If your dog refuses to go outside, you’ve got a problem, a problem that goes way beyond the realm of normal doggy issues.
Because let’s face facts, for most dogs, the idea of heading for a little fresh air and exercise is enough to send them into a hyperactive frenzy.
It’s where they get to explore, run around, and do all sorts of mischievous things that we probably aren’t even aware of.
But what happens when the thought of a trip outdoors turns your dog into a nervous wreck?
What do you do when the sun is shining, but your dog panders back into his doggy bed.
Worst still, how do you deal with the constant pee stains on the carpet because your dog refuses to go outside to relieve themself?
Now, if you’re currently in this predicament, then I feel for you. As do all the other dog owners who’ve been in the same situation.
And while it’s not ideal having to deal with a dog that shy’s away from the big wide world. It’s by no means impossible to help your dog overcome this issue so they can get back to enjoying the great outdoors.
There are multiple reasons for this seemingly odd behavior.
Laziness, lack of socialization, anxiety, even something simple like being afraid of the neighbor’s cat can all contribute to their refusal to venture outside.
The problem, however, is figuring out the root cause of the behavior so you can set in motion an effective plan of action to address it.
Now, some issues will be harder to deal with than others, but for the most part, you can make a giant leap forward by simply teaching your dog to be calm and in control of their emotions.
This is why before you do anything else, I’d highly recommend taking a few minutes to check out the 5 step-by-step calming exercises by Dan Abdelnoor over at The Online Dog Trainer. (see video below)
In short, these quick and easy to impliment exercises are a great stepping stone to see a positive change in your dog’s behavior.
And when used consistently, you’ll notice a marked improvement in your dog’s attitude when it comes to having the courage to step outdoors.
Anyway, here’s the link to take a look: 5 Step-By-Step Calming Exercises To Quickly & Permanently Eliminate Your Dogs Fear Of Heading Outdoors…
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Why Does My Dog Refuse To Go Outside?
Not every situation is going to be identical when it comes to figuring out why your dog refuses to go outside.
This is why you’re initially going to have to do a little detective work to figure out the root cause of the issue if you want to get the problem under control.
So to get to the bottom of things, take a few minutes to consider the possible causes below.
Do any sound familiar?
Unfamiliar Noises
It’s no secret that dogs have highly sensitive hearing. In fact, dogs can hear roughly 4 times better than humans and can typically hear sounds up to a quarter of a mile away.
Better still, they’re also sensitive to much higher frequencies than us. So their ability to pick up the slightest sounds goes way beyond what we could ever dream possible.
With this in mind, it’s important to consider the situation from your dog’s perspective.
Maybe they can hear an aggressive barking dog somewhere off in the distance…
…Maybe they can hear the chiming of a security alarm from the next street over.
Or maybe you live near a busy road, and they can hear the constant noise from rush hour traffic.
Whatever it is, it’s important to try and consider all the options before coming up with a definitive answer.
They Need Time To Adjust
If you’ve recently adopted a rescue dog or moved home, then you may just need to give your dog a little time to adjust.
Just like a child reacts on their first day of school, there’s going to be some degree of uncertainty until they can familiarize themselves with their new surroundings.
This isn’t something that happens instantly either, so if you find yourself in this predicament, you’re going to have to give your dog a little time to settle down and adjust.
It’s difficult at first, I know. And it can be a huge pain in the proverbial, especially when it comes to exercise and indoor toileting issues.
So in the meantime, try and be patient. It also might be wise to invest in an indoor potty solution like DoggieLawn along with some interactive toys and games to keep your dog entertained.
At least until they get used to things.
They’re Afraid Of The Dark
It’s a little-known fact that dogs can actually see better in the dark than humans.
But despite this, it’s still not uncommon for the unwelcoming dark to strick the fear of god into a nervous pooch.
This could be a potential issue if you particularly like to walk your dog early in the morning or late evening.
You need to really pay attention here aswell. Because your dog’s refusal to go outdoors could just be a case of daylight savings, making it darker outdoors when you usually head out for your daily walk.
In addition to this, make sure you pay close attention to how your dog both acts and responds to darker situations. Especially if they’re getting on in years.
It could be that your dog has a cognitive dysfunction that’s making it difficult to navigate in the dark.
Although it’s more common in older dogs, you still shouldn’t rule anything out in younger generations. So if you suspect something, make an appointment with your vet to see if they can help.
Weather Conditions
Never underestimate what effect a cold winter’s day can have on your dog’s motivation to step outdoors.
Even though most dogs have a protective coat that keeps them warm in colder climates. It’s still possible for some breeds to feel overwhelmed by an unwelcome chill when they step outside.
For instance, Chihuahua’s, in particular, are considered ‘brachycephalic.’ Which basically means that they are a lot more sensitive to lower temperatures.
