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Why is my dog suddenly scared to walk outside and pulling back?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | 1 year and 7 months old

Why Is My Dog Suddenly Scared to Go on Walks ? my dog loves going for walks, but 3 days ago when i walk him all of a sudden he just stopped and he tuck his tails under his belly, i know this is a sign of fear, but theres nothing there, no one around me, no sound, nothing he just scared and pulled me into the house. And even now he can only go a few meter outside my house before he pulled me back inside. i need help thank you.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on August 25th, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sometimes dogs can get scared even when there does not appear to be anything scary in sight. Remember that they can hear and sense much better than us so he may be perceiving something that is near which you may not. This can improve but it can certainly become a bit difficult at times. I recommend that you start taking him out for longer periods but very slowly over the next several weeks. Encourage him to stay out with treats and positive words. Also, in the beginning just take him out without walking initially just to get him used to his surroundings. Eventually little by little he will learn that going outside equals getting treats and attention and will improve with time but it does require time and patience. You can consider using the Thunder shirt for him which you may find online and can help a lot in these cases. Good luck and have a great day!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 27th, 2018

    That’s strange, if this is a new behavior and you haven’t recently moved. It may be that at one point someone who came by the house scared her or had a dog that scared her, etc. Or maybe a police siren went by, etc and scared her.
    Be patient and just keep taking her out. Feed treats outside, play her favorite games, etc. with patience and time this will likely improve. You may want to consult with a behaviorist or trainer.
    Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By David Darvishian

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 5th, 2017

    Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It's hard to know what is going on with certain behavioral problems in dogs. Sometimes these are complex and need lots of information gathering and actual witnessing of the behaviors to try to solve. Not sure if you use a leash or harness, but whatever you use, maybe try switching to one or the other. With small dogs, harnesses are great because they don't put pressure across the neck and trachea. Maybe just keep trying to take her out for short periods of time, feed her outside in a safe place, offer her treats, play with her outside. Basically go slow with brief periods outside distracting her from her fears of being outside. Verbal and food rewards are good when she behaves appropriately outside. If this doesn't work I would talk to your veterinarian and see what advice they can offer. They may know a good certified dog trainer/behaviorist in your area that you could work with to get Lily through this problem. Good Luck

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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