal for puppies to dislike walks. There are many reasons why your dog may not like walking. Always talk with a veterinarian if you have any health concerns.
When training a puppy, be sure to keep the area small and start off in an enclosed space where they will feel comfortable. Walk around your home or apartment without getting out into the hallway or other uncontrolled spaces.
Agree on paths that lead back to the closed-off areas and avoid going over thresholds or through doorways – these can all sound like threats to a new-to-the world pup.
Consider using toys as part of the walk, such as treats, balls or chew toys help with difficult pups while boosting their confidence at the same time. When distraction items are no longer needed, simply put them away until the next time.
If you have a puppy that doesn’t like walks, there are things you can try to help them enjoy the experience. With time and patience, your puppy should learn to enjoy walks.
Why do puppies cry on walks?
The most common reasons that a puppy might cry during or after a walk are: pain (puppy may have hurt his/her paw), too warm, thirsty, hungry and scared. However, it can be hard to identify without knowing more information about the individual dog.
What you should do first is take your puppy to the veterinarian to make sure that there is no physical reason for the crying. If the vet gives your puppy a clean bill of health, then you can start to rule out other potential causes.
One potential cause for a puppy’s crying on walks could be that he or she is not used to walking on a leash. If this is the case, try taking things slowly at first and gradually increasing the length and difficulty of your walks. With time and patience, your puppy should get used to walking on a leash and hopefully stop crying.
Another potential cause of puppies crying on walks could be that they are simply overwhelmed by everything going on around them. Dogs have very strong senses of smell and hearing, so all the new smells and sounds on a walk can be overwhelming for a puppy. If you think this might be the case, try taking your puppy on shorter walks in less stimulating environments until he or she gets used to the idea of walking.
Finally, it is possible that your puppy is just plain old scared or anxious on walks. This could be due to a variety of things such as prior bad experiences, genetics or even just general anxiety.
If you think this might be the case, there are a few things you can do to help your pup feel more comfortable on walks.
First, try carrying your puppy instead of making him or her walk. This will help your puppy feel safe and secure while still getting some much needed exercise.
You can also try using a calming supplement or natural remedy to help ease your puppy’s anxiety. If you have tried all of these things and your puppy is still anxious on walks, it might be best to consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
No matter what the cause of your puppy’s crying, it is important to remain patient and understand that this is a normal phase that all puppies go through. With a little time, patience and training, your puppy will likely outgrow his or her fear of walking and learn to enjoy this healthy activity.
How do I get my dog to stop whining when walking?
Start with teaching your dog basic obedience commands such as “sit” and “stay.” Once your dog has mastered these commands, you can begin working on walking behavior.
If your dog starts to whine, stop walking and wait for him to calm down before continuing. If this doesn’t work, you may need to seek the help of a professional trainer.
Remember, it is important to be patient when teaching your dog new behaviors. With time and consistency, you will be able to successfully train your dog to stop whining when walking.
There can be many reasons why a dog might whine while walking, such as being anxious or scared, wanting to stop and explore something new, or being tired.
How to prevent your puppy from crying during walks
You can exercise and train your dog before taking a walk to reduce the level of energy your pet has. This is a successful strategy because you will have less chances of running into other dogs.
When walking your dog, it is important that you don’t allow them to linger around on a leash too long as this will get it excited in anticipation for being released and be more likely to pull or cry when the walk begins.
Furthermore, you would want to engage in some lighthearted chat sessions or take an interesting route with distractions along the way such as people who are playing with their pets, friends petting outside animals, going under water fountains & through intersections so that your experience doesn’t feel mundane and hectic by reducing his anxiousness.
And lastly, if you have done all of the above and your puppy is still crying during walks, it is best to ask a professional dog trainer for help as they would be able to give you more specific tips and tricks depending on the individual dog.
What to do if your dog still cries while walking
If your dog stille cries when walking after following our tips above, it may be time to seek out a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
A reputable dog trainer can help you troubleshoot what might be going on with your dog and offer additional solutions. If you are located in the United States, you can search for a qualified professional through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers.
Additionally, many animal shelters and rescue groups offer low-cost or even free dog training classes. These classes can be a great way to socialize your dog and to get them used to being around other people and animals. Check with your local shelter to see if they offer any such programs.
At the end of the day, if your dog is still crying when walking, it is important to consult with a professional to find out what the root of the problem may be. With some behavior modification and training, you should be able to get your dog to stop crying when walking in no time.
Tips and tricks to make the walks easier for both you and your pup
Walking your dog can be a great way to get some exercise, fresh air, and bonding time with your pet. But it can also be a frustrating experience if your pup is constantly pulling on the leash or trying to run away. Here are some tips and tricks to make the walks easier for both you and your pup.
- Start off slowly. If your dog is new to walking, start off by taking short walks around the block, gradually increasing the distance as your pup gets more comfortable. This will help prevent him from getting too tired or overexcited
- Use a harness instead of a collar. A harness will distribute the pressure evenly across your dog’s body, making it less likely for him to choke or pull.
- Invest in a good leash. A comfortable, sturdy leash will make walks more enjoyable for both you and your dog. Look for one that is the right size and weight for your pup, and that has a comfortable grip for you.
- Be consistent with your commands. If you want your dog to heel, always give the same command in the same voice and tone. Consistency will help your pup understand what you expect from him.
- Reward good behavior. Whenever your dog walks nicely on a leash, be sure to praise him and give him a treat. This will encourage him to keep up the good work!
With these tips, you and your pup can enjoy walks together without any frustration. Happy trails.