Pair this with the fact that they have a soft palate, and you’ll find that they tend to lose body heat very quickly and develop breathing problems if left to their own devices outdoors for too long.
Although this isn’t the case for all breeds, it’s still something you need to consider when determining the root cause of your dog’s lack of enthusiasm for stepping outside.
They’ve Had A Bad Experience
Bad things happen, and while most things have minimal effect on what we do on a day-to-day basis. Sometimes little things can stick with us and change our behavior for the worst.
It’s in our nature to develop positive and negative associations with particular people or places depending on our experience with them.
And it’s no different for dogs.
So take a minute to think back and see if you can remember anything recent that’s happened to your dog.
Perhaps you’ve had new neighbors with a loud scary dog who shot them the death state.
Or maybe, they’ve been spooked by the constant noise of fireworks.
It can be hard to pinpoint, especially if there’s been no apparent change to their day-to-day activities.
And it can be even harder if you’ve recently adopted a rescue dog as you’ll have no idea what previous past experiences they’ve been exposed to.
If nothing seems apparent, this is where those 5 step-by-step calming exercises can really help. Because not only are they great at keeping your dog calm…
They’re also incredible at teaching your dog how to effectively control their emotions in any situation that may be stopping them from going outdoors.
So watch the video, impliment the exercises, and you should see a marked improvement in your dog’s behavior sooner than you think.
What To Do If Your Dog Refuses To Go Outside
Considering the above advice, now it’s time to take matters into your own hands. Unless you never want your dog to leave the house again, that is?
So without further ado, let’s take a look at some effective way’s to nip this problem in the bud so your dog can start enjoying their freedom sooner rather than later…
Slowly Introduce
First things first, forcing your dog outdoors or picking them up and carrying them outside is a big no-no if you even want them to feel comfortable outside again.
Although it might seem like a good idea to make them suck it up and face their fears. All you’re really doing is helping your dog develop negative associations with being outside.
The solution?
Slowly introduce your dog back into the great outdoors in small, manageable steps.
Start by just sitting on the doorstep (bag of treats in hand) and encouraging them to just sit with you by the doorstep.
If successful, give them a treat and positive attention to let them know that you’re happy with them.
The next logical step is to then toss a treat outdoor.
Not too far at first… a couple of feet from the doorstep ought to do it.
But in time, you should slowly start to see your dog venturing further outdoors the more you repeat the process.
Essentially, all you’re doing is slowly building up your dog’s confidence in stages while reinforcing the behavior with positive praise and treats.
It can take time to get them used to the idea of heading outdoors. But stick with it, and you’ll start to see a vast improvement.
Dial Down The Emotion
While most dogs turn into a fluffy ball of excitement the moment they step outside, the thought of heading out for some can turn them into a bundle of nerves.
So while it might seem like a good idea to get them all fired up and ready for an adventure. All you’re really doing is setting them up for disappointment when they realize what’s about to happen.
It may sound counterproductive… but do the opposite.
Put on some relaxing music, move the doggy bed next to the doorstep, and quickly run through the 5 step-by-step calming exercises.
Your aim here is to create the ultimate chill zone where your dog can feel safe and calm.
Create Positive Associations
This kind of goes hand in hand with the previous two methods. But there are, in fact, other ways you can temp your pooch outside.
For instance, you could start by simply moving the food bowl and a few interactive toys a few feet outside or your doorstep.
Make sure you’re sitting by the doorstep to coax them out, or better still, create a small treat trail of their favorite snack that leads them outdoors to where the entertainment is.
Again, the idea is to replace any negative associations they may have with new positive ones. So it’s imperative to reward any small wins while avoiding anything that could backtrack your efforts (like raising your voice or losing your temper).
In time (and with a little bit of luck), you’ll eventually be able to move the party further outdoors. Or better yet, create a dedicated play area specifically for your dog to entice them into the sunshine.
Related Post: Solved! What To Do When Your Dog Suddenly Refuses To Walk
Wrapping Things Up
While breaking the habits of a dog that refuses to go outside can be a little tricky, it’s by no means impossible with the right attitude.
You need to remember that these things don’t happen overnight, so it’s vitally important to use a little restraint and patience, or you risk undoing weeks of hard work.
In the meantime, keep working on it, and remember to use the 5 step-by-step calming exercises on a regular basis if you want to see a permanent, long-term change.
If pottying is an issue, again, I’d recommend checking out the DoggieLawn indoor potty patch to keep toileting accidents to a minimum and save yourself the hassle and frustration of constantly cleaning up unwanted mess.
At the end of the day, there is no shortcut to training a happy, well-adjusted pooch that loves the outdoors.
But I guarantee that if you stick with it and follow the above advice, you’ll get there a lot sooner than you think.
