{"id":6187,"date":"2023-01-19T12:54:38","date_gmt":"2023-01-19T12:54:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/notabully.org\/?p=6187"},"modified":"2024-02-28T17:48:57","modified_gmt":"2024-02-28T17:48:57","slug":"why-is-my-dog-walking-slowly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/notabully.org\/why-is-my-dog-walking-slowly\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Is My Dog Walking Slowly? (Explained By Trainer)"},"content":{"rendered":"

I think every dog owner has experienced the dead weight of their dog as they suddenly start walking <\/span>slowly <\/span>at the end of the leash. Walking slowly is a behavior that puppies, young dogs, and old dogs will likely exhibit at some point, and there is a multitude of reasons that could cause your dog to walk slowly.
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So, if your dog does it then you are probably wondering: why is my dog walking slowly?<\/p>\n

Your dog might be walking slowly because they’re not trained, it is instinctual, or they like taking their time. Some dogs walk slowly because they are tired or simply do not want to be out walking! In some cases, they might feel sick and if they are aging they could be in pain or uncomfortable. <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The best way to determine why your dog is walking slowly is to know their personality and if it is normal behavior or not. Some dogs like to walk slowly or they might slow down with age. Let’s explore some of the reasons your puppy, adult dog, or senior dog is walking slowly, and what you can do to help quicken their pace or when it is okay to embrace them walking slowly and slow down yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why Is My Healthy Dog Walking Slowly?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The reason your younger, healthy dog is walking slowly is likely going to be different from an older senior dog. From training issues to your dog’s personality to health concerns, let’s take an in-depth look at why your normally healthy dog or puppy might be walking slowly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reason 1: Your Dog Does Not Know How To Go For A Walk<\/span><\/h3>\n

Leash training is not a skill that dogs are born understanding. They have to learn to keep pace with you and go in a straight line all while being tethered. Even though it seems to us as humans the most basic thing in a dog’s training retinue, it is not a natural behavior!<\/span><\/p>\n

While it seems most dogs are likely to pull or\u00a0<\/span>zig-zag on the leash<\/span><\/a>, some dogs walk slowly when learning how to go for a walk on a leash. If your dog is learning how to walk on a leash and is walking slowly, first make sure their equipment (leash, harness, or collar) is fitting them properly. Some dogs might prefer\u00a0<\/span>a harness over a collar<\/span><\/a>, or vice-versa, and if they are uncomfortable they will probably walk slowly.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you think your dog is walking slowly because of equipment, Kikopup has a great video to get your new dog or puppy use to a harness and leash without pulling<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n